OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an over-the-counter device for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in females.
METHODS: A multicenter, interventional, single-arm study involving 5 different sites was conducted including women diagnosed with symptomatic SUI using a self-inserted pessary device. A 1-week baseline period was followed by a 2-week period of wearing the device. The main outcome of our study was to determine if the device was able to reduce at least 50% the number of leakage events and pad weight.
RESULTS: Across all study sites, 73 subjects were enrolled and 51 completed the study. Efficacy analyses were conducted on the modified intent-to-treat population (n = 48), whereas the safety analysis was conducted on all consented participants. The average pad weight gain was 0.9 g/h at baseline and 0.5 g/h during the treatment phase. The number of leakage episodes per day decreased from 2 at baseline to 0.9 during the treatment phase (P < 0.0001). Seventy-one percent of the study population experienced a more than 50% reduction in leakage volume, leakage episodes, or both. The quality of life scores improved from baseline to posttreatment phase by 4.35 points on average (P < 0.0001). A total of 40 adverse events were recorded, and only 4 subjects withdrew due to adverse events.
CONCLUSIONS: The self-deployable pessary device evaluated in this study is an alternative option for women seeking an over-the-counter method to manage symptoms of SUI. Further studies are required to determine the long-term effects and compliance using the device.
