Current use of injectable agents for female stress urinary incontinence.

Injectable materials of various types have been used for decades as an alternative to surgery for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence. Their success stems from their ability to improve intrinsic sphincter function, and patients with hypermobility may benefit as well. Nevertheless, the ideal agent has yet to be discovered, and surgery still may be necessary after treatment in some patients. Results vary among the different materials used, and safety, durability, and cost-effectiveness are important areas of concern in which more research is needed.