Bulking Agents
Bulking agents are substances injected into the tissues around
the urethra. They add bulk to these tissues, expanding them so
they press on and help close the urethra to reduce stress incontinence.
Several bulking agents are available, including collagen (a fibrous
natural tissue from cows) and fat from the patient's own body.
In fact, Strong Health's urologists are currently performing clinical
studies of a new bulking agent.
Receiving a bulking agent is a brief procedure, only taking about
half an hour. The treatment requires a skin test to determine
if there is any allergy to the bulking agent. A local anesthetic
is given, and then the bulking agent is injected. This treatment
needs to be repeated periodically because the body will slowly
eliminate the bulking agent over time.
