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Is this for me?
If you leak urine when you cough, laugh, or exercise (stress urinary incontinence), or have persistent leakage from other causes, an Artificial Urinary Sphincter may help. This fully internal device gives you control over when you urinate, helping you regain confidence and quality of life.
You have stress urinary incontinence or persistent leakage from other causes
You leak urine with cough, laugh, exercise, or other physical activities (stress urinary incontinence), or have persistent leakage from prostate treatment, pelvic surgery, aging, injury, nerve problems, or radiation.
You want a reliable, internal solution you control with your hand
You're looking for a long-term solution that gives you control over your bladder function without external devices or pads. The device is completely hidden inside your body.
You have the hand strength/dexterity to squeeze a small pump
You have sufficient hand dexterity to operate a small pump placed in the scrotum. Your surgeon will assess this during your consultation.
Your options
Enhanced Artificial Urinary Sphincter
Smart pressure-adapting solution for bladder control. ContiReflex® features innovative Smart Reflex Balloon technology that senses changes in abdominal pressure and automatically adjusts cuff pressure in real-time. This dynamic adaptation provides enhanced protection against stress leakage during physical activities while maintaining lower resting pressure to help reduce urethral erosion risk over time. Ideal for men with active lifestyles or variable activity levels.
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Artificial Urinary Sphincter
Reliable control with customizable pressure settings. ContiClassic® offers five different pressure regulating balloon options (40-89 cm H₂O) to precisely match your individual needs. The unique night deactivation feature allows the cuff to be released during sleep, protecting urethral tissue during extended periods of compression. With multiple cuff sizes and consistent pressure delivery, it provides dependable continence control for everyday activities.
Learn moreComparing your options
Rigicon offers two advanced Artificial Urinary Sphincter solutions: ContiReflex® and ContiClassic®. Both provide excellent control of urinary incontinence but with different features to meet individual patient needs.
| Feature | ContiReflex® | ContiClassic® |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Smart Reflex Balloon that adapts to pressure changes | Standard pressure regulation system |
| Pressure adaptation | Dynamic - adjusts in real-time to abdominal pressure | Fixed - maintains consistent pressure |
| Pressure options | Adaptive pressure | Five different pressure options (40-89 cm H₂O) |
| Cuff sizes | Multiple sizes for optimal fit | Multiple sizes for optimal fit |
| Urethral protection | Lower resting pressure with dynamic increases when needed | Night deactivation option to protect urethral tissue |
| Coating | HydroShield™ hydrophilic coating | HydroShield™ hydrophilic coating |
| Connectors | EasyClick™ tool-free connectors | EasyClick™ tool-free connectors |
| Best for | Men with variable activity levels and higher risk of stress leakage | Men who prefer consistent pressure with night deactivation option |
| Compatibility | Can be used with Infla10® Penile Prosthesis | Can be used with Infla10® Penile Prosthesis |
Need help choosing? Both options are fully internal and provide reliable results. Your surgeon will help you determine the best choice based on your lifestyle and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it visible?
No—there are no external parts. The entire device is placed inside your body, with nothing visible from the outside.
Can I have MRI?
Yes, ContiClassic® and ContiReflex® devices are MR-Conditional, meaning you can safely undergo MRI under specified conditions. Always tell radiology you have an Artificial Urinary Sphincter before any imaging.[3]
Is it only for prostate surgery patients?
No. While many men develop stress incontinence after prostate surgery, the Artificial Urinary Sphincter can help men with incontinence from various causes, including neurological conditions, trauma, or other surgeries.
How long will the device last?
Modern Artificial Urinary Sphincter devices are designed for long-term use. Studies show that about 70-80% of devices are still functioning after 5 years, though some may require revision or replacement over time.
Will I still feel the urge to urinate?
Yes. The Artificial Urinary Sphincter doesn't affect your bladder sensations. You'll still feel when your bladder is full, but the device prevents leakage until you choose to urinate.
What happens if I can't operate the pump?
If you develop conditions that affect your hand dexterity (like arthritis), discuss this with your doctor. In some cases, adjustments or alternative solutions may be needed.
Ready to take the next step?
Speak privately with a Patient Counselor
Get personalized information about Artificial Urinary Sphincter in a confidential consultation. Our patient counselors understand the sensitive nature of urinary incontinence and provide judgment-free support.
What you'll discuss:
- Your specific situation and concerns
- How the Artificial Urinary Sphincter works
- Recovery expectations and timeline
- Finding the right surgeon for you
Private referral to a Rigicon Global Reference Center™
Connect with experienced urologists in your area who specialize in Artificial Urinary Sphincter implantation. Our surgeon directory includes qualified professionals familiar with Rigicon products.
Search by:
- Geographic location
- Implantation experience
- Insurance acceptance
- Patient reviews and outcomes
Your privacy is our priority: Your enquiry is confidential. We never sell personal data.
Rigicon® Talks Videos
Rigicon Talks brings together doctors from around the world to share knowledge, helping patients better understand their treatment options.
Top 10 Questions About Artificial Urinary Sphincters
| Time | Question | Play |
|---|---|---|
| 00:00 | Welcome to Rigicon Talks | |
| 00:30 | Prof. Koenraad van Renterghem | |
| 01:10 | Mr. Rowland Rees | |
| 01:42 | Dr. Tobias Pottek | |
| 02:20 | How do I know if I am a candidate for the artificial urinary sphincter? | |
| 04:15 | How does the artificial urinary sphincter work? | |
| 06:35 | Can I choose the type of AUS I receive? | |
| 10:12 | Will the AUS be noticeable to others? | |
| 12:55 | What can I expect during recovery from AUS surgery? | |
| 15:56 | How do I prepare for AUS surgery? | |
| 20:50 | What should I discuss with my doctor before getting an AUS? | |
| 26:35 | Can I still engage in physical activities with an AUS? | |
| 30:33 | Can I have an MRI with an artificial urinary sphincter? | |
| 31:55 | How long does an AUS last, and what is the likelihood of needing a revision? | |
| 36:45 | Last advice |
The Patient and Nurse Perspective in Prosthetic Urology
| Time | Question | Play |
|---|---|---|
| 00:40 | What is the nurse's role in prosthetic urology surgeries, and how do nurses help patients prepare for the procedure? | |
| 02:23 | How can nurses help patients manage their expectations and concerns before surgery? | |
| 03:26 | What does the typical recovery process look like after surgery? | |
| 05:19 | How does teamwork between nurses and surgeons impact patient care and outcomes in prosthetic urology surgeries? | |
| 06:06 | What advice would you give to patients considering an implant? |
Discover More
Patient Education Resources
Chat with Rigicon AI
Get instant answers to your questions about prosthetic urology with our AI-powered patient assistant. Rigicon AI provides evidence-based information while maintaining complete privacy.
Prosthetic Urology FAQs
Evidence-based FAQs on artificial urinary sphincters, penile and testicular prostheses—grounded in peer-reviewed research and international guidelines
Prosthetic Urology Glossary
Evidence-based glossary covering penile implants, Artificial Urinary Sphincter, ED treatments, and surgical terms in prosthetic urology
Specialized Treatment Information
Penile Implant Revision Options
Comprehensive solutions for revision surgeries and complex cases requiring specialized approaches
Solutions After Prostate Cancer Treatment
Specialized ED treatment options for patients following prostatectomy and other prostate cancer treatments
Solutions for Prostate Surgery & Diabetes ED
Specialized treatments for erectile dysfunction related to prostate surgery and diabetes complications
When Oral ED Medications No Longer Work
Advanced treatment options for patients who no longer respond to oral ED medications
Urinary Sphincter Solutions After Prostate Cancer
Artificial urinary sphincter options for managing incontinence after prostate cancer treatment
Rigicon Talks
Listen to expert discussions, patient stories, and educational content about prosthetic urology on your favorite platform.
Disclaimer
Important Notice:
This website provides educational information only and does not constitute medical advice. Product availability varies by country. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals for medical decisions.
Regulatory Information:
Rigicon products are medical devices that require prescription and surgical implantation by qualified urologists. Individual results may vary.
References:
[1] European Association of Urology (EAU) Guidelines on Urinary Incontinence, 2020.[2] ContiReflex® and ContiClassic® products are not available for sale within the United States.
[3] ContiReflex® (IFU), ContiClassic® (IFU)