Mechanical Devices for Urinary Incontinence in Women

Mechanical devices may be used to manage different types of Reference urinary incontinence Opens New Window.

For Reference stress incontinence Opens New Window:

• Pessary: A Reference pessary Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window is a rubber device that is inserted into the vagina until it touches the cervix. The pessary presses through the vaginal wall and supports the Reference urethra Opens New Window. It also pinches the urethra closed to help retain urine in the bladder and reduce stress incontinence. Some women who have stress incontinence use a pessary just during activities that are likely to cause urine leakage, such as jogging. But many pessaries can be worn all the time.
• Weighted vaginal cone: A weighted vaginal cone is a cone-shaped weight that is inserted into the vagina. The cone is used as part of a Reference biofeedback Opens New Window exercise for strengthening the pelvic floor muscles. The cone is weighted (heavy) so the muscles have to work to keep it in the vagina.
• Urethral insert: A thin, flexible tube that is solid rather than hollow (like a catheter) is placed into the urethra to block the leakage of urine.
• External urethral barrier: A self-adhesive patch or a cap is placed over the urethral opening to block the leakage of urine.

This section is not applicable to this treatment.

Mechanical devices can be used to control stress and mixed urinary incontinence. Because they are inexpensive and have few risks, they are usually tried before surgery, along with other treatments like pelvic floor (Reference Kegel) exercises. Some women who have incontinence but who don't want or can't have surgery may find that mechanical devices work well enough to control their incontinence.

There is no strong evidence that these devices work to control incontinence. But they are inexpensive and don't have a lot of risks. If they don't work for you, you can always try other things like pelvic floor exercises or surgery.

Using a urethral insert increases the risk of:

• Reference Urinary tract infection Opens New Window.
• Damage to the Reference urethra Opens New Window.
• Skin irritation.

Using pessaries increases the risk of damaging the:

• Vaginal wall.
• Urethra.

Use of mechanical devices is under your control and can be designed to fit into your lifestyle.

For some women, a tampon inserted in the vagina creates enough pressure to prevent leaking. Tampons are a less expensive option than a pessary, with little risk.

Complete the special treatment information form (PDF) (What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?) to help you understand this treatment.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.