Most people feel uncomfortable discussing bladder control problems with their friends, family and doctor. But if you suffer from any of the symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB), you’re not alone. More than 33 million Americans deal with OAB, defined as urgency frequency and urge incontinence. InterStim therapy is a treatment option available for OAB.
What is InterStim therapy?
InterStim therapy is a reversible therapy used to treat urinary incontinence, frequency and incomplete bladder emptying. An implantable device is used and sends mild electrical pulses to the sacral nerves. Located near the tailbone, the sacral nerves control the bladder and the muscles related to urinary function. If the brain and sacral nerves don’t communicate correctly, the nerves can’t tell the bladder to function properly. This communication problem can lead to symptoms of overactive bladder.
What types of bladder control problems does InterStim therapy help?
- Urge Incontinence: loss of urine when you feel a strong need to go to the bathroom.
- Urinary retention: Not being able to empty the bladder and having to use a catheter to empty.
- Urgency, frequency: feeling like the bladder is not emptying, passing only small amounts of urine and urinating frequently.
How do I know if InterStim Therapy is right for me?
Your health care provider can help make this decision and may recommend that you try InterStim Therapy temporarily to see if it helps your symptoms. This is called test stimulation. Interstim is only offered to patients who have tried medications and behavioral changes and
have not responded well or can’t tolerate these treatments.
Where can I learn more about the Medtronic InsterStim Device?
We are available to answer any questions you may have. You may also learn more at www.medtronic.com.
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