Contrelle Activgard

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Contrelle is suitable for all women over the age of 18 suffering from bladder leaks due to stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and mixed urinary incontinence, therefore suitable for women who leak on effort or exertion, either sneezing, laughing, coughing, lifting or during exercise.

Contrelle is suitable for women who are experiencing stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) where SUI is the main problem. SUI is when women leak on effort or exertion, either sneezing, laughing, coughing, lifting or during exercise.

You should consult a healthcare professional for further advice if you're unsure if Contrelle is suitable for you. You can check our list of contraindications to ensure there will be no impact on a pre-existing condition.

Contrelle is suitable for use by women over the age of 18. There is no upper age limit. There are instances when Contrelle should not be used. Please check the contraindications before use.

Contrelle is inserted into the vagina to provide the needed support to the urethra and bladder neck to prevent or reduce leakage. The device helps support tissues and muscle which can be weak due to a variety of reasons.

If inserted correctly, Contrelle works instantly to reduce or stop bladder leakage, putting you back in control and giving you confidence to live your life without fear or restrictions.

Contrelle offers an alternative to incontinence pads and surgery. It is a solution for women with stress urinary incontinence, for those who leak during sport, or those who do not wish to have surgery, or still plan to have children. It provides a significant reduction of leakage and frequency of leaks. Studies show an 87% reduction in leakage and 86% reduction in the number of leakage episodes.

Using Contrelle is just as simple as using a tampon. Before using Contrelle we recommend you watch this video and read the Instructions for Use (IFU). Please check the list of contraindications and precautions before using Contrelle. Always remember to put Contrelle under running water for 45 seconds, squeezing approximately 10 times to maximise the support provided, improve softness and comfort, and stop any absorption of vaginal moisture.

Contrelle is designed to provide you the support you need and this is maximised by the gentle expansion of the product when run under the tap and squeezed. Importantly by running under the tap you avoid absorption of the natural vaginal moisture. Contrelle works to reduce the leakage rather than absorbing urine.

Contrelle is positioned correctly and working if:

  • You can walk for 15 minutes, cough, jump or run without any leakage or with substantially reduced leakage.
  • You can’t feel it. Most women say they feel it at first, but after a while (2 or 3 uses) they don’t feel it at all. It’s just like the first time you use a tampon.
  • You are still able to urinate. Contrelle should not stop you from passing urine.

Most women say they feel it at first, this is natural as it is a new concept for many women, but after a while (2 or 3 uses) most women will find they don’t notice it at all. 

YES – we’ll always encourage you to do your pelvic floor exercises and because Contrelle is soft and supportive you can continue to do your exercises with it in place. Many women find Contrelle immediately reduces the amount and frequency of leakage so in combination with your exercises you are putting yourself in the best position to reduce your pad usage.

Yes, Contrelle is available in 3 different sizes. Size 1, 2 and 3. The Sizing Kit will help you find the most effective and comfortable fit for you. You can find more information on how to find your right size here. We are all individuals so you’ll need to try the sizes to get the most out of the product.

Contrelle comes in three different sizes, and finding the right size has nothing to do with how much you leak, how much you weigh, or even how tall you are. It’s about finding the right size and fit for your internal shape. We are all individuals so you’ll need to try the different sizes initially. All three sizes are included in the Sizing Kit pack. It is important that you choose the one that is most effective and comfortable for you. 

Contrelle is available in three sizes (1, 2, and 3), each size provides a different level of support and fit. You can find more information on how to find your right size here.

To find the right size for you, we suggest:

1. Try Size 2 first.

2. Once inserted you should feel comfortable.

3. You should experience little or no urine leakage when you are active or when you cough, laugh, sneeze or exercise.

4. If leakage occurs or the device moves, change to size 3.

5. Alternatively, if size 2 is not comfortable try Size 1.

We recommend you walk for 15 minutes, cough, jump or run to check for any leakage and movement.

Some women may experience slight initial discomfort until they get used to Contrelle. Some will find their size quickly, and others may need to try all three to find their perfect fit.

Please read the full Instructions for Use leaflet inside your Sizing Kit Pack before use.

No, Contrelle is available to purchase here without the need for a prescription.

  • Contrelle Activgard Bladder Support Sizing Kit - £6
  • Contrelle Activgard Bladder Support Size 1 (5 pack) - £15
  • Contrelle Activgard Bladder Support Size 2 (5 pack) - £15
  • Contrelle Activgard Bladder Support Size 3 (5 pack) - £15
  • Contrelle Activgard Bladder Support Size 1 (30 pack) - £75
  • Contrelle Activgard Bladder Support Size 2 (30 pack) - £75
  • Contrelle Activgard Bladder Support Size 3 (30 pack) - £75

Some women may find that using a small amount of water-based lubrication gel (available at any chemist) makes insertion easier.

To remove the Contrelle, pull gently downwards on the string.

Dispose of Contrelle with your normal household waste.

No, each Contrelle can only be used once. However, the applicator is reusable.

Each pack comes with a new applicator which can be used multiple times.

You can use Contrelle daily for up to 16 hours, or just when exercising

Each Contrelle can be used for up to 16 hours. Each Contrelle can only be used once. Contrelle should be changed every 4 to 6 hours during menstruation.

It is advisable to change Contrelle when convenient after swimming.

Each Contrelle can be used for up to 16 hours a day and it is safe and effective to use Contrelle every day.

Published research shows it is safe to use Contrelle for up to 16 hours continuously without increasing risks of infection.

There is no need to remove Contrelle during the day, even when going to the toilet.

Yes, you can wear Contrelle during swimming, but we recommend changing Contrelle when convenient afterwards.

No, Contrelle is not recommended for use during pregnancy.

Please wait a minimum of 12 weeks after giving birth before using Contrelle, and if any questions please do consult your healthcare professional first. We recommend waiting for 12 weeks to allow your body to start getting back to normal.

No, you must remove Contrelle before sexual intercourse.

Do not use Contrelle if you have a moderate to severe prolapse.

Please wait a minimum of 6 months after pelvic surgery before using Contrelle. Always consult a healthcare professional first.

Yes, but you won’t be able to use tampons. Contrelle should be changed every 4 to 6 hours during menstruation.

Yes, you can use Contrelle if you have a coil fitted, though we recommend you speak to your doctor or healthcare professional to confirm suitability.

Contrelle has been rigorously tested and is safe and comfortable to use. It is designed not to absorb the natural moisture of the vaginal mucous membrane which can cause dryness, imbalance or infections.

Contrelle has been thoroughly researched and tested.

Contrelle is made from a soft, body-compatible foam.

This is only necessary if you are leaking constantly, you have had any form of bladder surgery or suffer from a previously diagnosed condition affecting the bladder. If you experience any pain, irritation or vaginal discharge during use then remove Contrelle immediately and contact a health care professional. Contrelle should not be used if you have had vaginal mesh inserted during surgery including a bladder sling.

Clinical trials have shown that Contrelle produces no signs of change in pH values or natural bacteria. Contrelle presents no increased risk of vaginal or urinary infection, or irritation of mucous membranes.

There have been no reported issues of TSS with the use of Contrelle. When Contrelle has been fully saturated with water before use, it absorbs no moisture from the vagina.

No, it has no place to go!

Use your fingers to gently reach up and remove the device or make an appointment with your doctor or a healthcare professional who can help you remove it.

You shouldn’t use Contrelle if you:

● are under the age of 18.

● are pregnant, or have given birth in the last 3 months

● are suffering from any infection or irritation in the vagina

● have suffered from TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome)

● have had any pelvic surgery in the last 6 months

● are undergoing any therapy for pelvic malignancy

● have moderate to severe vaginal prolapse

● have urinary or vaginal infections

● have significant or bothersome vaginal dryness

● have problems with manual dexterity which could cause insertion or removal issues

● are male

Choose life without leaks. Choose Contrelle. When your bladder is calling the shots … Contrelle puts you back in control and provides you a new level of confidence. Contrelle Activgard allows you to do all the things you love without worrying about where the nearest toilet is. It's an easy to use breakthrough giving comfortable bladder support to reduce the amount and frequency of bladder leaks or even stop leaks altogether, so you can consider ditching those bulky pads or liners, and concentrate on what’s important. With Contrelle snugly in place, you can run, jump, dance, laugh, sneeze and cough, without fear of bladder leaks. So start today and stop the leaks!