Comparing pessaries and disposable continence devices for managing stress incontinence

This study compared two treatments for stress urinary incontinence (SUI), continence pessaries (CP) and disposable intravaginal continence devices (DICD). It found that both treatments reduced symptoms of stress incontinence after 4 weeks in 75-80% of patients.

SUI is a condition that commonly affects women due to old age or childbirth. It leads to leaking of urine, typically when coughing, sneezing, or lifting heavy objects. It can have a significant impact on quality of life. SUI can be treated by inserting a device into the vagina to try and support the contents of the pelvis and reduce pressure on the bladder and urethra (the tube that voids the bladder).

Different types of devices can be used. Continence pessaries (CP) are devices inserted by a doctor and designed to stay in long-term. Disposable intravaginal continence devices (DICD) are disposable devices that are inserted by the patient daily, similar to a tampon. Poise Impressa is a type of DICD. The safety and effectiveness of CP and DICD in women with SUI are still unknown.

This study looked at 50 women with SUI. Half of the women were treated with a CP, and half with a Poise Impressa DCID. Patients were followed up for 4 weeks. Symptoms of urinary incontinence were monitored using the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) Score.  

After 4 weeks, 80% of the CP group and 75% of the DCID group scored "much better" or "very much better" on their PGI-I scores. There were no significant side effects in either group. Also, there were no significant differences among groups regarding ease of use, satisfaction with the device, or comfort. 

This study showed that both CPs and DCIDs improved symptoms of SUI in most patients. 

This study followed a very small group of patients and many patients were lost to follow-up. Larger studies are needed to confirm these results.