Overactive Bladder (OAB) is a common condition that affects millions of men and women, leading to sudden urinary urgency, frequent urination, and sometimes embarrassing leakage. For many patients, OAB is more than an inconvenience—it disrupts sleep, interferes with work, limits social activities, and erodes quality of life.
While medications are often the first step, they may cause side effects like dry mouth, constipation, or brain fog. Worse, they don’t always work well long term. Fortunately, there is an advanced solution for OAB that goes beyond pills: InterStim therapy.
At Advanced Urology, we are proud to be one of the busiest centers in the country for InterStim, offering this life-changing treatment in our state-of-the-art ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). With same-day discharge, minimal pain, and outstanding results, InterStim has helped countless patients regain control and confidence.
What Is InterStim?
InterStim is a form of sacral neuromodulation, often described as a “bladder pacemaker.”
- A small device, similar to a heart pacemaker, is implanted under the skin in the upper buttock.
- This device sends gentle electrical pulses to the sacral nerves, which control the bladder and pelvic floor.
- By restoring normal nerve communication, InterStim reduces urgency, frequency, and accidents.
The treatment is approved by the FDA and has been used safely for years in patients with OAB, urinary retention, and even some forms of fecal incontinence.
Why InterStim Is a Great Option
1. Highly Effective
Clinical studies and real-world results show that InterStim provides lasting relief:
- Many patients experience a 50–80% reduction in urgency and leakage episodes.
- Some achieve complete control, regaining a normal bladder pattern for the first time in years.
2. Reversible and Adjustable
- Unlike surgery that removes tissue, InterStim is completely reversible.
- The stimulation can be adjusted non-invasively using a handheld programmer, allowing for customized therapy.
3. Avoids Medication Side Effects
For patients who cannot tolerate bladder medications or who did not get relief, InterStim offers a solution without systemic side effects.
4. Minimally Invasive
The procedure is done through small incisions, with minimal discomfort, and usually requires only light sedation or anesthesia.
5. Trial Phase First
One of the biggest advantages is the test phase. Patients can “try” the therapy with a temporary wire before deciding on permanent implantation. If it works, they can move forward with confidence.
The Advanced Urology Advantage
Not all centers have the same experience or technology when it comes to InterStim. At Advanced Urology, we take pride in offering:
- State-of-the-art ASCs: Our procedures are performed in modern outpatient surgical centers designed specifically for urologic care. This means a clean, safe environment, lower infection risk, and a more comfortable experience compared to hospitals.
- Same-day discharge: Patients go home just hours after the procedure. There is no hospital stay, and most are back to light activity within a day or two.
- Minimal pain: Thanks to modern surgical techniques and careful anesthesia, most patients experience only mild soreness at the implant site.
- National expertise: As one of the busiest InterStim centers in the country, our team has unmatched experience, translating into excellent outcomes for our patients.
- Personalized care: From evaluation and testing through follow-up programming and support, our providers guide each patient through every step.
What to Expect
- Evaluation – Your doctor will review your symptoms and confirm that InterStim is a good option.
- Test Phase – A temporary lead is placed to see how your bladder responds. Most patients notice improvement within days.
- Permanent Implant – If the test is successful, a permanent InterStim device is implanted in a quick outpatient procedure.
- Follow-Up – The system can be adjusted during office visits to fine-tune results and ensure optimal control.
Conclusion
Overactive Bladder can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to control your life. InterStim therapy offers an advanced, proven, and minimally invasive solution that helps patients regain freedom and confidence.
At Advanced Urology, we perform InterStim in our state-of-the-art ASCs, offering same-day discharge, minimal pain, and outstanding results. With our status as one of the busiest InterStim centers in the United States, patients can trust they are receiving expert care with exceptional outcomes.
If medications haven’t worked or side effects are holding you back, InterStim may be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for.
What Is InterStim?
InterStim is a form of sacral neuromodulation, often described as a “bladder pacemaker.”
- A small device, similar to a heart pacemaker, is implanted under the skin in the upper buttock.
- This device sends gentle electrical pulses to the sacral nerves, which control the bladder and pelvic floor.
- By restoring normal nerve communication, InterStim reduces urgency, frequency, and accidents.
The treatment is approved by the FDA and has been used safely for years in patients with OAB, urinary retention, and even some forms of fecal incontinence.
Why InterStim Is a Great Option
1. Highly Effective
Clinical studies and real-world results show that InterStim provides lasting relief:
- Many patients experience a 50–80% reduction in urgency and leakage episodes.
- Some achieve complete control, regaining a normal bladder pattern for the first time in years.
2. Reversible and Adjustable
- Unlike surgery that removes tissue, InterStim is completely reversible.
- The stimulation can be adjusted non-invasively using a handheld programmer, allowing for customized therapy.
3. Avoids Medication Side Effects
For patients who cannot tolerate bladder medications or who did not get relief, InterStim offers a solution without systemic side effects.
4. Minimally Invasive
The procedure is done through small incisions, with minimal discomfort, and usually requires only light sedation or anesthesia.
5. Trial Phase First
One of the biggest advantages is the test phase. Patients can “try” the therapy with a temporary wire before deciding on permanent implantation. If it works, they can move forward with confidence.
The Advanced Urology Advantage
Not all centers have the same experience or technology when it comes to InterStim. At Advanced Urology, we take pride in offering:
- State-of-the-art ASCs: Our procedures are performed in modern outpatient surgical centers designed specifically for urologic care. This means a clean, safe environment, lower infection risk, and a more comfortable experience compared to hospitals.
- Same-day discharge: Patients go home just hours after the procedure. There is no hospital stay, and most are back to light activity within a day or two.
- Minimal pain: Thanks to modern surgical techniques and careful anesthesia, most patients experience only mild soreness at the implant site.
- National expertise: As one of the busiest InterStim centers in the country, our team has unmatched experience, translating into excellent outcomes for our patients.
- Personalized care: From evaluation and testing through follow-up programming and support, our providers guide each patient through every step.
What to Expect
- Evaluation – Your doctor will review your symptoms and confirm that InterStim is a good option.
- Test Phase – A temporary lead is placed to see how your bladder responds. Most patients notice improvement within days.
- Permanent Implant – If the test is successful, a permanent InterStim device is implanted in a quick outpatient procedure.
- Follow-Up – The system can be adjusted during office visits to fine-tune results and ensure optimal control.
Conclusion
Overactive Bladder can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to control your life. InterStim therapy offers an advanced, proven, and minimally invasive solution that helps patients regain freedom and confidence.
At Advanced Urology, we perform InterStim in our state-of-the-art ASCs, offering same-day discharge, minimal pain, and outstanding results. With our status as one of the busiest InterStim centers in the United States, patients can trust they are receiving expert care with exceptional outcomes.
If medications haven’t worked or side effects are holding you back, InterStim may be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for.
FAQs About InterStim Therapy for Overactive Bladder
Q: What is InterStim?
A: InterStim is a small implantable device (like a “bladder pacemaker”) that sends gentle electrical pulses to the nerves that control the bladder. It helps restore normal communication between the brain and bladder, reducing urgency, frequency, and accidents.
Q: How do I know if InterStim will work for me?
A: InterStim therapy begins with a trial phase. A temporary wire is placed, and you try the device for about a week to see if your symptoms improve. If you notice significant relief, you can proceed with the permanent implant.
Q: What is the procedure like?
A: The implant is placed through a small incision, usually under light sedation. It typically takes less than an hour, and at Advanced Urology it is done in our state-of-the-art ASCs. Most patients go home the same day.
Q: Will it hurt?
A: The procedure involves minimal discomfort. Most patients describe only mild soreness at the incision site for a few days.
Q: How effective is InterStim?
A: Studies show that most patients experience a 50–80% reduction in urgency, frequency, or leakage episodes. Some achieve complete control. Results are long-lasting, and the device can be adjusted to optimize benefit.
Q: Can InterStim be removed if I change my mind?
A: Yes. The procedure is reversible. If you no longer want the device or if your needs change, it can be safely removed.
Q: Will InterStim affect my daily activities?
A: No. After the recovery period, you can return to regular activities, including exercise, travel, and sex. The device is MRI-compatible under certain conditions, so most imaging needs can still be met.
Q: How long does the battery last?
A: Depending on the model, the InterStim battery lasts about 5–10 years. When the battery runs low, the device can be replaced with a simple outpatient procedure.
Q: Is InterStim covered by insurance?
A: Yes. Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover InterStim for patients with OAB who have not responded to medications or other conservative treatments.
Q: Why should I have InterStim done at Advanced Urology?
A: We are one of the busiest InterStim centers in the country, with unmatched experience and excellent outcomes. All procedures are performed in our state-of-the-art ASCs, with same-day discharge and minimal pain.
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