Plasma Injection for Urinary Incontinence: A Non-Surgical Option for Women

In short: The O-Shot plasma injection is a short non-surgical procedure: blood is taken from the patient, the plasma rich in growth factors is separated and injected into the area between the vagina and the bladder. It is used to help mild stress incontinence, reduced sexual response and pain during intercourse, but the scientific evidence is still limited and based on small studies, results vary from woman to woman, and nothing is guaranteed.

Many women feel that losing control over their bladder is a problem without a real solution. This concern is common after childbirth, and many women believe that surgery is the only option. The good news is that this is not always the case.

For most women, the first and best-proven treatment is a programme of supervised pelvic floor muscle exercises for at least three months, together with simple measures such as weight loss, reducing caffeine and treating constipation; bladder training and medication help when urgency is the main problem. Other treatments are considered if these are not enough.

If you are looking for a non-surgical option that may help you manage urinary incontinence and feel more comfortable in daily life, plasma injection is worth learning about.

What can cause urinary incontinence?

• Increased urine production due to uncontrolled diabetes.
• Frequent urination caused by a urinary tract infection.
• Neurogenic bladder.
• Multiple sclerosis.
• Parkinson’s disease.
• Repeated childbirths and weight changes.
• High intake of fluids, especially coffee and tea.

Is there a link between intimacy and incontinence?

Did you know that some women who experience a decrease in libido or sexual desire also report leaking urine? Research also links unexplained painful intercourse and difficulty reaching orgasm with urinary incontinence in some women.

Some clinics offer a minimally invasive procedure that aims to address these concerns together: injecting the woman’s own platelet-rich plasma into the tissues around the urethra and vagina. This procedure is known as **plasma injection**; it is different from ‘bulking agent’ injections, which use a gel to support the urethra.

What is plasma injection and how does it work?

A small blood sample is drawn from the patient, and the PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is separated using a centrifuge. This plasma contains active proteins known as chemokines and cytokines, which are injected into the vaginal wall. These proteins are thought to stimulate local stem cells, encouraging the growth of new tissue and supporting the formation of new blood vessels around the injection site. Some clinics also inject near the clitoris, but there is no good-quality evidence that this improves sexual response. This natural rebuilding process in the vaginal wall is thought to help support bladder control over time. However, the evidence so far comes from small early studies, results are not guaranteed, and plasma injection is not yet included in international incontinence guidelines, so it is best viewed as an additional option to discuss rather than a replacement for proven treatments.

Plasma injection is still being studied, and results vary

Most published studies are small, follow-up is short, and outcomes are not consistent from one clinic to another. Plasma injection is not included in major international guidelines for urinary incontinence, so it should be discussed as an add-on option rather than a first-line treatment.

What are the potential benefits of plasma injection?

• Better bladder control (the main reason this approach is offered)
• Some women report cosmetic or sexual changes (for example vulvar skin texture or lubrication), but these are not well proven in high-quality trials and should not be the main reason to choose the procedure

Common questions patients ask:

Does plasma injection hurt?

No, it typically causes only minimal discomfort.

What are the side effects?

Side effects are usually mild and short-lived: a few drops of blood, bruising, swelling or tenderness at the injection site. Rarely, infection or temporary difficulty passing urine can occur, and you should contact your doctor if these happen.

When can I return to my daily activities?

Most patients can resume normal activities the same day.

Will I need a second treatment?

Some patients may need a follow-up session after about 8 weeks.

Can I have this procedure while pregnant?

No, this procedure is not recommended during pregnancy, because its safety in pregnancy has not been studied.

If you have questions about urinary incontinence or would like to discuss whether plasma injection may be suitable for you, the team at Dr. Najeeb Layyous clinic is here to help guide you through your options.

Dr Najeeb Layyous F.R.C.O.G

Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Infertility Specialist