Resources & FAQs

A: Research suggests that bladder and bowel control problems may be caused by miscommunication between the brain and the sacral nerves that are responsible for controlling bladder and bowel function^1,2,3.

A. Yes, the evaluation phase is reversible: the stimulation can be switched off at any time and the electrodes removed permanently, if necessary.

A: In addition to risks related to surgery, complications can include pain at the implant site, 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 to your doctor about ways to minimize these risks.

A: The life of a device is impacted by many things, including device settings, placement, and other factors. Under expected therapy settings the InterStim™ Micro device can last up to 15 years and the InterStim X™ device can last around 10 years.^†

A: You can try it before you decide, and it's reversible if you change your mind later. For bladder and bowel control, the InterStim™ systems deliver sacral neuromodulation (SNM) therapy that has been shown to be more effective than medications for overactive bladder (OAB)^4,‡. And unlike botox injections, this therapy doesn’t potentially require self-catheterization or repeated injections within 12 months⁵.

A: You can have a full-body^§ MRI scan if certain conditions are met. Your clinician can provide more details about these conditions, as well as safety information.

A: Since its approval in 1997 for overactive bladder and 2011 for fecal incontinence, the InterStim™ system has been used to treat these problems in more than 400,000 patients worldwide⁶.

A. Normally, you are not limited in your activities. You should, however, avoid activities that involve bending, twisting, jumping, or stretching abruptly, excessively or repetitively, especially immediately after surgery. These movements could damage the implanted electrode, displace it or damage the neuromodulator implanted. Contact your doctor if you have any concerns or questions about these or other activities.