Common questions
How does the Efemia Bladder Support work?
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.
What is the Efemia Bladder Support?
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.
How do you know that you need a vaginal support? When will pelvic floor exercises help?
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.
Are there any side effects?
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.
Will it cure my incontinence?
No, it will help you to keep dry during use. When you remove the device the effect of the device will be gone.
Does a menstrual cup function similarly?
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.
What’s the difference between Contrelle, a TVT-operation and the Efemia Bladder Support?
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.
Usage
Can I use Efemia Bladder Support for urge incontinence?
Efemia is not intended to be used for urge incontinence and is therefore not clinically tested for the condition.
Can I use the Efemia Bladder Support if I have my period?
Yes, but remember it will not help halt your flow, only help with your incontinence.
Can I use Efemia Bladder Support if I have prolapse?
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.
Can I use the Efemia Bladder Support when I go for a run or work out?
Yes.
How many times can I reuse the product?
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.
I know you recommend a water-based lubricant, but can I use a silicone or oil-based lubricant instead?
We recommend water-based lubricants because that is the best option for the device.
I’m pregnant and I want to use the Efemia Bladder Support, can I?
We have not tested it on pregnant women, so we can’t recommend that you use it.
Why do I have to replace the device every 3 months?
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.
Why has my device changed from transparent to yellowish?
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.
Why should I let my device air dry?
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.
Cleaning
I forgot to rinse the device before use. Can I get sick?
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.
Why should I use a soap for intimate use to clean the device?
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.
Insertion, positioning and removal
How do I know which size I should use?
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.
How do I remove the Efemia Bladder Support successfully?
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.
Where’s it supposed to sit?
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.
Obtaining the product
Can I get it on prescription or not?
In Sweden, you can buy the Efemia Bladder Support online at major pharmacies. However, if your county/region has a procurement agreement for the product, you might be able to get it prescribed.
In UK and Germany you are also able to get it on prescription, check what applies in your country.
Sustainability
Is Efemia Bladder Support sustainable?
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!
How much waste can you save with Efemia Bladder Support?
Replacing incontinence pads with Efemia saves an average of 29 kg of waste per year!
Is Efemia Bladder Support more sustainable than incontinence pads?
One Efemia Bladder Support is equivalent to four incontinence pads in terms of carbon footprint.