| abstract |
A device (10) for managing urinary incontinence in a human female includes a resilient body (12) adapted to fit between the labia minora (40) and of the vestibule (34) thereby occluding the urethral meatus (38). An adhesive (22) is applied to the body to provide sealing with the urethral meatus. The body has a base (14) that seats against the floor of the vestibule, and a pair of flexible, lateral flaps (18) that engage the labia minora. A layer of adhesive is applied to the base. A layer of highly-absorbant, hydrophilic material (62) may be situated between the base and the adhesive layer (64). In a second embodiment, the body (102) is substantially tubular, with the adhesive (104) applied to the exterior surface of the body. The body is preferably formed of a biodegradable material. In another embodiment, the body is a flexible bladder filled with a liquid or gel, conformingly between the labia minora and the vestibule occluding the urethral meatus. The exterior surface is coated with an adhesive providing sealing engagement with the meatus. |