Female Stress Incontinence · University Urology, PC · Knoxville, TN
Bulkamid — Urethral Bulking for Stress Urinary Incontinence
A minimally invasive, office-based treatment for women with stress urinary incontinence — leakage with coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise.
About Bulkamid
What Is Bulkamid?
Bulkamid is a soft, water-based hydrogel urethral bulking agent used to treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women. It is injected into the urethral wall under cystoscopic guidance to improve urethral coaptation — the ability of the urethra to close properly and prevent leakage with increases in abdominal pressure.
Unlike surgical slings, Bulkamid does not require incisions or sutures. It can be performed in the office or as a brief outpatient procedure and is well tolerated by most patients. The procedure can be repeated if needed and does not preclude future surgical treatment options.
Who it's for: Women with stress urinary incontinence — leakage with coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting, or physical activity — who are looking for a minimally invasive option or who are not ideal candidates for a surgical sling.
At a Glance
Bulkamid Key Points
No incisions, no sutures. Performed under cystoscopic guidance.
Quick procedure, no general anesthesia required. Most patients return home the same day.
Can be repeated if symptoms recur. Does not close off future surgical options.
Biocompatible, soft material that integrates into urethral tissue without migration.
Candidacy
Is Bulkamid Right for You?
Bulkamid is one of several treatment options for stress urinary incontinence. The right choice depends on your symptoms, anatomy, prior treatments, and personal preferences.
Good Candidates
- Women with stress urinary incontinence confirmed on evaluation
- Women seeking a minimally invasive option before considering surgery
- Women who are not ideal surgical candidates due to health factors
- Women who have had prior pelvic surgery and prefer to avoid another
- Women with mild to moderate SUI symptoms
May Not Be Ideal For
- Predominantly urge incontinence or mixed incontinence with urge predominance
- Active urinary tract infection
- Urethral stricture or significant anatomic abnormality
- Severe intrinsic sphincter deficiency in some cases
- Patients desiring the most durable long-term solution (surgical sling has higher durability)
What to Expect
- Brief procedure under local anesthesia or light sedation
- Small volume of Bulkamid injected at multiple points around the urethra
- Mild urinary urgency or discomfort for a few days after
- Avoid strenuous activity for 1–2 days
- Some patients notice improvement within weeks; full benefit by 3 months
How It Compares to Sling
- Less invasive than mid-urethral sling surgery
- Shorter recovery time
- Lower durability over time — sling typically more durable long-term
- No mesh involved
- Can be performed before or after sling if needed
- Good option for patients who prefer to try a non-surgical approach first
Bulkamid Content
Learn More From Bulkamid
The interactive resource below provides additional information about Bulkamid therapy directly from the manufacturer.
Questions About Bulkamid?
Talk to our team about whether Bulkamid is right for your stress incontinence.