The Efemia Bladder Support is a vaginal insert designed to reduce urine leakage due to stress incontinence. It supports the mid-urethra through the vaginal wall, right where the urethra should bend under strenuous activity to prevent leaks. The device gives the urethra a little extra push just when pressure on the abdomen increases.

The Efemia Bladder Support is a vaginal insert designed to reduce urine leakage due to stress incontinence. It supports the mid-urethra through the vaginal wall.

It’s not easy to know. It can take some time before pelvic floor exercises produce results, so it’s essential to keep at it. However, it’s fair to expect that you’ll keep improving. The Efemia Bladder Support can be an option for you until you feel the desired effect from your pelvic floor exercises. You can also train other muscles without worrying about bladder leaks.

If you suffer from vaginal dryness, the device may cause some irritation or chafe on your labia or inside the vagina. If you feel it chafing or if you know you have a sensitive vulva, you can try applying some water-based lubricant to see if that helps.

No, it will help you to keep dry during use. When you remove the device the effect of the device will be gone.

The rim of the menstrual cup pushing against the vagina can have the same effect. However, the idea is to place the menstrual cup as close to the uterus as possible to collect blood. The Efemia Bladder Support, on the other hand, has been designed to support the urethra in the right area every time it is used.

Contrelle supports the bladder neck, and therefore functions differently to the Efemia Bladder Support, which supports the urethra. Contrelle is a disposable product, whereas the Efemia Bladder Support can be used for three months. TVT is a surgical method where a sling is placed under the urethra to provide support. The Efemia Bladder Support and TVT support the urethra in the same place.

Efemia is not intended to be used for urge incontinence and is therefore not clinically tested for the condition.

Yes, but remember it will not help halt your flow, only help with your incontinence.

It depends on the type and severity of your prolapse. Some customers with prolapse find Efemia comfortable and effective, while for others, it doesn't fit well and may fall out. If you have trouble with tampons or menstrual cups falling out or being uncomfortable, Efemia might not work for you. However, it is safe to try.

Yes

You can reuse the device as many times as you need up to 16 hours per day during the 3 month lifetime of the product.

We recommend water-based lubricants because that is the best option for the device.

We have not tested it on pregnant women, so we can’t recommend that you use it.

Although the Efemia Bladder Support is made from a very durable material, the device must also handle the acidic environment of the vagina, being cleaned, as well as the use of lubricants and vaginal creams. By replacing it every three months, you can be sure that the device works as it should.

The device will get a slight yellow tint over time. However, if the change is sudden, or the colour very yellow, we recommend that you replace it with a new device.

Silicone loves lint and dust! If you let the device air dry you will avoid fibre from paper or towels ending up on the device.

The vagina is an amazing, self-cleaning organ, so you should be fine. But, if you keep forgetting, then there is, of course, a risk it might cause some form of irritation.

Soap for intimate use has a pH close to that in your vagina. If any soap residues are left on the device after cleaning, they will irritate the vagina less than ordinary soap or hand-wash would.

If you’re not sure, it’s best simply to test and see, starting with the smallest size. If it doesn’t work for you, go up a size. And, even if the smallest size does works for you, it might be an idea to try a larger size for comparison’s sake. Smaller doesn’t always mean more comfortable. We offer a startset with all three sizes of Efemia to help you take the time you need to find out which works best for you and do so in the comfort of your own home.

If needed, empty your bladder before removal. Grip the outer part of the handle and pull gently but steadily until the device comes out. If you feel resistance or a sense of vacuum when trying to remove it, try to insert your finger next to the Efemia Bladder Support, pressing it to one side whilst wiggling it a little, so air can pass through and break the seal the vacuum has created.

The Efemia Bladder Support is inserted into the vagina. The rings or discs at the top of the device support the mid-urethra through the vaginal wall. It’s crucial to ensure that they have passed through the vaginal opening, a couple of centimetres inside the vagina and that the handle remains outside, resting tight up against your body, letting the labia cover it.

The bladder support cannot get stuck in your vagina or disappear into your body. If you are having difficulty removing the support, it might be because you are tensing up. Make sure to relax and take it easy. A small amount of water-based lubricant can help. If a vacuum has formed, wiggle the support forward to let some air in. 

If the bladder support has shifted higher up in the vagina and you are having difficulty reaching it, follow these instructions: 

a. Try to relax. 

b. Find a comfortable position. If you find it difficult to get a good grip, try standing with your knees slightly bent or placing one foot on the toilet seat. 

c. Insert a finger into your vagina and gently pull on the handle. Wiggle it slightly from side to side to remove the bladder support. 

If you feel resistance or a vacuum sensation when trying to remove the support, try inserting a finger next to the support, pushing it to the side while wiggling it slightly. This will allow air to pass through and release the vacuum. 

Can I get it on prescription or not?

In the UK, you are able to get it on prescription in most ICB areas, via NHS GP prescription with the endorsement of your ACUTE Care specialist in Pelvic Health: Pelvic Floor Physio / Uro-Gynae Consultant / Urology Dr / Continence Nurse Specialist / Pelvic Health or Women's Health Specialist Nurse. 

You can also buy from MyPelvicHealth directly on this link: 

1An Efemia Bladder Support – Starter Kit

(Option to pay by instalment with PayPal finance and refundable within 30 days) 

For more information call +44 (0) 1923 23 7795 or email info@mypelvichealth.co.uk

Efemia Bladder Support is reusable and one bladder support is equivalent to 4 incontinence pads in terms of carbon footprint. Replacing incontinence pads with Efemia saves an average of 29kg of waste per year!

Replacing incontinence pads with Efemia saves an average of 29 kg of waste per year!

One Efemia Bladder Support is equivalent to four incontinence pads in terms of carbon footprint.