Is InterStim™ Therapy Right for You?

Your doctor will help you to determine if sacral neuromodulation (InterStim Therapy) is right for you. This treatment is designed to reduce bladder and bowel symptoms for people who suffer from overactive bladder, urinary retention, fecal incontinence or constipation. 

InterStim Therapy may be a good option for people who have not been helped by standard treatments or who could not tolerate them.

Trial Assessment

A trial assessment can be performed to see how well InterStim Therapy can help with your bladder and/or bowel problems. This procedure uses an external test stimulator together with a test lead that is inserted during a simple procedure in your doctor's surgery or operating room. 

Throughout the trial assessment period, you will keep track of your bladder and/or bowel symptoms in a special diary. If your symptoms are greatly reduced or eliminated during the test period, you may benefit from long-term use of InterStim Therapy. 

With long-term use, a neurostimulator is implanted under your skin, in your upper buttocks, so that you do not need to wear it on a belt and can resume your regular activities. Your doctor will discuss this operation with you and explain what happens next.

Will It Eliminate Your Symptoms?

The results of sacral neuromodulation vary from person to person. This treatment option is not a cure for bladder or bowel problems: symptoms will come back if the treatment is stopped for some time. But, many people experience a significant benefit immediately and in the long run.

Section Navigation

• Getting InterStim™ Therapy
• Is It Right for You?
• Surgery: What to Expect

Additional information