The InterStim™ Therapy Device for Bladder Control or Fecal Incontinence

Overactive Bladder

Bladder control problems affect tens of millions of people every day, and many people are reluctant to talk about it.

If you find you:

Urinate more than 8 times per day
Frequently feel urinary urgency
Ask yourself “Why do I have to pee so much?”

You may have overactive bladder (OAB).

Bladder control problems affect an estimated 1 in 6 American adults.

Symptoms of OAB include:

Urgency – uncontrollable urge to use the bathroom
Frequency – The need to urinate more than 8 times per day
Urge Incontinence – leakage accidents that occur before you reach the bathroom
Urinary Retention – Holding increasingly large amounts of urine
Stress Incontinence – Leaking when you sneeze, cough, laugh or exercise

Fecal Incontinence

If you find you:

Have frequent bowel accidents
Monitor what and how much you eat
Use pads or protective garments to prevent “accidents”
Plan activities around being near a bathroom

You may have fecal incontinence.

One in 12 American adults have fecal incontinence

InterStim™ Systems

Fecal incontinence and OAB are treatable conditions that can be relieved by lifestyle changes or medication. However, if these methods don’t work, sacral neuromodulation is a treatment option for people who experience OAB or fecal incontinence.

Evidence suggests that breakdowns in the brain communication pathway to the bladder or the bowel may be a root cause of OAB and chronic fecal incontinence. That’s why conventional treatments like lifestyle changes and medication may not produce results—they don’t directly target the brain miscommunication.

Unlike conventional treatments, Medtronic InterStim™ systems gently stimulate the sacral nerves in your pelvic area that control your bladder and bowel. This may help restore brain communication to the bladder or bowel and reduce your symptoms.

This treatment involves the use of a small device called a neurostimulator, which is placed under the skin near the sacral nerves in the lower back. This procedure aims to restore normal function to the sacral nerves and improve bladder and bowel control. It can be an effective treatment option for those who are seeking a long-term solution, when other options have failed.

St. Peter's Health Urology is the only provider in the region offering the innovative InterStim™ therapy.

See if It Works for You

Unlike other bowel control treatments, this therapy lets you try it first with an evaluation—like a test run, not a long-term commitment.

A lead (thin wire) is inserted in the upper part of your buttock.
The lead is attached to a small external device worn discreetly under your clothes.
Stop, start or adjust the therapy settings, with an easy-to-use programmer that resembles a smartphone.
Go about most of your regular activities for 3-14 days.
Track your symptoms to see if they improve.
Talk with your urologist about your results and find out if it’s likely to help you.