Overactive bladder (OAB) and urinary incontinence are common conditions that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Fortunately, advancements in medical technology have led to the development of innovative treatments like InterStim therapy. This cutting-edge treatment offers hope and relief for individuals struggling with these conditions.
Understanding Overactive Bladder and Urinary Incontinence
Before diving into the treatment, let’s briefly explore OAB and urinary incontinence to understand the challenges they present:
- Overactive Bladder (OAB): OAB is a condition characterized by a frequent and urgent need to urinate. It may be accompanied by sudden and uncontrollable bladder contractions, resulting in urinary urgency and, in some cases, involuntary leakage.
- Urinary Incontinence: Urinary incontinence refers to the involuntary loss of urine. It can manifest in different forms, such as stress incontinence (leakage during physical activities or sneezing), urge incontinence (sudden strong urges followed by leakage), or a combination of both.
These conditions can significantly impact one’s daily activities, social interactions and emotional well-being, leading to embarrassment, anxiety and a diminished quality of life.
Introducing InterStim Therapy
InterStim therapy, also known as sacral neuromodulation, is an FDA-approved treatment that offers new hope for individuals suffering from OAB and urinary incontinence. This therapy involves the implantation of a small device that delivers mild electrical impulses to the sacral nerves, which control bladder function. The goal is to restore normal bladder control and reduce the frequency of urgency and leakage episodes.
How Does It Work?
The InterStim system consists of two main components:
- Neurostimulator: A small, battery-powered device implanted under the skin in the upper buttock area. It generates electrical impulses and sends them to the sacral nerves, helping to modulate bladder function.
- Lead Wires: Thin wires are placed near the sacral nerves, allowing the neurostimulator to communicate with the nerves effectively.
The InterStim device is programmed by a healthcare professional, who tailors the settings to the individual’s specific needs. The electrical stimulation targets the sacral nerves, helping to regulate bladder contractions, reduce urgency and restore control over urinary function.
Benefits
InterStim therapy offers numerous benefits to individuals suffering from OAB and urinary incontinence:
- Improved Quality of Life: By reducing or eliminating urinary urgency, frequency, and leakage, InterStim treatment restores a sense of control, allowing individuals to engage in daily activities and social interactions with confidence.
- Minimally Invasive: The implantation procedure is relatively simple, requiring only a small incision. This means less downtime and a quicker recovery compared to more invasive surgical interventions.
- Adjustable and Reversible: InterStim therapy is adjustable, meaning the stimulation parameters can be fine-tuned to meet an individual’s changing needs. Additionally, if the therapy is not effective or desired, the neurostimulator can be removed, making it a reversible treatment option.
- Long-Term Efficacy: Clinical studies have shown that InterStim therapy can provide long-term improvement in bladder control, offering sustained relief for many patients.
Candidacy for InterStim Therapy
The sacral nerve stimulation in InterStim therapy is designed to improve symptoms in patients with:
- Urge incontinence
- Overactive bladder
- Urgency frequency
- Urinary retention
InterStim therapy is not recommended for patients who have:
- Stress incontinence
- Diabetes
- Neurological disease
- Pacemakers
Blue Ridge Urological Offers InterStim Therapy
If you or a loved one is facing the challenges of OAB and urinary incontinence, request an appointment at Blue Ridge Urological to learn more about InterStim treatment and the potential benefits it can provide.