Incontinence Devices
Tampons
Placing a tampon in the vagina is a simple means of reducing leakage especially during exercise. The tampon acts as a support for a buttress for the urethra and bladder.
Vaginal Cones
Contraction of the pelvic muscles is required to stop the cones from slipping out of the vagina. A 15 minute session twice a day is recommended. the cones are of varying weights and a woman inserts a cone of increasingly heavy weights as she is able to retain it.
Ladycare Vaginal weights with handy carry pack.
The advantage of using cones as a means of performing pelvic floor exercises include ease of use, rapid learning curve, and short daily time commitment all of which lead to increased compliance.
Vaginal Exercisers
These devices such as the Epi-No device are helpful in strengthening the pelvic floor by performing exercise against resistance.
EPI-NO is a birth and pelvic floor trainer designed to train the perineum for the physical strain of delivery. Clinically tested and suitable for use from the 37th week of pregnancy, the EPI-NO trainer helps to reduce the risk of perineal tearing and episiotomy during childbirth. EPI-NO also aims to restore pelvic floor strength after delivery.
Perineometers
The PFX and PFX2 are devices which enable the patient to measure their pelvic muscle function and use this information to monitor their progress.
The PFX2 Device
Pessaries
Pessaries are mechanical devices which help restore anatomical support and can be useful in treating incontinence where anatomic distortion is a significant factor.
Contiform
Contiform is a specialised pessary designed by Australian surgeon Dr Nick Biswas.
Urethral Plugs
These devices are placed inside the urethra to prevent leakage. They are out of favour with clinicians due to reports of urinary tract infection of up to 43%.
Functional Electrical Stimulation
Has been shown to be helpful in increasing patient awareness of pelvic muscles and as a treatment for urgency. Evidence regarding efficacy in treatment of stress incontinence is less compelling.
Dr Farnsworth has used the PFX 2000 as a treatment for incontinence for several years. This treatment is especially helpful for patients who are isolated geographically and cannot take advantage of other options.
Electromagnetic Induction Therapy and Physiotherapy remain the most important treatment options available.