InterStim

Even simple activities can be challenging when your bladder isn’t working as it should. Maybe you are dealing with:

• Urinary urgency
• Frequent bathroom trips
• Difficulty fully emptying your bladder

Living with symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB), urge incontinence, or non-obstructive urinary retention is difficult.

For many people, lifestyle changes and medications don’t provide enough relief. Medication may also cause unwanted side effects. In these cases, InterStim therapy may be the best treatment choice.

InterStim is a treatment that helps correct faulty nerve signals between your brain and bladder. InterStim gently stimulates the sacral nerves that manage urinary function. This can improve bladder control, reduce symptoms, and help you return to daily life with fewer interruptions.

Your bladder relies on a complex system of nerves to operate.

The sacral nerves, located near the base of your spine, communicate with your brain. These nerves signal when your bladder is full and help coordinate urination. If that communication breaks down, your body may send or miss messages. Disrupted signals can lead to:

• Strong, sudden urges to urinate
• Going to the bathroom more than 8 times a day
• Leaking urine before you can get to a restroom or urge incontinence
• Incomplete bladder emptying
• Urinary retention

InterStim helps correct this problem at its source.

It uses a small device to send mild electrical pulses to the sacral nerves, essentially retraining the signals between your bladder and brain. This process, known as sacral neuromodulation, can significantly reduce bladder symptoms.

InterStim therapy is designed for people who have not found relief through conservative treatments. The treatment is FDA-approved for a couple of urology conditions, including:

• Overactive bladder, with or without incontinence.
• Urinary retention that isn’t caused by a blockage.

To determine if you are a candidate, your doctor will review your:

• Medical history
• Symptom patterns
• Treatment responses

A complete assessment will establish whether InterStim might be right for you.

InterStim treatment begins with a trial period. That way, you can experience the therapy’s benefits before making a long-term decision. This two-step process gives you time to evaluate how well it works for you.

Step 1: An Evaluation or Trial Phase

The first step is a short outpatient procedure to place a thin wire, called a lead, near the sacral nerves. This wire connects to a small external device you wear discreetly at your waist. Over the next 3 to 7 days, you’ll track your bladder symptoms to see how they respond to stimulation.

People typically notice a difference quickly. A successful trial is often defined as at least 50% improvement in symptoms like urgency, frequency, or leakage. If you see meaningful relief, you and your doctor may decide to proceed with a long-term implant.

Step 2: Permanent Implant

The permanent InterStim device is placed during a short outpatient procedure. Your doctor will number the area using local anesthesia. They will then implant the device just under the skin in your upper buttock. The InterStim device is small and is designed to blend into your daily life without getting in the way.

Most people resume normal activities within a few days, with minor restrictions during recovery. You’ll have follow-up visits to:

• Activate the device
• Adjust settings
• Monitor your progress

Most people report significant symptom improvements after the device is implanted and activated. Some initially notice a mild tingling sensation, which usually fades with time.

The device’s stimulation levels are fully adjustable via a remote. This allows your doctor to fine-tune settings for your comfort and symptom control. You’ll also have access to an app to control the settings and view your personal stats. This feature gives you more control over your therapy and helps maintain your results long-term.

With proper follow-up and adjustments, InterStim therapy can offer years of relief, freeing you from the daily disruptions of urinary problems.

There are currently two device options. Both offer full therapy benefits with slightly different maintenance needs. Listed below are some key differences.

InterStim II – Recharge-Free

• Designed for people who prefer not to manage a charging routine.
• No weekly maintenance or recharging needed.
• The battery typically lasts 5 to 7 years, after which it can be replaced during a short procedure.

InterStim Micro – Rechargeable

• Smaller, lighter, and more discreet than InterStim II.
• The battery lasts up to 15 years with regular recharging.
• Recharged weekly using a belt device worn for about 20 minutes.

Both versions are MRI-safe under specific guidelines. Your doctor will explain these before imaging is done.

InterStim is more than symptom management. It offers a way to restore comfort and control to your day. People often say they feel less anxious about finding restrooms, sleep better, and are able to enjoy activities without fear of leaks or urgency.

Benefits include:

• Long-term symptom relief
• Reduced need for medication
• Personalized, adjustable treatment
• Discreet design that fits your lifestyle
• Reversible at any time

If bladder symptoms are interfering with your life and previous treatments haven’t worked, it may be time to explore InterStim therapy. A consultation with a urologist can help determine if you’re a candidate and provide more details about the process.

1. How does InterStim differ from medications for OAB?

Medications often target bladder muscles and may cause side effects like dry mouth, constipation, or dizziness. InterStim works by regulating nerve signals. It treats the underlying cause of bladder miscommunication without systemic side effects.

2. What if the device doesn’t help me?

The trial phase helps determine whether the therapy is likely to work before implantation. If the full implant doesn’t meet your expectations later on, it can be turned off or removed. No permanent changes are made to your body.