Learn How InterStim Can Remedy Your Urinary Incontinence

Depending on the severity and underlying cause of your incontinence or bladder control issues, conservative treatments, such as medication and behavior modification, may not be enough.

If you struggle to manage your symptoms effectively, you may be a good candidate for InterStim™, a type of neuromodulation therapy.

Ahmad Kasraeian, MD, and Ali Kasraeian, MD, offer neuromodulation therapy for urinary incontinence at Kasraeian Urology. Neuromodulation therapy is an advanced treatment that can improve how your brain communicates with the nerves that control your bladder function.

How InterStim therapy works

Your sacral nerves control and regulate your bladder. If they’re damaged, this can lead to incontinence, because the signals between your brain and your bladder can get mixed up. If your brain receives a signal at the wrong time, it can lead to an unneeded urge to urinate. The FDA-approved InterStim system aims to improve communication along the sacral nerves by introducing electrical stimulation.

Nerve damage can result from a number of underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, a nervous system disorder, a spinal injury, an infection, or childbirth.

The process for getting an implant

The InterStim system consists of a neurostimulator and an electrode — both of which are implanted in the lower back with small incisions — and a wireless remote control. The neurostimulator sends the signals to the electrode, and the electrode stimulates the sacral nerves. The external wireless device allows you to adjust the signal level and turn the system on and off.

You’ll be placed under anesthesia for your procedure, which is performed on an outpatient basis and typically takes about an hour. Unlike other surgical treatments, you can take InterStim for a test run to see if it’s right for you before making a long-term commitment. The initial evaluation period spans 3-14 days, in which time you can go about your normal routine and track your symptoms to see if there are noticeable improvements in your urge, control and frequency.

Who can benefit from InterStim therapy

InterStim is recommended for men and women suffering from significant overactive bladder symptoms. Drs. Ahmad and Ali Kasraeian typically recommend neuromodulation therapy at Kasraeian Urology when more conservative treatments, such as medication, have failed to significantly improve symptoms.

While InterStim is not a cure for urinary incontinence, it may help you get more control over your bladder and reduce urgency and frequency, so you can worry less and focus on enjoying your life.

For more information about InterStim and the other treatment options available, book an appointment over the phone with Kasraeian Urology today.