Collagen injections for bladder incontinenceCollagen injections may be suggested if your loved one has a very mild form of bladder incontinence, or if he is not able to have surgery (perhaps due to other health problems or his age) to correct long-term incontinence. First, the urologist may order several tests to make sure his incontinence isn’t being caused by other problems, such as involuntary bladder contractions—or constriction of the bladder neck, which can be caused by scar tissue that builds up after surgery. This treatment involves the injection of a small amount of collagen to "bulk up" and strengthen the bladder sphincter (kind of like when women get injections to “plump up" their faces and remove their wrinkles). Multiple injections are often necessary, and men may—or may not—notice any results after the first or second injection. Not a permanent solution Over time, the collagen is absorbed into the body. This means that if your loved one has some improvement in urinary control after receiving collagen injections, that improvement is likely to fade over time. Studies also show that this treatment is generally not as helpful for men who have had:
Other things to consider Some men may be allergic to collagen (which is a protein found in the skin, bones, and connective tissues), and they may want to consider having a skin test to rule out any sensitivity prior to treatment. Updated 6/09 Always discuss everything you read on this web site with a qualified medical professional. Atiemo HO, Moy L, Vasavada S, Rackley R. Evaluating and managing urinary incontinence after prostatectomy: beyond pads and diapers. Cleveland Clinical Journal of Medicine. 2007;74 (1):57-63. Walsh PC. Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer. New York, NY: Time Warner Book Group; 2001.
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