UrInControl: Over-the-Counter Pessary for Stress Urinary Incontinence in Females
Program:
Biomedical Engineering
Project Description:
Stress Urinary Incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine upon physical exertion, such as coughing, sneezing, and laughing. It affects one in three females in the US, and risk factors include age, physical activity, pregnancy, and obesity. Despite its high prevalence, less than 45% of affected individuals seek treatment, often due to societal stigma. A common treatment option is a pessary, which is an orthotic device inserted into the vagina to support the urethra and bladder neck, preventing unwanted leakage. However, traditional pessaries require specialized fittings, have limited sizing options, and are difficult to insert and remove. Our device, the Tampessary, is a reusable, over-the-counter pessary that combines the familiar design of tampons with a novel expansion mechanism, effectively providing urethral support without the need for specialized fittings. By offering a sustainable, discreet and accessible solution, the Tampessary empowers females to take control of their health and well-being.
Team Members
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Kathy Liu (Team Leader)
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Alex Chao
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Elizabeth Kim
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Nina Nair
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Michelle Lu
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Lily Liu
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Aadit Walia
Project Mentors, Sponsors, and Partners
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Lola Oyebefun, DPT
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Marisa Clifton, MD
