FAQ and resources

For bladder and bowel symptoms

Find the answers you need about sacral neuromodulation therapy from Medtronic with devices that can help you experience life-changing relief.

Get answers 

About treating bladder control and bowel control problems

If you’re suffering from bladder or bowel problems, you’re not alone. In fact, studies show one in six adults suffers from overactive bladder (OAB),1 and one in twelve have reported symptoms of fecal incontinence (FI).2,3

You’re taking the right steps to get the relief you seek, but it’s only natural to want to know more before getting started. You can find more information to help you make a decision. 

Are you a candidate for
InterStim™ therapy?

Answer a few short questions and find out if sacral neuromodulation may be a fit.

FAQ about bladder and bowel control therapy

Delivered by the InterStim™ sacral neuromodulation system

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Q: What is Medtronic bladder and bowel control therapy delivered by the InterStim™ system?

Q: How does InterStim™ sacral neuromodulation system work?

Q: Why does the InterStim™ system target the sacral nerves?

Q: What are the benefits of the InterStim™ system?

Q: What are the risks of the InterStim™ system?

Q: Will this therapy cure my condition?

Q: How long does the device last?

Q: What does the stimulation feel like?

Q: Why is this therapy different from other advanced options?

Q: Will I be able to get an MRI with the implantable device?

Q: How long has the InterStim™ system been available?

Q: Will insurance cover costs related to the InterStim™ system?

Q: I have more questions. How can I contact Medtronic?

Resources

Contact us

Have more questions?
Don’t hesitate to reach out.

Patient services specialist:
(800) 510-6735

Find a doctor

Ambassador program

Medtronic Ambassadors are people who have volunteered to talk to prospective patients about their personal experience with a specific Medtronic therapy.

The Medtronic Ambassador Program is not intended to offer medical advice or to replace a conversation with a physician. For medical or technical questions, contact your licensed physician or healthcare professional.

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.

*

Restoration of function is defined as a 50 percent or greater reduction in your troublesome bladder or bowel symptoms from baseline.

Under expected therapy settings and telemetry use

Anticholinergic/antimuscarinic medication.

§

Under certain conditions; see approved labeling for details. Patients with InterStim™ SureScan™ MRI leads only.

1

Stewart WF, Van Rooyen JB, Cundiff GW, et al. Prevalence and burden of overactive bladder in the United States. World J Urol. 2003;20(6):327–336.

2

Whitehead WE, Borrud L, Goode PS, et al. Fecal incontinence in US adults: epidemiology and risk factors. Gastroenterol. 2009;137(2):512–517.

3

Ditah I, Devaki P, Luma HN et al. Prevalence, trends, and risk factors for fecal incontinence in United States adults, 2005-2010. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2014;12:636–643.

4

Griffiths D, Derbyshire S, Stenger A, Resnick N. Brain control of normal and overactive bladder. J Urol. 2005;174:1862–1867. 

5

Patton V, Wiklendt L, Arkwright JW, et al. The effect of sacral nerve stimulation on distal colonic motility in patients with fecal incontinence. Br J Surg. 2013;100(7):959–968.

6

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

7

Chancellor MB, Chartier-Kastler EJ. Principles of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) for the treatment of bladder and urethral sphincter dysfunctions. Neuromod. 2000;3(1):15–26.

8

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. J Urol. 2018;199(1), 229–236. 

9

Medtronic InterStim™ therapy clinical summary (2018).

10

Hull T, Giese C, Wexner SD, et al. Long-term durability of sacral nerve stimulation therapy for chronic fecal incontinence. Dis Colon Rectum. 2013; 56(2):234–245.

11

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 six months in subjects with mild symptoms of overactive bladder. Neurourol Urodyn. 2015;34:224–230. 

12

Yeaw J, Benner J, Walt JG et al. Comparing adherence and persistence across 6 chronic medication classes. J Manag Care Pharm. 2009:15(9):724–736.