What is Periurethral Bulking?
Periurethral bulking is a treatment to help women who leak urine when they laugh, sneeze, cough, or exercise. A special gel is injected around the tube that carries urine out of the body (the urethra). This helps the tube close better and stop leaks.
How Does it Work?
The gel makes the walls of the urethra thicker, so it can close tightly and stop urine from leaking when there’s pressure from sneezing, coughing, or moving around.
Who Can It Help?
This treatment is good for:
- Women with mild to moderate urine leaks who want a simple procedure.
- People who have tried other treatments, like pelvic floor muscle strengthening exercises, but still have leaks.
- People who can’t have surgery because of health problems or other risks.
- Women who may want to have babies in the future and do not want mesh surgery.
What Are the Benefits?
- It’s quick and doesn’t require surgery.
- The risks are low.
- You can go home the same day.
- This treatment is completely covered for patients with MSP benefits.
What Are the Downsides?
- It doesn’t work as well or last as long as surgery (65 to 75% success rate).
- You might need to go back for more injections over time.
More reading on this topic
Non-Surgical Approaches to Managing Bladder Problems
Dr. Darren Lazare
Restorative Gynecology Surgeon | BLOG
Dr. Darren Lazare received his residency training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of British Columbia. He successfully completed his subspecialty fellowship training in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery at the University of Alberta. Dr. Lazare has been appointed as a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia where he is the residency supervisor for the urogynecology program. He is a Surgeon Champion for the American College of Surgeon’s National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP). He is a committed advocate for women’s health, medical education and quality improvement initiatives while maintaining a full clinical, reconstructive and cosmetic practice. Dr. Lazare’s professional memberships include the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, the Canadian Society of Pelvic Medicine, the International Urogynecology Association, the International Continence Society and the American Urogynecology Society.