Interventional Therapies
- Radiofrequency Therapy
This non-surgical procedure uses radiofrequency energy to heat tissue in the lower urinary tract. Once the tissue heals, it is usually firmer, which may reduce the chance of urinary leaks. - Botulinum toxin type A
Injections of botulinum toxin type A (Botox) into the bladder muscle may benefit people who have an overactive bladder. Researchers have found this to be a promising therapy, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved this drug for incontinence. - Bulking material injections
Bulking agents are materials, such as collagen, carbon-coated zirconium beads or coaptite, that are injected into tissue surrounding the urethra. This helps keep the urethra closed and reduce urine leakage. The procedure — usually done in a doctor's office — requires minimal anesthesia and takes about five minutes. The downside is that repeat injections are usually needed every six to 18 months. - Sacral nerve stimulator
A device, which resembles a pacemaker, is implanted under the skin in your buttock. A wire from the device is connected to a sacral nerve — an important nerve in bladder control that runs from your lower spinal cord to your bladder. Through the wire, the device emits painless electrical pulses that stimulate the nerve and help control the bladder.
