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Current State of Non-surgical Devices for Female Stress Urinary Incontinence

  • Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms & Voiding Dysfunction (J Sandhu, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this review is to summarize and assess the current non-surgical devices for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Recent Findings

Devices for SUI can generally be divided into two categories. One category is the augmentation of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), wherein devices such as vaginal cones, intravaginal biofeedback, and electrical or magnetic stimulation are used to strength the pelvic floor musculature, though none are more effective than traditional PFMT. The second category of devices mechanically occludes the outlet and includes incontinence pessaries, intravaginal occlusion devices, and urethral plugs and patches. While these are palliative rather than curative, they share similar rates of improvement in leakage.

Summary

A number of novel devices exist for the treatment and management of SUI. Though no single device has been shown to be more effective than PFMT alone, they may be beneficial for women who have difficulty isolating their pelvic floor muscles, desire accountability, or prefer technology-based engagement. Outlet occlusion devices are less comfortable for the patient, but remain an option for women who do not desire surgery.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Urology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA

    Claire S. Burton & Ekene Enemchukwu

  2. Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA

    Shayan Korsandi

  3. Department of Urology, Stanford University, Center for Academic Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA

    Ekene Enemchukwu

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  1. Claire S. Burton
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Correspondence to Ekene Enemchukwu.

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Burton, C.S., Korsandi, S. & Enemchukwu, E. Current State of Non-surgical Devices for Female Stress Urinary Incontinence. Curr Urol Rep 23, 185–194 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11934-022-01104-x

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