Regain Control of Your Bladder: Exploring Sacral Nerve Therapy for Overactive Bladder
Millions of men and women experience overactive bladder (OAB), characterized by frequent urination, urgency, and sometimes even leakage. Urinary urgency and the constant urge to go can significantly disrupt your daily life, causing stress, limiting activities, and impacting your overall well-being.
At UroPartners, we understand the challenges of OAB and offer a wide range of treatment options. One innovative and effective approach is Sacral Nerve Stimulation, a minimally invasive treatment that can help regain bladder control and improve your quality of life.
What is Sacral Nerve Stimulation Therapy?
Sacral nerve stimulation therapy, also known as sacral neuromodulation (SNM), is a safe and effective treatment for OAB. It works by gently stimulating the sacral nerves, located just above the tailbone, which play a vital role in bladder function. There are two sacral nerve stimulation products available and Uropartners offers both the Medtronic and Axonics sacral neuromodulation systems to our patients. Sacral nerve neuromodulation can be highly effective even in patient who have failed conservative and medication therapy.
Here's how it works:
- Stimulation trial: Patients are tested to see if they will respond to the therapy. This test is called a PNE. The PNE can be done as an outpatient in the office or in our surgery center under local anesthesia and allows patient and physician to see if the therapy will be effective. In other words, patients can take the therapy for a “test drive” before proceeding with the full implant.
- Implantation: If the PNE is successful and symptoms are improved. A complete implant is performed under local anesthesia with iv sedation in our surgery center. The implant involves placing a small lead (wire) next to the sacral nerves through natural openings in the sacrum (just above the tailbone). The lead is connected a small pulse generator placed just under the skin over the buttocks (similar to a pacemaker). The pulse generator has a battery that usually lasts 10 years before it needs to be changed with a small outpatient procedure. There are also rechargeable models
- External Programmer: Patients can turn on and off and adjust the stimulation with a hand-held programmer. Most patients do not need to adjust the device very often and simply let it run in the background improving their OAB symptoms.
Benefits of Sacral Nerve Stimulation Therapy:
- Minimally invasive outpatient procedure: Recovery time is minimal, allowing you to return to normal activities quickly.
- Long-lasting results: The effects of therapy can last for many years, offering sustained relief from OAB symptoms.
- Alternative to Medication: May allow patient to get off costly medication with unpleasant side effects.
- Safe and well-tolerated: Minimal side effects are possible, usually temporary and mild.
- Improved quality of life: By regaining bladder control, you can experience significant improvement in your daily activities and overall well-being.
Is Sacral Nerve Therapy Right for You?
Sacral nerve stimulation therapy may be a suitable option for you if:
- You experience moderate to severe OAB symptoms.
- Other treatments, like medications or behavioral modifications, haven't provided adequate relief or are not tolerated.
- You are looking for a long-term solution that may allow you to get off OAB medication.
Our Urologists Can Help
At UroPartners, our experienced urologists will work with you to determine if Sacral Nerve Stimulation Therapy is the right treatment for you. We offer a comprehensive evaluation, including discussing your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle.
Taking Control of Your OAB
Don't let OAB control your life. If you're struggling with urinary urgency and leakage, contact UroPartners today. We can help you explore treatment options like Sacral Nerve Stimulation Therapy and develop a personalized plan to regain bladder control and improve your quality of life.
Schedule an Appointment Today!