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Is this for me?
If you're leaking after prostate treatment and want a reliable, discreet option, an AUS is a guideline-supported choice. You'll need to be able to squeeze a small pump by hand, and your urologist will help you decide if it's right for you.
You have stress urinary incontinence after prostate treatment
You experience urine leakage when you cough, sneeze, lift something heavy, or during physical activity, and you want a reliable, discreet solution.
You can squeeze a small pump with your hand
You have adequate manual dexterity to operate the pump mechanism located in the scrotum (manual dexterity needed).
You're ready to decide with your urologist after reviewing all options
You understand this is a surgical solution and want to explore all treatment options through shared decision-making with your healthcare provider.
How it works
The system has three parts: a cuff around the urethra, a pump in the scrotum and a small balloon in the abdomen. The cuff stops leaks; you squeeze the pump to open it and pass urine; it then closes automatically. Everything is internal.
A cuff around the urethra prevents leaks
The soft cuff gently compresses your urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body), keeping it closed to prevent urine leakage.
The scrotum pump opens the cuff when you squeeze to pass urine
When you need to urinate, you squeeze the pump located in your scrotum several times. This moves fluid from the cuff to the balloon, opening the urethra.
Balloon refills the cuff, causing it to close automatically
After urination, the pressure-regulating balloon (PRB) automatically returns fluid to the cuff, which closes around the urethra within a few minutes to prevent leakage.
ContiClassic® features five pressure-range balloons so your surgeon can select a suitable baseline pressure for your specific needs.
Watch ContiClassic® in Action
See how our Artificial Urinary Sphincter works with these detailed animations and educational videos.
What to expect
Surgery day
Usually day case or one night, per center protocol. The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours under general or spinal anesthesia.
Weeks 1-2
Wounds settle; you're still leaking because the device is left off to heal. Some swelling and discomfort in the surgical areas is normal.
~4-6 weeks
Clinic visit to activate the device and teach you how to use it. Your healthcare team will show you how to operate the pump and answer any questions.
Important: If you ever need a urinary catheter, clinicians must deactivate the cuff first—always show your device card.
Risks
Possible risks include infection, pain/swelling, device or cuff issues (e.g., erosion/atrophy), urinary retention, or need for revision. Your team will explain your personal risk profile.
*Recovery is individual. Always follow your clinician's advice.
Why ContiClassic®
Proven design and reliable performance for optimal patient outcomes and continence control.
Five pressure-range balloons for personalized settings
Five pressure-regulating balloon (PRB) options allow your surgeon to select a baseline pressure suited to your specific needs.
Very wide cuff size range for tailored fit
Available in sizes from 3.5–13.0 cm, with 0.25 cm steps in parts of the range, plus an angled cuff option for optimal anatomical fit.
Hydrophilic coating on external surfaces
Special coating on the device's external surfaces is designed to aid implantation and potentially reduce infection risk.
Compatible with Infla10® penile implant
Can be used alongside Infla10® inflatable penile prosthesis if ED treatment is also needed.
ContiClassic® Artificial Urinary Sphincter
ContiClassic® Key Features
- Five pressure-range balloons for personalized settings
- Night-time deactivation button
- Very wide cuff size range for tailored fit
- Hydrophilic coating designed to potentially reduce infection risk
- Compatible with Infla10® penile implant
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it visible?
No—there are no external parts. The device is fully internal with no components visible outside the body.
When can I use it?
Typically 6 weeks after surgery, at your activation appointment. Until then, the device remains deactivated to allow healing.
How do I pass urine?
Squeeze the small pump in your scrotum several times; it opens the cuff and then recloses automatically after a short time.
Do I qualify if my hands are weak?
You need the hand strength/dexterity to use the pump—your surgeon will assess this during your consultation.
MRI?
The device is MR-Conditional (1.5T/3T) under specified settings—always tell radiology staff about your device before any imaging.
How long will it last?
Modern artificial urinary sphincters are designed for long-term use. Your surgeon will discuss expected device lifespan and potential need for future revisions.
Ready to take the next step?
Speak privately with a Patient Counselor
Get personalized information about artificial urinary sphincters 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 urinary incontinence history and concerns
- How ContiClassic® works
- Recovery expectations and timeline
- Finding the right surgeon for you
Find a surgeon near you
Connect with experienced urologists in your area who specialize in artificial urinary sphincter implantation. Our surgeon directory includes qualified professionals familiar with ContiClassic® products.
Search by:
- Geographic location
- AUS 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, AUS, 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] ContiReflex®, ContiClassic®, Infla10® Pulse™ Series, and Testi10™ products are not available for sale within the United States.[2] European Association of Urology (EAU) Guidelines on Urinary Incontinence, 2020.
[3] British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) male AUS leaflet.
[4] Wilson SK, et al. First Safety Outcomes of ContiClassic® Artificial Urinary Sphincter for Treating Male Incontinence. The Journal of Urology, 2024.
[5] Koca O, et al. Rigicon ContiClassic and ContiReflex artificial urinary sphincter devices. Translational Andrology and Urology, 2024.