More about Contrelle

Contrelle is suitable for women who are experiencing stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) where SUI is the main problem. SUI is when women leak on effort or exertion, either sneezing, laughing, coughing, lifting or during exercise.

Contrelle offers an alternative to incontinence pads and surgery. It is a solution for women with stress urinary incontinence, for those who leak during sport, or those who do not wish to have surgery, or still plan to have children. It provides a significant reduction of leakage and frequency of leaks. Studies show an 87% reduction in leakage and 86% reduction in the number of leakage episodes.

Contrelle is made from a soft, body-compatible foam.

No, each Contrelle can only be used once. However, the applicator is reusable.

You can use Contrelle daily for up to 16 hours, or just when exercising.

Published research shows it is safe to use Contrelle for up to 16 hours continuously without increasing risks of infection.

Each pack comes with a new applicator which can be used multiple times.

A prescription is not required to purchase Contrelle and start your journey. Sizing Kits, 5-packs and 30-packs are available to purchase online here, and via online stockists.

30-packs are now approved for prescription by the NHS, in a growing number of areas from 1st March 2023. To find out if they are approved in your area, please email info@Contrelle.com.


To get started, buy your Sizing Kit to find the most effective and comfortable size for you. 

There is no reason to indicate you can’t do pelvic floor exercises with Contrelle in place.

No, you must remove Contrelle before sexual intercourse.

Yes, Contrelle is available in 3 different sizes. Size 1, 2 and 3. The sizing kit will help you find the most effective and comfortable fit for you. You can find more information on how to find your right size here.

Who should use Contrelle?

Contrelle is suitable for all women over the age of 18 suffering from bladder leaks due to stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and mixed urinary incontinence. Women who leak on effort or exertion, either sneezing, laughing, coughing, lifting or during exercise.

You should consult a healthcare professional for further advice if you're unsure if Contrelle is suitable for you. You can check our list of contraindications to ensure there will be no impact on a pre-existing condition.

Contrelle is suitable for use by women over the age of 18. There is no upper age limit. Though it is important that women do not use if they have problems with manual dexterity. There are instances when Contrelle should not be used. Please check the contraindications before use.

No, Contrelle is not recommended for use during pregnancy.

Please wait a minimum of 12 weeks after giving birth before using Contrelle. We recommend that you consult a healthcare professional first.

Do not use Contrelle if you have a moderate to severe prolapse.

Please wait a minimum of 6 months after pelvic surgery before using Contrelle. Always consult a healthcare professional first.

Yes, but you won’t be able to use tampons. Contrelle should be changed every 4 to 6 hours during menstruation.

Yes, you can use Contrelle if you have a coil fitted, though we recommend you speak to your doctor or healthcare professional to confirm suitability

You shouldn’t use Contrelle if you …
  • are under the age of 18
  • are pregnant, or have given birth in the last 3 months
  • are suffering from any infection or irritation in the vagina
  • have suffered from TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome)
  • have had any pelvic surgery in the last 6 months
  • are undergoing any therapy for pelvic malignancy
  • have moderate to severe vaginal prolapse
  • have current urinary or vaginal infections
  • have untreated vaginal dryness which causes irritation without speaking to a healthcare professional
  • have problems with manual dexterity which could cause insertion or removal issues
  • were born with male anatomy

Choosing the right size

Contrelle is available in 3 sizes (1, 2, and 3), each size provides a different level of support and fit. You can find more information on how to find your right size here.

Because every woman is different. All three sizes are included in the Sizing Kit.
 
It is important that you choose the one that is most effective for you. The size you need is not related to how much you weigh, how tall you are, how much you leak or how strong your pelvic floor is. It’s about finding the right size, which is a combination of the fit for the size and shape of your vagina, as well as the amount of support needed for the bladder to help stop leaks. There is no benefit in trying a size which is too large as it will not provide better results in stopping leakage. It will also be too tight to easily insert and will make removal difficult.

To find the right size for you, we suggest:

  1. It is recommened you start with Size 1.
  2. Once inserted you should feel comfortable.
  3. You should experience little or no urine leakage when active or when coughing, and the device should not move.
  4. If you still experience leakage or you feel the device moves with Size 1, this could be due to the positioning rather than the size. Before trying a larger size, you should check the device isn’t positioned too high, by gently pulling on both strings to slightly lower the position of Contrelle® Activgard.
  5. If you still experince leakage, try Size 2.
  6. If significant leakage still occurs when using Size 2 or the device moves, again you should try adjusting the positioning.
  7. If you still experience leakage try Size 3.
  8. We recommend you should walk for at least 30 minutes, cough, jump or run to check for any leakage and movement.
  9. Contrelle® Activgard should always be easy to insert. A small amount of water-based lubricant should provide added comfort to insert.

Some will find their size quickly, and others may need to try all three to find their perfect fit.

Woman Running Contrelle

We recommend you should walk for 30 minutes, cough, jump or run to check for any leakage and movement.

Some women may experience slight initial discomfort until they get used to Contrelle. Some will find their size quickly, and others may need to try all three to find their perfect fit.

Please read the full Instructions for Use leaflet inside your Sizing Kit Pack before use.

How to use Contrelle?

Using Contrelle is just as simple as using a tampon. Before using Contrelle we recommend you read the Instructions for Use (IFU) here. Please check the list of contraindications and precautions before using Contrelle.

We recommend using a water- based lubricant gel, such as YES, at the entrance of the vagina to ease insertion. You may find you don’t need this after the first few uses.

Contrelle is working correctly if:
  • You can walk for 30 minutes, cough, jump or run without any leakage or with substantially reduced leakage.
  • You can’t feel it. Most women say they feel it at first, but after a while (2 or 3 uses) they don’t feel it at all. It’s just like the first time you use a tampon.
  • You are still able to urinate. Contrelle should not stop you from passing urine.

Contrelle is positioned correctly if:
  • You can walk for 30 minutes, cough, jump or run without any leakage or with substantially reduced leakage.
  • You can’t feel it. Most women say they feel it at first, but after a while (2 or 3 uses) they don’t feel it at all. It’s just like the first time you use a tampon.
  • You are still able to urinate. Contrelle should not stop you from passing urine.

Contrelle is inserted into the vagina to support the urethra and bladder neck to prevent or reduce the loss of urine.

There is no need to remove Contrelle during the day, even when going to the toilet.

To remove the Contrelle Activgard device, we recommend using a water-based lubrication gel to ease removal. Some women find they don’t need this after the first few uses. Apply the gel inside the vagina.

Relax and hold both strings evenly together (either side of the knot), as close as possible to the body, then gently and slowly ease the device out of the vagina. By pulling both strings gently together with equal pressure you pull the wings together for ease of removal.  Using Contrelle®  Activgard may need some practice. It is important to always relax – do not become stressed or tense as this will tighten your muscles and make removal difficult. Take your time, relax and take a break if needed. Some women find removing Contrelle® Activgard easier using a squatting or lying position, or whilst sitting on the toilet.

Each Contrelle can be used for up to 16 hours. Each Contrelle can only be used once. Contrelle should be changed every 4 to 6 hours during menstruation. It is advisable to change Contrelle when convenient after swimming.

Most women say they feel it at first, but after a while (2 or 3 uses) they don’t notice it at all.

If inserted correctly, Contrelle works instantly to reduce or stop bladder leakage, putting you back in control and giving you confidence to live your life without fear or restrictions.

Dispose of Contrelle with your normal household waste.

Yes, you can wear Contrelle during swimming, but we recommend changing Contrelle when convenient afterwards.

When the device is properly saturated it will not absorb moisture from the vagina and is easier to put on the applicator.

We instruct you to soak Contrelle Activgard thoroughly under running cold water holding in the palm of your hand, whilst at the same time slowly squeezing the device 10 times or more until the device is fully saturated. This should take at least 30 seconds. The foam device will expand in size by about a third in all dimensions and be smooth and even in appearance. If the device appears misshapen continue to run under water and squeeze until it is even and smooth. You cannot over saturate the foam.

Place the string loop around the BOTTOM of the applicator (close to the grooves) with the knot in the middle of the hollow. ALWAYS PLACE THE STRING ON THE BOTTOM OF THE APPLICATOR FIRST. DO NOT PUT THE FOAM DEVICE ON THE TOP OF THE APPLICATOR FIRST as this will apply too much stress to the device and potentially cause it to tear.

Once the string is in place, gently slide the Contrelle®Activgard foam device onto the top of the applicator, using your finger and thumb, so the central depression fits onto the top of the applicator. DO NOT FORCE the foam Activgard device onto the applicator – it should easily slide or nudge onto the top of the applicator without resistance.

The device is designed to sit in the middle of the vagina to support the bladder. For most women Contrelle Activgard should therefore not be pushed up as far as a tampon, as this may cause difficulties with removal and will make the product ineffective.

We recommend for first users to start inserting the device to the first groove of the applicator. However, for maximum benefit, you may need the device to be slightly lower or higher depending on your anatomy. If higher, never insert to the top of the vaginal canal where the cervix sits.

Whilst inserting the device, you should feel no pain or resistance. Never force the device, and insert slowly and gradually. Using a small amount of water-based lubricant at the vaginal opening can help with insertion.

Finding the right position may require adjustments whilst you are getting used to the product. It is important to remember every woman is different so the optimal depth of insertion will vary, and you will find which position works for you.

Safety Information

Contrelle has been rigorously tested and is safe and comfortable to use. It is designed not to absorb the natural moisture of the vaginal mucous membrane which can cause dryness, imbalance or infections.

Clinical trials have shown that Contrelle produces no signs of change in pH values or natural bacteria. Contrelle presents no increased risk of vaginal or urinary infection, or irritation of mucous membranes.

There have been no reported issues of TSS with the use of Contrelle. When Contrelle has been fully saturated with water before use, it absorbs no moisture from the vagina.

Each Contrelle can be used for up to 16 hours a day and it is safe and effective to use Contrelle every day.

No, it has no place to go!

Use your fingers to gently reach up and remove the device or make an appointment with your doctor or a healthcare professional who can help you remove it.

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

Contrelle has been thoroughly researched and tested.

Pricing & Availability

A Sizing kit. (One of each size, plus an applicator) = £8.99

A pack of 5 Contrelle = £15.99

A pack of 30 Contrelle = £78.99

Contrelle is available to purchase here on our website.

Contrelle is also available at Boots.com and Stressnomore.co.uk.

Delivery, Shipping & Returns

We aim to despatch all orders within 3 working days. For any further delivery questions please call 0330 229 2160

To change or cancel your order please call our Customer Helpline on 0330 229 2160 or email info@contrelle.com. Please read our terms and conditions of sale.

We want you to be completely happy with your purchase. If you believe your items have been delivered in error, are damaged or faulty, please contact our Customer Service team on 0330 229 2160.

If Contrelle has been delivered damaged or faulty you may return it to us for investigation, Viveca Biomed will pay for the return postage.

Please contact us on 0330 229 2160 to report this and obtain a returns reference, returns form and shipment label.

We will investigate all returns and you will be kept informed of the progress of any investigation.

Where we find the product to be faulty or not as described a full refund will be provided including any delivery charges that were added to your order. Your legal rights in relation to faulty or not as described goods, and your statutory rights, will not be affected provided the product in question is returned to us.

Please read our terms and conditions of sale.

Trouble shooting

If the device is slipping

  • Use a water-based lubricant on at the vaginal opening rather than on the product. Make sure you only use water-based lubricants.
  • Try a larger or alternative size.
  • Try inserting the product slightly higher.
  • If using vaginal oestrogen cream, gel or suppository, wait a few hours prior to inserting the device.

If you are struggling with comfort

  • Try sitting on the toilet and inhaling to relax the pelvic floor muscles during insertion.
  • Use a water-based lubricant.
  • Ensure you have started with the smallest size.

If the device is not working

  • Draw the device slightly lower so that it sits only just above the pelvic floor muscles and is not pushed in as far as a tampon.
  • Try inserting the device slightly deeper.
  • Try a larger or alternative size.
Copyright © 2021 Vivica Biomed ®, All rights reserved. MKT-0002-01 June 2021.