How common is urinary leakage?

It is estimated that up to one in three women today suffer, to some degree, with urinary leakage after having a baby. This can affect women of all ages and may occur at any time, but often starts in pregnancy, after childbirth, or during menopause.

What causes everyday urinary leakage?

Urinary leakage can be caused by weakness in the pelvic floor muscles which can cause leakage during ordinary, everyday activities such as laughing, coughing, sneezing, lifting, or when you are most active. Other causes can be weakness of the connective tissue in the vagina, bladder neack and urethra.

Who can use Contiform?

Any women who have stress incontinence. Women who decline or who are not suitable for surgery or who want more children or are waiting for surgery. Contiform is unsuitable for moderate to severe prolapse. In cases of vaginal dryness contiform would be best to use with a vaginal oestrogen cream, pessary or ring.

When should I use Contiform?

It’s up to you. You can wear Contiform all day, or use it when you’re exercising, or whenever you need to. If has been verified that Contiform can be used for 5 days continuously for activities like tramping or multi-sport events. 

What does Contiform do and how does it work?

The Contiform intravaginal device is shaped like a large hollow tampon and is made of medical grade Santoprene. Contiform can be easily inserted and removed by patients, in much the same way you would insert and remove a tampon. Contiform is softly contoured to be worn discreetly and comfortably inside the vagina to support the urethra and restore your body’s natural anatomy. Contiform can give you immediate and lasting control of everyday leakage. With regular use it can work in harmony with conventional pelvic floor exercises to bring about long-term improvement in muscle tone. Contiform is recommended only for those women who suffer from stress incontinence.

How do I know when to replace it?

Contiform has been manufactured with the slit on the inside of the collar to reduce excess pressure on the bladder neck and avoid any possibility of obstruction to the flow of urine. The slit will appear when you first fold the device, this does not affect the efficacy of the device. Depending on the frequency of use, the slit will gradually lengthen until it reaches over the top of the collar. This is an indication the device needs to be replaced. A replacement guarantee applies if the device fails within 30 days, ie. the split reaches over the collar before 30 days.

What is contiform made of?

A man-made, non-latex hydrophilic polymer material (called Santoprene, which is also used in cochlear implants) - this means it cannot adsorb water/fluids. Therefore it cannot support microbial growth. The material is slippery when wet, making it easier to insert. The Contiform is injection-moulded and packaged under clean-room conditions and meets the stringent Quality Management System of ISO 13485 and carries the CE certificate. Contiform is manufactured in Sydney, Australia.

Why is Contiform available in different sizes?

Because every woman is different and all three sizes are included in the New User Pack. It’s important to choose the one which is the most effective and comfortable for you. Once you have done this, simply order replacements in your size. Approximately 85% of women fit a medium size.

How do I choose the correct size?

Your starter pack will contain all three sizes of Contiform. Start by trying the medium size. Ensure the front, shorter edge of the device rests behind the pubic bone and the back, longer edge of the device sits under/behind the cervix. Once inserted it should feel comfortable and prevent leakage.  Cough, jump or run to check for any leakage and movement. If there is still leakage or movement you will need to fit a large size. If it doesn’t feel comfortable, or you have difficulty emptying your bladder when you are wearing it, swap to the smaller size. Some women prefer to try Contiform in the privacy of their home, and if so, we recommend that they consult their healthcare professional, nurse, physiotherapist or continence advisor before using Contiform. If you are very narrow at the vaginal opening due to not having children, surgical, skin conditions, vagianl atrophy related to aging or cnacer treatment or any other reason please use contiform with care - if it is very dfficult to insert and remove please stop using it and seek the advice of a health professional.

How do I clean Contiform?

Contiform must be removed at least once every 24 hours for cleaning. It should be washed with warm water and unperfumed soap after each use. Do not boil or place in microwave during cleaning as this will reduce its effectiveness. After washing, dry Contiform thoroughly.

How long can I use one Contiform for?

As long as your Contiform is maintained as directed, each unit should last at least 30 days, with everyday use. It will last longer if only used 2 or 3 times a week.

Do I have to use the removal ribbon?

No. But it will make the removal easier similar to removing a tampon.

Can Contiform cause Toxic Shock Syndrome?

Contiform is unlikely to cause Toxic Shock Syndrome because, unlike a tampon, it is not absorbent.

Can Contiform get lost in my body?

No. There is no place for it to go. The opening at the top of your vagina is far too small to let Contiform through. The contiform may move within the vagina depending on the size you are using and the size of the vagina.

Do I need to check with my health care professional before using Contiform?

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

Is Contiform safe to use?

Contiform is soft and flexible. It is made from a material which is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction and has been thoroughly tested.

Can I use Contiform during my period?

Yes, but you won’t be able to use tampons. During your period you may notice a slight discolouration of Contiform but as long as you clean it regularly it will still be effective.

Can Contiform slip out when I go to the toilet?

Contiform should stay in place when you empty your bladder, however, if it moves when straining your bowels, just remove it, wash it, and gently push it back into place.

When should I NOT use Contiform?

You should not use Contiform in the following situations: - During sexual intercourse. - If you are pregnant. - If you have a vaginal infection such as thrush, vaginal erosions or soreness. - If you have cystitis.  - If you have vaginal atrophy/thin, dry and fragile vaginal walls.

Can Contiform be used if the patient has prolapse?

IF the patient can retain a tampon, then the Contiform MAY help in the prevention of STRESS INCONTINENCE. “The device is not designed to elevate prolapse (i.e. patients with prolapse usually cannot retain a tampon).“ (Reference: Clinical Paper Update: the Contiform” intravaginal device in four sizes for the treatment of stress incontinence W.A.Allen et al Int Urogynecol J (3008) 19:757-761.).

Can I use Contiform with and IUD?

Basically it is OK to use contiform with an IUD. Contiform  have now withdrawn the warnings. When Contiform did the initial risk analysis they decided there could be a very small risk that if the Contiform user used her finger to remove the pessary, she might accidentally grab the IUD threads and dislodge or pull out the IUD. However using the silicone ribbon overcomes this risk (small as it might be).

How should I dispose of Contiform?

Contiform should be placed in a rubbish bin. Do not flush Contiform down the toilet or burn it.

Is Contiform approved by medical authorities?

Contiform is registered with the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (ARTG No. 153651), and is CE.marked - standards ISO 13485. For any further enquiries regarding standards or FDA approval, please email info@contiform.com.

How effective is Contiform in reducing stress incontinence?

“Contiform appears simple to use and is well tolerated. The device offers an alternative to surgery, particularly in those who not only leak during sport, or those who do not wish, or have not yet completed their family. It provides a significant reduction of leakage in those moderate to severe incontinence…….” (Reference: Clinical Paper Update: the Contiform” intra-vaginal device in four sizes for the treatment of stress incontinence W.A.Allen et al Int Urogynecol J (3008) 19:757-761.

How does Contiform compare to other brands of incontinence devices?

“When comparing the cure rate of Contiform with other devices, the success of Contiform is similar to that of the Introl device (52% continent on the 1 hr pad test) Superior to that of Conven Continence Guard (41-46% dry on the 24hr pad) and similar to Femassist (25-49% dry on the 24hr pad)”. Reference: Clinical Paper ……