Sasha Vereecken highlights Adjustable Continence Therapy data for stress urinary incontinence

Sasha Vereecken, Reconstructive and functional urology research fellow, University of Colorado, joined Contemporary OB/GYN to discuss findings from an abstract presented at the 2026 International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH).

Vereecken discussed the abstract “Adjustable Continence Therapy (ACT) for Stress Urinary Incontinence in Women: Clinical Outcomes and Impact on Sexual Function,” noting the feasibility and safety for women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

This prospective chart review examined the effects of ACT, an investigational adjustable periurethral balloon implant, on continence and sexual function in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) due to intrinsic sphincter deficiency. SUI affects 35–50% of women and can significantly impair quality of life, including sexual function. Fourteen patients underwent ACT implantation between July 2023–October 2024. Balloon volume was adjusted every 4–6 weeks until continence or maximum volume was achieved. Incontinence outcomes were assessed using daily pad counts and provocative pad tests, with patients considered “dry” if post-operative pad weight was 0g. Treatment success was defined as >50% reduction in pads/day (PPD) or ≥50% decrease in pad weight. Sexual function was evaluated using the Incontinence Quality of Life survey and a single item rating “I worry about having sex” from 1 (extreme worry) to 5 (no worry).

The mean patient age was 67 years, the mean BMI was 26.7, and 12 patients had prior sling surgery. Preoperative median pad use was 5.8 PPD (range: 1–12), median pad weight was 88.6g (0.1–312.9), and median sexual score was 2 (mild worry). At last follow-up, 11 patients achieved treatment success, and 5 were dry; 13 retained devices with a median balloon volume of 2.4mL. Median pad use decreased to 2.5 PPD (P < 0.05, range: 0–5.5), median pad weight to 2.0g (P < 0.001, range: 0–215), and median sexual scores improved to 5 (no worry), with significant improvement at 6 and 12 months (P < 0.05).

“The continence improvements observed were clinically meaningful, particularly given that many, so 12 out of the 14 patients, had previously failed sling procedures and really had limited remaining treatment options,” said Vereecken. “Reduction in leakage episodes translated into improved daily function, decreased reliance on pads, and greater confidence in social and physical activities.”

Stay tuned for the next video with Vereecken, to be published on ContemporaryOBGYN.net in the coming days.

Reference:

Vereecken S, Flynn B, Doersch K, Hou V, Sun, H, Chaudhary, A. Adjustable Continence Therapy for Stress Urinary Incontinence in Women: Clinical Outcomes and Impact on Sexual Function. Abstract. Presented at: ISSWSH 2026. February 12-15, 2026. Long Beach, California.