Bulking Agent Injections

Bulking agent injections are performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you’ll be able to go home the same day. It normally takes around 15 minutes. 

You’ll be given a local anaesthetic before your treatment and won’t feel any pain. 

During the procedure: 

• your consultant will insert a catheter to ensure that your bladder is empty before the surgery

• using a small telescope called an endoscope, your consultant will use a very fine needle to inject a bulking agent into 3 or 4 places in the wall of your urethra

Bulking agent injections are a generally safe procedure, but as with any medical procedure, there’s a small risk that complications or side effects can occur. 

Your consultant will explain all the potential risks of your treatment before your injections and answer any questions you may have. 

Possible side effects and complications of this procedure may include: 

• mild burning when you pass urine for a short time after the procedure

• mild bleeding in your urine for a short time after the procedure

• infection (uncommon) 

• bleeding – more serious bleeding is rare 

• difficulty passing urine, meaning you may need a temporary catheter (rare) 

• your symptoms may come back, requiring further injections or an alternative treatment

Your consultant will tell you everything you need to do to prepare for your bulking agent injections. 

Tell your consultant about any medical conditions or allergies you have, and any medications you take regularly. 

You may need to: 

• have a urodynamics test to confirm your diagnosis, check your bladder function and rule out any other issues

• have a pre-operative check-up, including a blood test, chest X-ray, and ECG

• stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, for a few days before your surgery. This is to reduce the risk of bleeding during and after your procedure

Your consultant will give you instructions to follow during your recovery. They may arrange a follow-up appointment with you to check your progress and determine whether any further treatment is necessary. 

Recovery is usually quick, and most people can resume their normal daily activities within 24 hours.

After your procedure: 

• drink plenty of fluids 

• avoid vigorous washing around and inside your vagina 

• don’t have sexual intercourse for 4 weeks 

If you have any questions or concerns during your recovery, please contact the clinic for advice.

Please contact our Women’s Health centre for pricing information.

At Welbeck, our gynaecologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book bulking agent injections, you must be referred by either your GP or a gynaecologist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this treatment.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a Welbeck specialist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.