Frequently Asked Questions About Poise® Impressa®

Designed for the temporary management of Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) in women, Impressa® Bladder Supports are a non-absorbent, removable product that helps stop bladder leaks before they happen. Available over the counter, Impressa® Bladder Supports are inserted into the vagina like a tampon to gently lift and give support to the urethra. This added support to the urethra helps prevent urine from leaking.

For starters, Impressa® Bladder Supports are the first over-the-counter internal product in the U.S. cleared by the FDA for the temporary management of Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI). There are a few other qualities that make Impressa® unique compared to other products:

• Impressa® comes in three sizes for a more comfortable, personalized internal fit.
• Impressa® is non-surgical and easy to use — you can insert and remove it yourself.
• Impressa® is soft and flexible — which helps with easy insertion and comfort while you wear it.
• Impressa® is disposable — that means no worrying about washing the bladder support; just remove it and throw it in the trash. Do not flush the bladder support.

Impressa® Bladder Supports are designed to help stop leaks comfortably and conveniently.

The Soft-Flex* core design comes in three sizes for a personalized internal fit.

The smooth plastic applicator has a rounded tip for comfortable insertion.

Once inserted, the soft, flexible bladder support adjusts to provide the gentle support you need.

When the right size Impressa® Bladder Support is properly inserted, you may not feel it. Any discomfort when using the bladder supports should be temporary and go away after you have found the right size for you. If discomfort or small blood spots on the product continue after the first 14 days of usage, stop using the bladder supports and consult your doctor.

It's important to remember that Impressa® Bladder Supports help prevent leaks - they do not absorb leaks. Impressa® comes in an applicator and is inserted into the vagina the same way as a tampon, but works very differently. Impressa® Bladder Supports do not absorb, catch, or hold urine, rather the product gently presses against and supports the urethra. This provides the added lift the urethra may need to stop the flow of urine that might otherwise leak out when you sneeze, cough, laugh or exercise. Impressa® will continue to support the urethra until the string is pulled for removal.

Impressa® Bladder Supports are easy to use. Start with the Sizing Kit and follow the directions to find the right size for you. Impressa® comes in an applicator like a tampon and is inserted into the vagina the same way to gently lift and give support to the urethra.

To view step-by-step instructions on how to use Impressa®, download the Instructions for Use booklet.

Impressa® Bladder Supports are the first over-the-counter internal product in the U.S. cleared by the FDA for the temporary management of Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI). Designed to reduce or stop urine leakage in women with SUI, Impressa® comes in three different sizes to adapt to your unique internal shape. Once you find the right size for you with the Impressa® Sizing Kit, your leaks may decrease or even stop. Of course, results will be different for every woman, as Impressa® can reduce leakage in some, stop leakage in others and may not work for some.

Impressa® comes in an applicator like a tampon and is inserted into the vagina the same way as a tampon. But that’s where the similarities end. The key difference is that, unlike a tampon, Impressa® does not absorb fluids — it supports your bladder and urethra to help stop leaks before they happen. And because Impressa® is helping prevent leaks – not absorbing them — you can wear it without worrying about having to change it frequently like you would a tampon. It’s important to note that you should absolutely not use Impressa® while you’re on your period.

Learn more about Poise® Impressa® Bladder Supports.

Designed for the temporary management of Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) in women, Impressa® Bladder Supports are a non-absorbent, removable product that helps stop bladder leaks before they happen. Available over the counter, Impressa® Bladder Supports are inserted into the vagina like a tampon to gently lift and give support to the urethra. This added support to the urethra helps prevent urine from leaking.

The Soft-Flex* core of Impressa® is made from flexible, medical-grade silicone, surrounded with a soft, non-absorbent polypropylene covering for easy, comfortable insertion and removal. Each bladder support comes in a smooth plastic applicator and has a polyester and rayon string.

Using Impressa Bladder Supports should not strengthen or weaken your bladder muscles. Impressa is designed to help women with the temporary management of Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI).

It's important to remember that Impressa® Bladder Supports sizes are not related to the amount you leak, how much you weigh or how tall you are. The three sizes each offer a different level of support, and the size you need will depend on the physical size and shape of your vagina, as well as the amount of support or gentle pressure your urethra needs to help stop leaks. Size 1 has a base width of 1.5 inches; Size 2 and 3 have a base width of 2.0 inches. While Size 2 and 3 have the same width dimensions, Size 3 provides the most support.

Finding your right size is easy with the Impressa® Sizing Kit. To get started, try Size 1. If the bladder support feels comfortable and you experience little or no leakage, then Size 1 is right for you. If you feel comfortable but still experience leakage, continue to try the next size. Once you find your fit, go on wearing the size that's right for you. It's that simple.

Impressa® Bladder Supports are available in three sizes, each with a different level of support. Selecting the right size by using the Sizing Kit is important for providing the most effective and comfortable solution that helps stop your leaks from happening.

Available in:

Size: 1

Support: Low

Size: 2

Support: Medium

Size: 3

Support: High

Impressa® Bladder Supports have the same size applicator because "size" refers to the soft, flexible bladder support inside the applicator. All bladder supports fit in the same size applicator.

Stopping leaks before they happen begins with the Impressa® Sizing Kit. Impressa® comes in three different sizes, and finding the right size has nothing to do with the amount you leak or the size of your jeans — it's about finding your best internal fit. Every kit includes two bladder supports in each size to help you find the most comfortable and effective solution. The sizing experience will be different for every woman. Some will find their size quickly, and others may need to try all three to find their perfect fit.

No. Remember that Impressa® Bladder Supports sizes are not related to the amount you leak, how much you weigh, or how tall you are. Because Impressa® is inserted into the vagina, it's more about what's going on inside your body. To determine what size is right for you, start with the Impressa® Sizing Kit.

We offer a Sizing Kit at select retailers online so you can try Poise® Impressa® Bladder Supports today. We do not offer samples because it is important to first find the right fit for you with the Impressa® Sizing Kit.

The cost varies by retailer. Typically, an Impressa® Sizing Kit costs up to $6.99, while a Single-Size Pack of size 1, 2 or 3 costs up to $13.99.

Impressa® Bladder Supports are available online only throughout the United States and Canada. Find your Impressa® retailer here.

Yes. Impressa® Bladder Supports are designed to give you a safe, convenient and discreet alternative to absorbing your leaks. Impressa® is the first over-the-counter internal product in the U.S. cleared by the FDA for the temporary management of Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI). It’s also been tested by gynecologists. Some women may experience side effects including mild vaginal spotting or discomfort. If you have previously had issues using tampon-like devices, or if you have specific questions about if Impressa® is right for you, ask a health care provider before using Impressa®.

Impressa® won't cure your Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI), but it can definitely change your life by offering prevention that helps stop your leaks before they happen. And while it won't strengthen your pelvic muscles, it won't make them weaker either. Designed to help you temporarily manage your SUI, Impressa® simply gives you the freedom to go about your day without worrying about uninvited leaks, changing bulky pads or embarrassing odor.

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare but serious disease that can cause death if your doctor does not treat it right away. Increased risk of TSS is associated with products worn in the vagina. However, an association with use of Impressa® Bladder Supports and TSS has not been established.

Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) and genital prolapse are the most significant consequences of childbirth and occur because of changes to the pelvic floor and muscles. The increase in bladder leaks during pregnancy is common, and vaginal deliveries have a high rate of postpartum SUI because of their impact on the pelvic floor.

Poise® Impressa® Bladder Supports can be a great help for these changes because they help prevent leaks by gently lifting and supporting the urethra (the passage that allows urine to leave the bladder) to help stop urine from coming out. Because of this design, Impressa® typically will not increase postpartum leaks or leaks caused by other factors such as obesity, ethnicity, or multiple vaginal deliveries. It's a good idea to visit your health care provider if your bladder leaks seem to be getting more severe.

No, a prescription is not needed to use Impressa® Bladder Supports. Impressa® Bladder Supports are the first over-the-counter internal product in the U.S. cleared by the FDA for the temporary management of Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI). For more information, please download the Instructions for Use booklet.

You can wear Impressa® Bladder Supports for up to 12 hours every day. It can be worn any time of day or night — as long as that time does not exceed 12 hours in a 24-hour time period. It's important to note, however, that Impressa® should not be worn while you are on your period.

Although a prescription is not needed and Impressa® Bladder Supports are available over the counter, you may want to ask a doctor before using if you:

• Have pain during intercourse or when inserting a tampon or tampon-like device (this could be an atrophic vagina)
• Often experience difficulty in retaining a tampon or tampon-like device (this could be a vaginal prolapse)

You should also consult your health care provider if you try Impressa® and experience discomfort or it does not reduce your bladder leakage after using for 14 days. You may not have Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI), but a different type of incontinence that requires different treatment.

To learn more about consulting a health care professional, download the Instructions for Use booklet.

In clinical research, women have reported a few mild and temporary side effects when using Impressa® Bladder Supports  for the first few times. These symptoms typically did not last more than 14 days. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should remove the bladder support immediately and consult your health care provider. Possible Side Effects:

• Small blood spots on the product
• Mild discomfort
• Vaginal soreness
• Urinary tract infections
• Vaginal infections
• Increased bladder leakage

The rate of urinary and vaginal infections that have been reported while using Impressa® is similar to what is found in the general population. To view additional guidelines for using Impressa® Bladder Supports, download the Instructions for Use booklet.

While Impressa® Bladder Supports are designed to help most women with Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI), there are some women who should NOT use it, including those who:

• Are under the age of 21
• Are pregnant, may become pregnant or have given birth in the past 3 months
• Have experienced unusual or unexpected vaginal bleeding within the last 6 months>
• Have pain or a burning sensation when you urinate (this could be a urinary tract infection)
• Are experiencing vaginal discharge that smells bad, irritation, soreness or itching (this could be a vaginal infection)
• Had vaginal surgery within the past 3 months
• Have already been diagnosed by your doctor with a severely dry (atrophic) vagina

To view additional guidelines for using Impressa® Bladder Supports, download the Instructions for Use booklet.

Definitely. Go running. Go swimming. Go biking. Play tennis. Whatever way you like to exercise, do it. Impressa® Bladder Supports are designed to offer discrete, comfortable protection that stays in place, so you can have the freedom to continue your daily activities without having to worry about unexpected leaks.

Yes. Because Impressa® Bladder Supports do not block the urethra — they provide added support to help prevent accidental leaks — it is not necessary to remove the bladder support before going to the bathroom. Impressa® will not stop you from urinating and it should not move or fall out during bowel movements, so go ahead and use the bathroom as you normally do while wearing Impressa®.

No. Impressa® Bladder Supports are disposable and can be used one time only. Once removed, simply throw the bladder support into the trash — do not flush it.

Yes, you can apply a water-based lubricant, if needed, to the rounded tip of the applicator for more comfortable insertion.

No. Impressa® Bladder Supports are designed specifically for women with Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) symptoms — meaning they leak urine when they laugh, cough, sneeze, dance, or exercise. If you have Urge Urinary Incontinence (UUI) — or a sudden need or rush to urinate — or experience both kinds of urine leaks (Mixed Urinary Incontinence), Impressa® is NOT for you.

If you’re someone who has struggled with bladder leakage for a long time, your disbelief about regaining confidence is completely understandable. You’ve grown so accustomed to anticipating leaks that you may feel anxious just thinking about them. But you’d be surprised how positive reinforcement can alter your thought patterns, especially when you start using a product like Poise® Impressa® Bladder Supports. When our bodies experience consistent and repeated feedback – "yes, leaks can be prevented" – our mindset begins to shift. Instead of anticipating loss of control, we start to believe we can maintain it. Reliability and consistency when it comes to avoiding bladder leaks goes a long way to help rebuild confidence.

If you're still experiencing bladder leaks (Stress Urinary Incontinence) three months after delivery, you can try Poise® Impressa® Bladder Supports to help prevent leaks.

Up to 30% of new mothers report Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) three months after delivery. Although pelvic floor muscles can be strengthened with exercises to reduce bladder leaks, deliveries can still have a large impact on the pelvic floor. These symptoms should be discussed with a health care provider who will make sure your bladder leakage is reassessed a few months after you start using Impressa®. You do not need a prescription for Poise^® Impressa^® Bladder Supports, but your healthcare provider can answer any questions about whether or not Impressa® is right for you. If you do decide to manage your SUI with Impressa®, be sure to start with the Sizing Kit to find your most effective and comfortable internal fit.

Simply throw it in the trash. Impressa® Bladder Supports are not flushable, recyclable, biodegradable, or compostable — so all parts (the wrapper, applicator and bladder support) should be discarded in the trash.

Yes. Because the Impressa® Bladder Supports is inserted into the vagina, you'll need to remove it before sexual intercourse.

Impressa® Bladder Supports are designed for women over the age of 21 with Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI), which means you could leak urine when you laugh, cough, dance, sneeze, exercise or lift heavy things.

Once you find the size that helps stop your leaks and you get used to wearing Impressa® Bladder Supports, a pad or liner should not be necessary. However, until you find the size that feels comfortable and helps stop your leaks, you may still choose to wear an incontinence pad or incontinence liners. Remember, Impressa® Bladder Supports can reduce leakage in some women, stop leakage in others and may not work for some.