Questions and Answers - Neurostimulation

What is neurostimulation?

Neurostimulation therapy uses an implantable device to send mild electrical pulses to the sacral nerves, located near the tailbone. The sacral nerves control the bladder and the muscles related to urination. If the brain and sacral nerves don’t communicate correctly, the nerves can’t tell the bladder to function properly.

This communication problem can lead to symptoms of urinary retention. By stimulating the sacral nerves with mild electrical pulses, neurostimulation helps the brain and the nerves to communicate so the bladder can function properly.

Neurostimulation is an option for managing symptoms of urinary retention for people who have not found success with more conservative treatments.

Neurostimulation therapy is reversible and can be discontinued at any time by turning off or removing the device.

Neurostimulation may help you resume normal activities, and help you avoid frustrating experiences associated with urinary retention.

What do nerves have to do with urination?

The sacral nerves control the bladder and muscles related to urination. A breakdown of communication between the sacral nerves and the brain can lead to problems with storing and voiding urine.

What are the potential side effects or complications of neurostimulation?

Side effects may include implant site pain, skin irritation, infection, device problems, and wire movement. These conditions were generally resolvable in a clinical study.

See Important Safety Information for possible adverse events.

What are the benefits of neurostimulation?

Neurostimulation may reduce symptoms for many people who suffer from urinary retention.Neurostimulation is reversible and can be discontinued at any time by turning off or removing the device.

How long has neurostimulation been around?

Neurostimulation was FDA-approved in 1999 for urinary retention. It’s been used to treat more than 55,000 patients worldwide who haven’t had success with more conservative bladder control treatments.

Where can I learn more about neurostimulation?

Request more information about neurostimulation for urinary retention, or call our toll-free Patient Services Line at (800) 510‑6735.

Next: Getting a Trial Assessment

Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.

Last updated: 17 Nov 2009