OBJECTIVE: To assess the use of an external urethral occlusion pad (the continence control pad, CCP) in the management of stress incontinence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Nineteen women (median age 47 years, range 36-72) complaining of stress incontinence were taught to use the CCP. The patients were assessed during the week before, and again after using the CCPs for 2 weeks, by urinary diaries, pad-tests and a review of their symptoms. RESULTS: Use of the CCP was associated with a cure or improvement in 17 women, as assessed by the number of incontinent episodes per week. There was a significant decrease in both the number of incontinent episodes (P < 0.001) and pad-test leakage (P = 0.002) when using the CCP. Minor difficulties in placement and removal were described in a minority of women. CONCLUSION: The CCP offers a simple, non-invasive treatment for women complaining of stress incontinence. The short-term success rate was better than that with other conservative methods of treatment, is independent of the general practitioner and safe. It is a promising home-based method of managing stress incontinence.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the use of an external urethral occlusion pad (the continence control pad, CCP) in the management of stress incontinence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Nineteen women (median age 47 years, range 36-72) complaining of stress incontinence were taught to use the CCP. The patients were assessed during the week before, and again after using the CCPs for 2 weeks, by urinary diaries, pad-tests and a review of their symptoms. RESULTS: Use of the CCP was associated with a cure or improvement in 17 women, as assessed by the number of incontinent episodes per week. There was a significant decrease in both the number of incontinent episodes (P < 0.001) and pad-test leakage (P = 0.002) when using the CCP. Minor difficulties in placement and removal were described in a minority of women. CONCLUSION: The CCP offers a simple, non-invasive treatment for women complaining of stress incontinence. The short-term success rate was better than that with other conservative methods of treatment, is independent of the general practitioner and safe. It is a promising home-based method of managing stress incontinence.