4.5 out of 10 1
adults don’t seek help for overactive bladder
More than another pill. More than temporary relief.
Learn how InterStim™ system targets the sacral nerves that control bladder and bowel function, which may help you get your life back.
Overactive Bladder
Symptoms of Overactive bladder (OAB)
Bladder control problems affect tens of millions of people every day, and many people are reluctant to talk about it.
- 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
54% 1
experience loss of confidence
49% 1
experience loss of self-esteem
45% 1
experience loss of intimacy
Relief from bladder and bowel symptoms delivered by the InterStim™ system
At Medtronic, we believe you deserve more from your bladder and bowel control therapy.
If you’ve tried medication and lifestyle changes and haven’t gotten the relief that you need, there is another option.
Our therapies work differently
When more conservative treatments fail, the InterStim™ system offers discreet, personalized relief that lets you get back to the activities you love.
Regain a life without limits with the InterStim™ system
Long lasting*¹
3X 4
greater quality of life than medications among bladder patients.
Small and powerful
84% *,‡,5
satisfaction among those who use InterStim.
Safe and proven¹-³
375K+
Patients implanted over 25 years.
How the InterStim™ system works
Where more conservative treatments target the bladder and bowel muscles, the InterStim™ system targets the sacral nerves that control bladder and bowel function.⁶,⁷ Targeting this communication may help restore* proper function.
- Is clinically proven to reduce accidents¹-³
- Is reported to significantly improve quality of life (lifestyle, ability to cope, embarrassment, and depression)¹-³
- Allows you to get full-body§ MRI scans if you need them
- Has been used to treat more than 375,000 patients worldwide
- Is safe and minimally invasive¹-³
Request an Appointment
Tell us how to reach you, and our office will follow up to confirm scheduling. Please do not include sensitive medical details, SSN, insurance ID numbers, medication lists, or full medical history in this form.
This form is for appointment requests only and should not be used for emergencies.
Phone: (208) 356-0004
FAQ about bladder and bowel control therapy
Delivered by the InterStim™ sacral neuromodulation system
This therapy is an implantable device that targets the nerves that control your bladder and bowel.⁴,⁵
Medtronic bladder and bowel control therapy delivered by the InterStim™ system restores* bladder or bowel function by gently stimulating the sacral nerves.⁵-⁷
Research suggests that bladder and bowel control problems may be caused by miscommunication between the brain and the sacral nerves that are responsible for controlling bladder and bowel function.⁵-⁷
With this therapy, you may experience improved symptom relief allowing for fewer trips to the bathroom, fewer accidents, more confidence and more freedom.⁸-¹⁰
In addition to risks related to surgery, complications can include pain at the implant site, new pain, infection, lead (thin wire) movement/migration, device problems, undesirable changes in urinary or bowel function, and uncomfortable stimulation (sometimes described as a jolting or shocking feeling). Talk to your doctor about ways to minimize these risks.
Overactive bladder and fecal incontinence are chronic conditions. InterStim™ therapy helps manage the symptoms but does not cure these conditions.
The life of a device is impacted by many things, including device settings, placement, and other factors. Under expected therapy settings the InterStim™ Micro device can last up to 15 years and the InterStim X™ device can last over 10 years.†
Most people describe it as a slight pulling, tingling, or fluttering sensation in the pelvic area. The stimulation is always adjustable and should not be painful.
You can try it before you decide, and it’s reversible if you change your mind later. For bladder and bowel control, the InterStim™ systems deliver sacral neuromodulation (SNM) therapy that has been shown to be more effective than medications for overactive bladder (OAB).‡,¹¹ And unlike injections, this therapy doesn’t require self-catheterization or repeated treatment visits.¹²
You can have a full-body§ MRI scan if certain conditions are met. Your clinician can provide more details about these conditions, as well as safety information.
Since its approval in 1997 for overactive bladder and 2011 for fecal incontinence, the InterStim™ system has been used to treat these problems in more than 375,000 patients worldwide.
Medicare and many private insurance companies cover this therapy. Talk to your doctor and your insurance provider to learn more about your coverage.
Please review
Important Safety Information
Medtronic bladder control therapy delivered by the InterStim™ system treats urinary retention (inability to completely empty the bladder) and the symptoms of overactive bladder, including urinary urge incontinence (leakage) and significant symptoms of urgency-frequency. It should be used after you have tried other treatments such as medications and behavioral therapy and they have not worked, or you could not tolerate them. This therapy is not intended for patients with a urinary blockage.
Safety and effectiveness have not been established for pregnancy and delivery; patients under the age of 16; or for patients with neurological disease origins.
Medtronic bowel control therapy delivered by the InterStim™ system treats chronic fecal incontinence (an accident or leaking involving stool). It should be used after you have tried other treatments such as medications and dietary modifications and they have not worked, or if you are not a candidate for them.
Safety and effectiveness have not been established for pregnancy and delivery; patients under the age of 18; or for patients with progressive, systemic neurological diseases.
Medtronic bladder control therapy and Medtronic bowel control therapy: You must demonstrate an appropriate response to the evaluation to be a candidate. You cannot have diathermy (deep heat treatment from electromagnetic energy) if you have an InterStim™ device.
In addition to risks related to surgery, complications can include pain at the implant sites, new pain, infection, lead (thin wire) movement/migration, device problems, interactions with certain other devices or diagnostic equipment such as MRI, undesirable changes in urinary or bowel function, and uncomfortable stimulation (sometimes described as a jolting or shocking feeling).
This therapy is not for everyone. This treatment is prescribed by your doctor. Please talk to your doctor to decide whether this therapy is right for you. Your doctor should discuss all potential benefits and risks with you. Although many patients may benefit from the use of this treatment, results may vary. For further information, please call Medtronic at 800-328-0810 and/or consult the Medtronic website at medtronic.com.
United States Rx only. Rev 0517.
* Restoration of function is defined as a 50 percent or greater reduction in your troublesome bladder or bowel symptoms from baseline.
† Under expected therapy settings and telemetry use.
‡ Anticholinergic/antimuscarinic medication. Statistics reflect OAB patients.
§ Under certain conditions; see approved labeling for details. Patients with InterStim™ SureScan™ MRI leads only.
InterStim™ therapy overview references
- Siegel S, Noblett K, Mangel J, et al. Five-year follow-up results of a prospective, multicenter study of patients with overactive bladder treated with sacral neuromodulation. J Urol. 2018;199(1), 229-236.
- Medtronic InterStim Therapy Clinical Summary (2018).
- Hull T, Giese C, Wexner SD, et al. Long-term durability of sacral nerve stimulation therapy for chronic fecal incontinence. Dis Colon Rectum. 2013;56(2):234-245.
- Siegel S, Noblett K, Mangel J, et al. Results of a prospective, randomized, multicenter study evaluating sacral neuromodulation with InterStim therapy compared to standard medical therapy at 6-months in subjects with mild symptoms of overactive bladder. Neurourol Urodyn. 2015;34:224-230.
- Foster RT, Anoia EJ, Webster GD, Amundsen CL. In patients undergoing neuromodulation for intractable urge incontinence a reduction in 24-hr pad weight after the initial test stimulation best predicts long-term patient satisfaction. Neurourol Urodyn. 2007;26(2):213-217.
- Patton V, Wiklendt L, Arkwright JW, et al. The effect of sacral nerve stimulation on distal colonic motility in patients with fecal incontinence. Br J Surg. 2013;100(7):959-968.
- Leng WW, Morrisroe SN. Sacral nerve stimulation for the overactive bladder. Urol Clin N Am. 2006;33:491-501.
InterStim™ FAQ references
- Stewart WF, Van Rooyen JB, Cundiff GW, et al. Prevalence and burden of overactive bladder in the United States. World J Urol. 2003;20(6):327-336.
- Whitehead WE, Borrud L, Goode PS, et al. Fecal incontinence in US adults: epidemiology and risk factors. Gastroenterol. 2009;137(2):512-517.
- Ditah I, Devaki P, Luma HN et al. Prevalence, trends, and risk factors for fecal incontinence in United States adults, 2005-2010. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2014;12:636-643.
- Griffiths D, Derbyshire S, Stenger A, Resnick N. Brain control of normal and overactive bladder. J Urol. 2005;174:1862-1867.
- Patton V, Wiklendt L, Arkwright JW, et al. The effect of sacral nerve stimulation on distal colonic motility in patients with fecal incontinence. Br J Surg. 2013;100(7):959-968.
- Leng WW, Morrisroe SN. Sacral nerve stimulation for the overactive bladder. Urol Clin N Am. 2006;33:491-501.
- Chancellor MB, Chartier-Kastler EJ. Principles of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) for the treatment of bladder and urethral sphincter dysfunctions. Neuromod. 2000;3(1):15-26.
- Siegel S, Noblett K, Mangel J, et al. Five-year follow-up results of a prospective, multicenter study of patients with overactive bladder treated with sacral neuromodulation. J Urol. 2018;199(1), 229-236.
- Medtronic InterStim™ therapy clinical summary (2018).
- Hull T, Giese C, Wexner SD, et al. Long-term durability of sacral nerve stimulation therapy for chronic fecal incontinence. Dis Colon Rectum. 2013;56(2):234-245.
- Siegel S, Noblett K, Mangel J, et al. Results of a prospective, randomized, multicenter study evaluating sacral neuromodulation with InterStim™ therapy compared to standard medical therapy at six months in subjects with mild symptoms of overactive bladder. Neurourol Urodyn. 2015;34:224-230.
- Yeaw J, Benner J, Walt JG et al. Comparing adherence and persistence across 6 chronic medication classes. J Manag Care Pharm. 2009:15(9):724-736.
Overactive bladder statistics reference
- Leede Research, “Views on OAB: A Study for the National Association of Continence.” December 16, 2015.