Do you constantly leak urine? Let's learn about an artificial urinary sphincter

Many people experience a small amount of urine leakage when they laugh, cough, sneeze, or exercise without realizing it. This can be embarrassing and socially awkward. This condition can occur, especially in men, after certain surgeries. So today we are talking about a special device that is used as a treatment for this.

What is this Artificial Urinary Sphincter?

Simply put, this is a small device that is surgically inserted into the body to treat urinary incontinence. This is a great help for those who cannot control their urine.

A urologist (a surgeon who specializes in urinary tract diseases) inserts this device around your urethra. There is a liquid inside this device. This liquid keeps the device inflated, blocking the urethra. Then, urine does not come out. When you want to urinate, you have to squeeze a small pump in the scrotum. Then, the device is deflated, the urethra opens, and urine begins to come out. After about three minutes, this device automatically inflates again.

First, let's look at what a natural urinary sphincter is.

Our bodies naturally have a muscle that controls urination. It works like a valve on a water tap. When this muscle is working normally, it contracts and keeps urine in the bladder. When we need to urinate, this muscle relaxes and allows urine to flow out.

There are two control muscles in our body like this:

• Internal urethral sphincter: This is where the bladder and urethra connect. When it relaxes, urine flows from the bladder into the urethra.
• External urethral sphincter: This is located in the pelvic floor muscles. When it relaxes, urine passes out of the body through the urethra.

What kind of people use this device (AUS)?

Doctors usually recommend this device to treat stress urinary incontinence in men , especially those who have not responded to other treatments, such as medications or bladder training.

In men, this condition often occurs after surgery for prostate cancer (prostatectomy). A person with this condition may leak urine in the following situations:

• When laughing
• When sneezing
• When coughing
• While walking
• While exercising

An artificial urinary catheter (AUS) is rarely used for this condition in women.

How does this device work?

The artificial urinary continence (AUS) consists of three main parts. Let's understand them clearly.

When you feel the need to urinate, you squeeze this pump with your hand. Then, the liquid in the cuff around the urethra goes into the balloon . When the cuff is deflated, it deflates and the urethra opens. Then you can urinate. After a few minutes, the liquid in the balloon automatically returns to the cuff and closes the urethra.

What are the benefits and risks of this?

The main advantage of this is that you can go about your daily activities without fear. You don't have to be afraid to laugh, cough, or exercise. You have control to urinate only when you want to.

Also, like any surgery, there are some risks .

• Problems related to anesthesia.
• Wound healing problems.
• Infection.
• Scarring.
• Bleeding.

There may also be some risks specific to this surgery:

• Parts of the equipment stop working or break. Then they have to be replaced.
• Increased urge incontinence.
• Straining to urinate.
• Damage to the urethra, bladder, or surrounding organs.
• Difficulty using the pump.
• Device erosion is the gradual wearing away of tissue at the site of the device.

How long does this device last?

An artificial urinary catheter can usually be used for about 10 years . When that time expires or the device stops working, a new one must be surgically inserted.

The success rate of this device is very high. Some studies have shown that the success rate is over 90% . However, if the device breaks or the tissue wears away (urethral erosion), urinary leakage can occur again.

What should I be careful about after surgery?

Your body needs time to heal after surgery. Especially the area where the cuff was placed around your urethra needs to heal. Therefore, your doctor will activate the device 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. Your incisions will heal within two weeks.

How do you take care of yourself?

Avoid strenuous work, exercise, and sexual activity completely for at least four weeks after surgery. If you do these before the wound has healed properly,

• The seams can break.
• Infection may occur.
• The pain may increase.
• There may be bleeding.

Also, avoid soaking in a bathtub or shower until the wound has healed. It's okay to take a shower. But it's important to keep the area as dry and clean as possible to prevent infection.

When should I see the doctor?

Schedule follow-up appointments with your doctor after surgery. You will need to see your doctor in about two weeks to check on your wound healing and in 6-8 weeks to adjust your device.

If you have the following symptoms , call your doctor immediately.

Urinary incontinence is something that many people feel embarrassed and embarrassed to talk about. But if you've tried many treatments, such as medication and exercise, and the condition hasn't improved, talk to your doctor about an artificial urinary continence (AUS). This can make your life much easier.