Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common condition that affects between 26% and 49% of women. It causes involuntary urine leakage when pressure is placed on the bladder, such as during coughing, sneezing, or laughing.
Many women don’t discuss this problem with their doctors due to stigma or embarrassment. Those who do are often told the only treatment options are lifestyle changes or surgery. The good news is that alternative treatments are now available, including the O-Shot®.
At Metro Health and Wellness in Marietta, Georgia, and Menopause Health Institute in Nashville, Tennessee, menopause and women’s health specialist, Kirstie Cunningham, MD, FACOG, NCMP, uses the O-Shot® to help manage SUI. Learn what the O-Shot® is, how it helps with SUI, and what to expect during treatment.
The O-Shot®, sometimes called the “orgasm shot,” is a type of platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP). It was originally developed to improve sexual health, but is now used to manage stress urinary incontinence (SUI) as well.
Treatment involves injecting a platelet-rich solution made from your own blood into specific areas, such as the tissue surrounding your urethra and the vaginal walls. After the solution is injected, it increases blood flow to the area, stimulating tissue growth and supporting nerve function. These effects can improve bladder control and reduce unwanted leaks.
SUI often occurs partly due to the natural aging process. As you get older, the muscles in your pelvic floor weaken, making urine more likely to leak or seep through. Factors such as childbirth, menopause, and perimenopause can make these changes even more noticeable, which is why SUI is so common in women 40 and older.
The O-Shot® helps address these changes by strengthening the urethral and vaginal tissues. This improves muscle function and bladder control, lowering the frequency and severity of accidents. Individual results vary, but many women notice an improvement in their symptoms within a few weeks.
The O-Shot® is a quick, outpatient procedure that typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
If Dr. Cunningham determines you’re a good candidate, she draws a small sample of blood and places it into a machine called a centrifuge, which isolates your platelets. Once the platelet-rich solution is ready, it’s transferred to a syringe and then carefully injected into the vaginal tissues and the area surrounding the urethra. The number of injections you receive depends on your symptoms and goals.
After treatment, it’s normal to experience mild soreness at each injection site. This usually improves within a day or two, but if any discomfort persists, let us know.
For most women, the O-Shot® lasts for 9-12 months.
If you’re tired of stress urinary incontinence affecting your quality of life, the O-Shot® is worth exploring. It’s quick, minimally invasive, and often provides prompt relief. Contact us today to schedule your appointment in Marietta or Nashville, or book online.
