ACT® Frequently Asked Questions
- I have tried injectables (bulking agents such as collagen) and that did not work for me. Could ACT be an option for me?
- A few years ago, I had a sling implanted to treat my stress incontinence. This has not been successful. Could ACT be an option for me?
- I am 80 years old and suffering from stress incontinence. Could one still consider me for ACT?
- How much experience is there with ACT?
- Where can I find a doctor with whom I can discuss ACT?
I have tried injectables (bulking agents such as collagen) and that did not work for me. Could ACT be an option for me?
Injectables have a good short term effect. In many patients, the beneficial effects will wear off over time and repeat injections may be necessary. Injectables afford short term relief in about two-thirds of patients.1 The previous use of injectables does not exclude the use of ACT. ACT is typically used in patients who have not been successful with other incontinence treatments.
A few years ago, I had a sling implanted to treat my stress incontinence. This has not been successful. Could ACT be an option for me?
Slings have been very successful in treating many women who are suffering from Stress Urinary Incontinence. It is becoming apparent, however, that a percentage of women will not find the anticipated benefit. The ACT device is actually intended for patients who have tried other procedures and still suffer from incontinence.
I am 80 years old and suffering from stress incontinence. Could one still consider me for ACT?
Age is not a limiting factor. In one of our studies, the oldest implanted patient is 94 years old.
How much experience is there with ACT?
The therapy is fairly new. To date, about 1200 women have been implanted and the longest reported experience is by Dr. Kocjancic, who has reported at congresses about continued success at 4 years.
Where can I find a doctor with whom I can discuss ACT?
You can check on the physician finder located on this website. Or if no physicians are listed for your country, you can contact Uromedica directly.
Footnotes
1 Carbon coated zirconium beads in β-glucan gel and bovine glutaraldehyde cross-linked collagen injections for intrinsic sphincter deficiency:continence and satisfaction after extended follow-up. Chrouser KL et al. JofUrol. Vol. 171, 1152-1155, March 2004
—This page last modified Wednesday October 8, 2008