Hi @rafcer
I did look up Bulkamid and found the following information. I thought it might be of interest to incontinence sufferers and I may, one day, require this.
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The Bulkamid procedure is a minimally invasive treatment for stress urinary incontinence that involves injecting a soft hydrogel into the urethra to improve urine control.
What Bulkamid Is
Bulkamid is a urethral bulking agent made of 97.5% water and 2.5% cross-linked polyacrylamide, forming a soft, non-particulate hydrogel that does not migrate or break down in the body. It has been safely used in medical applications such as plastic surgery and contact lenses for over a decade. The hydrogel adds volume to the urethral wall, helping the urethra close more effectively and reduce urine leakage during activities like coughing, laughing, or exercising. bostonscientific.com
How the Procedure Is Performed
The procedure is minimally invasive and typically takes 10–15 minutes. Steps include:
United Urology Group
Preparation: The patient may receive local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia. The genital area is cleaned with antiseptic, and a local anesthetic jelly is applied.
Cystoscope Insertion: A small telescope (cystoscope) is inserted into the urethra to visualize the bladder neck and urethral lining.
Injection: Using a fine needle, 3–4 deposits of Bulkamid are injected into the urethral tissue just below the bladder. The injections are placed to create a “cushion” that narrows the urethra and supports closure.
Completion: The cystoscope is removed, and the patient is monitored until they can pass urine, usually 2–3 hours after the procedure.
Number of Sessions
Most women require 1–2 injection sessions to achieve optimal results, while men may need up to 4 sessions. If additional injections are needed, they are typically spaced three months apart to allow the hydrogel to integrate into the tissue. New York Health
Benefits
Minimally invasive with quick recovery
Can be performed in an office or ambulatory surgery setting
Provides immediate improvement in urine control for many patients
Long-lasting effect as the hydrogel is resistant to absorption and degradation
Risks and Side Effects
Temporary burning sensation or mild bleeding during urination
Small amounts of hydrogel may pass into urine initially
Risk of urinary tract infection, which is minimized with prophylactic antibiotics
Rarely, additional injections may be required if initial improvement diminishes
Recovery and Aftercare
Patients are usually able to resume normal activities quickly. Initial urinary symptoms typically resolve within 24 hours. Follow-up may include assessment of continence and planning for additional injections if needed. New York Health
Effectiveness
Clinical studies show that Bulkamid is effective for female stress urinary incontinence, with many patients reporting significant improvement in urine control immediately after the procedure and sustained benefits over several years. The procedure is considered a safe alternative to more invasive surgeries like sling or mesh procedures. bostonscientific.co
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@deidre77 Thank you for information..I am still scheduled for Bulkamid insertion on 4/7 so hopefully it will give me some relief. Most importantly I will be able to start BCG therapy if urologist is satisfied with Bulkamid results.
Urologist did mention if Bulkamid did not work I may need a Sling to hold bladder up. But that means holding off on treatments. One problem seems to lead to another.