Urethral Bulking Specialist

What is urethral bulking?

Urethral bulking is a nonsurgical procedure that treats urinary incontinence. Your urethra is the tube that carries urine out of the bladder. The procedure narrows the width of your urethra, giving you more control over your urine. You may be a candidate if you would rather not undergo surgery or if you plan on future pregnancies. 

During urinary bulking, your providers at Valley Urogynecology Associates inject a substance called Macroplastique® — a bulking agent — around your urethra. Macroplastique includes two main ingredients: a water-soluble gel that your body naturally removes after the treatment and a rubber-like silicone implant material responsible for the tissue bulking.

While urethral bulking effectively prevents leakage in adult women, it’s not a permanent solution. After about 1-2 years, you might notice some leakage again. If that happens, you can contact Valley Urogynecology Associates to repeat the procedure. 

What does urethral bulking treat?

Urethral bulking specifically treats stress incontinence, a form of urinary incontinence that causes involuntary urine leakage when the pressure changes in your abdomen or pelvis. Several actions can cause such a change, including:

• Laughing
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Exercising
• Lifting

Stress incontinence is the result of weak or damaged muscles in the pelvic muscles. That can happen due to aging, pregnancy, childbirth, smoking, or weight challenges. 

What is the recovery like after urethral bulking?

Recovery after urethral bulking is easier than recovering from pelvic surgeries that treat the same condition, such as a urethral sling. While you’ll still need to take it easy for a few days, you may go home the same day after the procedure. Most people are able to urinate on their own right away without needing a catheter. 

You can expect to be back at work and in your normal routine just days after your urethral bulking procedure at Valley Urogynecology Associates. Your providers give you instructions on how to ease back into exercise, sexual intercourse, and other activities. For the best possible results from your treatment, you should follow all instructions for preparation and aftercare. 

If you’re not sure when your stress urinary incontinence will strike next, call Valley Urogynecology Associates for more information on urethral bulking or schedule an appointment online today.