Bulkamid for Urinary Incontinence

Leaking urine when you cough, laugh, sneeze, or exercise can be frustrating. This type of bladder leakage is called stress urinary incontinence, and it happens when pressure on your bladder causes urine to leak.

Bulkamid is a minimally invasive treatment that can help reduce these leaks without major surgery. At Urology San Antonio, we offer Bulkamid as a treatment option for women who want better bladder control with little downtime.

Bulkamid is a soft, water-based gel that helps keep urine from leaking out of your bladder. Your doctor injects the gel into the walls of your urethra, the tube that carries urine out of your body.

The gel adds support to help the urethra close more tightly. This makes it harder for urine to leak when you cough, laugh, lift something heavy, or exercise. You can still urinate normally when you need to empty your bladder.

Bulkamid may be a good option if you have stress urinary incontinence and want to avoid more invasive surgery.

• You may want to consider Bulkamid if you:
• Leak urine when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising
• Still have leaks after trying pelvic floor physical therapy
• Want a less invasive treatment with a short recovery time
• Still have stress incontinence after another treatment

Bulkamid doesn’t treat every type of bladder leakage. Your urologist can help find out what’s causing your symptoms and whether this treatment is right for you.

Bulkamid injections usually take about 10 to 15 minutes. It’s an outpatient procedure, so you can go home the same day.

Your doctor will numb the area before starting. Here’s what happens during treatment:

Your doctor places a thin tube with a small camera, called a cystoscope, into your urethra.

Using a small needle, your doctor injects Bulkamid gel into several spots along the urethral walls.

The gel stays in place to help prevent leaks. There are no cuts or stitches. Before you go home, your doctor will make sure you can empty your bladder.

Most women can return to their usual activities within a day or two. Your doctor will let you know when it’s safe to resume exercise, heavy lifting, and sexual activity.

You may have some mild side effects for a few days, including:

• Burning when you urinate
• Mild soreness
• A small amount of blood in your urine
• A slower urine stream

These symptoms are usually temporary. In some cases, swelling can make it hard to empty your bladder. You may need a catheter for a short time until the swelling goes down.

Call your doctor if you develop a fever, worsening pain, heavy bleeding, or trouble urinating. If you can’t urinate at all, seek medical care right away.

Bulkamid is designed to provide long-lasting results. The gel stays in place, and many women see improvement for years.

But results are different for everyone. Your bladder and the tissues around it can change over time, and some women continue to have leaks after their first treatment.

If you’re still having trouble with bladder leakage, your doctor may recommend another injection. A second treatment is usually considered at least four weeks after the first procedure.

Bulkamid and bladder sling surgery can both help women with stress urinary incontinence, but they work in different ways.

• Bulkamid uses an injectable gel to help the urethra close more tightly. It doesn’t require any cuts and usually has a short recovery time.
• Bladder sling surgery places a narrow strip of material beneath the urethra to help support it when pressure increases in your bladder.

Bulkamid is less invasive and generally has a shorter recovery time. However, bladder sling surgery may be more effective at stopping leaks completely for some women.

Your urologist can explain the benefits and risks of each option and help you choose a treatment based on your symptoms and goals.

Like any medical procedure, Bulkamid has some risks.

Possible risks include:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Temporary trouble emptying your bladder
• Pain or burning when urinating
• Minor bleeding
• Temporary discomfort around the urethra

Most side effects are mild and go away on their own. Your doctor will review the possible risks with you before treatment.

Bladder leakage can affect your daily life, but treatment options are available. Bulkamid may help you gain better bladder control without major surgery or a long recovery.

At Urology San Antonio, our urologists can help find the cause of your bladder leakage and explain whether Bulkamid is a good option for you.

Contact Urology San Antonio today to schedule an appointment and learn more about Bulkamid treatment in San Antonio, TX.

How Long Do Bulkamid Results Last?

Bulkamid can provide lasting relief from bladder leaks. Studies have found that many women still see benefits seven years after treatment. Results are different for everyone. You may need another injection if your leaks continue or return.

Does Bulkamid Work for All Types of Urinary Incontinence?

No. Bulkamid treats stress urinary incontinence, which causes leaks when you cough, laugh, sneeze, or exercise. It doesn’t treat the sudden, strong need to urinate that’s common with urge incontinence. If you have both types of symptoms, your doctor may recommend other treatments as well.

Is the Bulkamid Procedure Painful?

Your doctor will numb the area to help keep you comfortable during treatment. You may feel some pressure or mild discomfort during the injections. Afterward, you might notice some burning when you urinate or mild soreness for a few days. These symptoms usually go away quickly.