Your browser is out of date

With an updated browser, you will have a better Medtronic website experience. Update my browser now.

×

Skip to main content

REAL PEOPLE,  REAL RELIEF 

Hear from people who have successfully reduced their symptoms with help from Medtronic bladder control therapy.

READ PATIENT STORIES

SPEAK WITH SOMEONE WHO UNDERSTANDS 

Connect with people who have experienced life-changing relief with Medtronic bladder control therapy.

REQUEST A CALL

DISCOVER  LIFE WITHOUT LIMITS

Get our e-newsletter for success stories and tips for managing and treating your condition.

SIGN UP NOW
Older woman with glasses in a yellow cardigan, blue shirt and scarf looks at the camera

DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT BLADDER CONTROL THERAPIES?

You’re not alone. You’re taking the right steps to get the relief you seek, but it’s only natural to want to know every detail before getting started. You can find everything you need to know, right here.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BLADDER CONTROL THERAPY DELIVERED BY THE INTERSTIMTM SYSTEMs

Q: What is Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy delivered by the InterStim system?

A: This therapy targets the nerves that control your bladder to help it function normally again.

Q: How does it work?

A: Medtronic bladder control therapy delivered by the InterStim™ system restores* bladder function by gently stimulating the sacral nerves.

Q: Why does it treat the sacral nerves?

A: It's thought that bladder control problems are caused by miscommunication between the brain and the sacral nerves, which control the bladder and muscles involved in urination.1

Q: What are the possible benefits of this therapy?

A: With this therapy, you may experience fewer trips to the bathroom, fewer accidents, and more confidence as you get back to the activities you enjoy.2

Q: What are the potential side effects or complications?

A: Implanting an InterStim system has risks similar to any surgical procedure, including swelling, bruising, bleeding, and infection. Talk with your doctor about ways to minimise these risks.

Q: Will this therapy cure my condition?

A: No. It can be effective, but it's not a cure. If the neurostimulator is turned off or removed, symptoms can return.

Q: How long does the relief last?

A: This therapy significantly reduced symptoms of OAB and non-obstructive urinary retention in people treated for 5 years.†,5,6 Each patients experience will be different.

Q: What does the stimulation feel like?

A: Most people describe it as a slight pulling, tingling, or fluttering sensation in the pelvic area. It should not be painful. Stimulation settings can be adjusted, and sensations will vary from person to person.

Q: WHY IS THIS THERAPY DIFFERENT FROM OTHER OPTIONS?

A: You can try it before you decide, and it’s reversible if you change your mind later. †,2-4 And unlike injections, it doesn’t require self-catheterisation or repeated treatment visits.

Q: WILL I BE ABLE TO GET AN MRI WITH THE IMPLANTABLE DEVICE?

A: Getting an MRI head scan may be possible under specific conditions.

Q: How long has this therapy been around?

A: Since its approval in 1997, InterStim therapy has been used to treat bladder control problems in hundreds of thousands of patients around the world.

 

INTERESTED IN EXPLORING OTHER OPTIONS FOR BLADDER CONTROL?

RESOURCES

FOR PEOPLE EXPLORING MEDTRONIC BLADDER CONTROL THERAPIES

pdf Bladder Symptom Tracker (.pdf)

Record your symptoms to help your doctor understand your condition.

191KB

pdf Bladder Care Pathway (.pdf)

The Bladder care pathway helps you understand all of the treatment options available for bladder control problems.

201KB

pdf Bladder Symptom Questionnaire (.pdf)

Fill in this questionnaire to identify your bladder control symptoms, and discuss the results with your doctor to learn more.

70KB

pdf Bladder Control Patient Brochure (.pdf)

Discover more about your bladder control options with your healthcare professional with this Bladder Control Patient education brochure.

685KB

START YOUR Journey

Bladder control problems affect millions of people. But relief is closer than you think.

SEE THE STEPS
Female Medtronic bladder control doctor who specializes in the InterStim system.

TALK TO A BLADDER CONTROL EXPERT

Speak with a doctor in your community who can help you find the right treatment.

FIND A SPECIALIST
*

With the InterStim™ systems, restored bladder function is defined as a 50% or greater reduction in your troublesome bladder symptoms.

In addition to risks related to surgery, complications can include pain at the implant sites, new pain, infection, lead (thin wire) movement/migration, device problems, undesirable changes in urinary or bowel function, and uncomfortable stimulation (sometimes described as a jolting or shocking feeling).Talk with your doctor about ways to minimize these risks.

Under certain conditions.

1

Leng WW, Morrisroe SN. Sacral nerve stimulation for the overactive bladder. Urol Clin N Am. 2006;33:491–501.

2

Siegel S, Noblett K, Mangel J, et al. Results of a prospective, randomized, multicenter study evaluating sacral neuromodulation with InterStim® Therapy compared to standard medical therapy at 6-months in subjects with mild symptoms of overactive bladder. Neurourol Urodyn. 2015;34:224–230. DOI: 10.1002/nau.22544

3

Siegel S, Noblett K, Mangel J, et al. Five-year follow-up results of a prospective, multicenter study of patients with overactive bladder treated with sacral neuromodulation. The Journal of Urology 2018;Volume 199(1), 229–236.

4

Van Kerrebroeck P, et al. Results of sacral neuromodulation therapy for urinary voiding dysfunction: outcomes of a prospective, worldwide clinical study. Journal of Urology. 2007;178:2029-2034.

5

Siegel S, Noblett K, Mangel J, et al. Results of a prospective, randomized, multicenter study evaluating sacral neuromodulation with InterStim® Therapy compared to standard medical therapy at 6-months in subjects with mild symptoms of overactive bladder. Neurourol Urodyn. 2015;34:224–230.