Bulkamid

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common condition that causes urine leakage during activities that put pressure on your bladder.

Simple movements like coughing, laughing, sneezing, exercising, and lifting can lead to unexpected leaks. While this condition is common, it doesn’t have to be something that defines your life.

One option that offers relief is a treatment called Bulkamid.

Bulkamid involves the injection of a soft, water-based gel into the wall of the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). This gel supports the urethra, helping it stay closed when needed and reducing unwanted urine leakage. Many women experience noticeable improvement immediately after the procedure.

Why Does SUI Happen?

SUI often develops when the muscles and tissues that support the urethra become weak. This weakness can occur for several reasons, including:

• Childbirth
• Getting older
• Hormonal changes
• Previous pelvic surgeries

When the support around the urethra is reduced, movements that increase abdominal pressure, like sneezing, can cause urine to leak.

SUI is different from urge incontinence. Urge incontinence causes a sudden, strong need to urinate. In contrast, SUI happens when physical activity or pressure on the bladder occurs.

Though SUI is common, many women feel isolated by the condition and may avoid activities they enjoy out of fear of leakage. Fortunately, effective treatments are available.

What Is Bulkamid?

Bulkamid treatment uses small injections of a soft, water-based gel placed into the urethral wall. The gel is made of 97.5% water and 2.5% polyacrylamide.

Bulkamid adds volume and gentle, lasting support to the urethral wall.

Once injected, the gel helps close the urethra more effectively during moments of physical stress. This prevents or greatly reduces leaks. Because the gel is mostly water, it feels natural and remains soft within the body. It doesn’t break down over time, allowing for long-lasting support.

Many women experience noticeable improvement right away. For some, a single treatment is enough to provide lasting relief. Others may need additional injections to achieve the best results.

Most women report complete dryness or a significant reduction in urine leakage after treatment.

Bulkamid is an excellent option for women who want a minimally invasive solution and wish to avoid surgery. It may be a good choice for those who have not had success with conservative treatments like pelvic floor exercises or lifestyle changes.

You may be a candidate for Bulkamid if:

• You experience urine leakage during physical activity or exertion
• You have been diagnosed with stress urinary incontinence
• Conservative treatments have not provided enough relief
• You prefer a non-surgical option with a quick recovery time
• You are looking for long-lasting symptom improvement without major downtime

Bulkamid is typically not recommended for women with urge incontinence. Urge incontinence is the sudden, strong urge to urinate. It is also not recommended for mixed incontinence, where urge symptoms are more dominant.

Your doctor will carefully assess your symptoms to determine if Bulkamid is the right solution for you.

What Happens During an Evaluation for Bulkamid?

Before recommending Bulkamid, your doctor will perform a thorough evaluation to confirm you have stress urinary incontinence. This process may include:

• A review of your medical history to discuss:
  • When and how urine leakage happens.
  • Any treatments you’ve tried before.
  • Other health issues you may have.
• A physical and pelvic exam may be done check your pelvic floor muscles. It can also look for signs of pelvic organ prolapse.
• Bladder function tests can help check how well your bladder empties and reacts to pressure. Examples include a cough stress test and measuring post-void residual.

Each of these steps helps to ensure that Bulkamid is an appropriate treatment for your condition. They also help rule out other causes of incontinence that may require different treatments.

What Happens During the Bulkamid Procedure?

The Bulkamid procedure is simple and quick. It is usually performed in an outpatient setting, meaning you can go home the same day.

Your doctor may ask you to empty your bladder before the procedure begins. A local anesthetic is used to numb the area, so you’ll be comfortable throughout the process.

Using a small scope called a cystoscope, the doctor will inject the Bulkamid gel into the wall of the urethra. The entire procedure typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

You’ll be monitored briefly after the procedure, but most women can resume normal activities on the same day. Some minor discomfort during urination, light spotting, or a slight burning sensation may occur but usually resolves within a day or two.

Bulkamid Recovery and Follow-Up

Recovery is generally quick and easy.

You should avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for about 24 to 48 hours but can otherwise return to your normal routine. Sexual activity may need to be postponed for a few days based on your doctor’s recommendations.

It’s important to attend any scheduled follow-up appointments to assess how well the treatment is working. If needed, additional injections can be scheduled to improve results further.

If you’re living with stress urinary incontinence, know that you don’t have to manage this condition on your own.

Bulkamid offers a safe, effective solution to help you regain control and confidence. Talk to your doctor and start moving toward a life with fewer interruptions.

Bulkamid FAQs

1. How long does the Bulkamid gel stay in the body?

Bulkamid is designed to be a long-lasting solution. The gel remains in the body without breaking down over time. It stays soft and stable within the urethral wall, providing support for years. While the material is permanent, some women may require additional injections if symptoms return or if more support is needed.

2. Can Bulkamid be used after previous treatments for incontinence?

Yes, Bulkamid can be used even if you’ve had other treatments for stress urinary incontinence. Some women try pelvic floor therapy, medications, or even other types of bulking agents before choosing Bulkamid. Your doctor will assess your history and current symptoms to determine if Bulkamid is a suitable next step.