RESOURCES AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Find the answers you need about therapies that can help you experience life-changing relief.
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.
WHERE WILL YOUR JOURNEY TAKE YOU?
Get a quick overview of how life-changing relief can happen — and how we support you throughout your journey.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BLADDER CONTROL THERAPY DELIVERED BY THE INTERSTIMTM SYSTEM
Q: What is Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy delivered by the InterStimTM 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 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 InterStimTM system has risks similar to any surgical procedure, including swelling, bruising, bleeding, and infection. Talk with your doctor about ways to minimize 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.†,3,4 Your experience may 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.
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. It is clinically superior to oral medication.†,2 And unlike injections, it doesn’t require self-catheterization 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, InterStimTM therapy has been used to treat bladder control problems in hundreds of thousands of patients around the world.
Q: Will insurance cover the costs?
A: Medicare and many private insurance companies cover this therapy. Talk to your doctor to learn more about your insurance coverage.
REAL PEOPLE, REAL RELIEF
Hear from people who have successfully reduced their symptoms with help from Medtronic bladder control therapy.
READ PATIENT STORIESRESOURCES
FOR PEOPLE EXPLORING MEDTRONIC BLADDER CONTROL THERAPIES
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Bladder control problems affect millions of people. But relief is closer than you think.
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*
With the InterStimTM system, restored bladder function is defined as a 50% or greater reduction in your troublesome bladder symptoms.
†
The most common adverse events experienced during clinical studies included pain at implant sites, new pain, lead migration, infection, technical or device problems, adverse change in bowel or voiding function, and undesirable stimulation or sensations. Any of these may require additional surgery or cause return of symptoms.
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
Medtronic InterStim Clinical Data Summary (2018)
Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.