Neuromodulation therapies can improve symptoms of overactive bladder by changing the nerve impulses to your bladder.
Sacral Neuromodulation
Sacral Neuromodulation uses a thin wire placed close to the sacral nerves — which carry signals to your bladder — where they pass near your tailbone. A battery-powered electrode sends electrical pulses to this area near the sacral nerve, influencing how the pelvic floor, lower urinary track, urinary and anal sphincters, and colon behave. You can think of it as being similar to how a pacemaker helps to control the electrical signals in the heart. While oral medications target the muscular component of bladder control, Sacral Neuromodulation controls symptoms by targeting the nerve activity.
Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS)
This is the least invasive form of neuromodulation for bladder control, also called posterior tibial nerve stimulation. PTNS works by indirectly providing electrical stimulation to the nerves responsible for bladder and pelvic floor function.
During PTNS treatment, the patient’s foot is comfortably elevated and a slim needle electrode is placed near the tibial nerve at the ankle. A device connected to the electrode and sends mild electrical pulses to the tibial nerve. These impulses travel to the sacral nerve plexus at the base of the spine responsible for bladder function.
By stimulating these nerves through gentle electrical impulses (called neuromodulation), bladder activity can be changed. Because this change happens gradually, patients receive a series of 12-weekly, 30-minute treatments. After the 12 treatments, when the patient’s response to therapy is assessed, occasional maintenance treatments may be needed.