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RESOURCES AND COMMON QUESTIONS

Find the answers you need about bladder control therapies that can help you experience life-changing relief — and take our short quiz to see if you quality for treatment.
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   Important Safety Information

ANSWERS ABOUT BLADDER CONTROL THERAPIES

You’re not alone. You’re taking the right steps to get the relief you seek, but it’s only natural to want to know every detail before getting started. You can find everything you need to know, right here.

WHERE WILL YOUR JOURNEY TAKE YOU?

Discover how Medtronic can help you get more out of life.

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT BLADDER CONTROL THERAPY DELIVERED BY THE INTERSTIM™ SYSTEMs

Q: WHAT IS MEDTRONIC BLADDER CONTROL THERAPY DELIVERED BY THE INTERSTIM™ SYSTEMS?

A: This therapy is an implantable device that targets the nerves that control your bladder to help it function normally again.

Q: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE INTERSTIM X™ AND INTERSTIM™ MICRO SYSTEMS?

A: Both are designed to deliver effective symptom relief through sacral neuromodulation. The InterStim X™ system is a recharge-free device, while the InterStim™ Micro system is rechargeable.

Q: HOW DO THE INTERSTIM™ SYSTEMS WORK?

A: Medtronic bladder control therapy delivered by the InterStim™ systems restores bladder function by gently stimulating the sacral nerves.*

Q: WHY DO THEY TREAT THE SACRAL NERVES?

A: Doctors believe that bladder control problems are caused by miscommunication between the brain and the sacral nerves, which are located in the lower back and control the bladder.1

Q: WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THIS THERAPY?

A: With this therapy, you may experience fewer trips to the bathroom, fewer accidents, more confidence, and more freedom.2

Q: WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS OR COMPLICATIONS?

A: Choosing to have an InterStim™ system implanted has risks similar to any surgical procedure, including swelling, bruising, bleeding, and infection. Talk with your doctor about ways to minimize these risks.†

Q: WILL THIS THERAPY CURE MY CONDITION?

A: No. It can be effective, but it’s not a cure. If the neurostimulator is turned off or removed, symptoms can return.

Q: HOW LONG DOES THE RELIEF LAST?

A: Everyone's experience of relief is different, so it is difficult to generalize. What we can say is that in a clinical study, our therapy significantly reduced symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB) and non-obstructive urinary retention in people treated for five years.†,3,4

Q: WHAT DOES THE STIMULATION FEEL LIKE?

A: 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.

Q: WHY IS THIS THERAPY DIFFERENT FROM OTHER OPTIONS?

A: You can try it before you decide, and it's reversible if you change your mind later. The InterStim™ systems deliver sacral neuromodulation (SNM) therapy that has been shown to be more effective than medications for OAB.‡,5 And unlike injections, this therapy doesn’t require self-catheterization or repeated treatment visits.

Q: WILL I BE ABLE TO GET AN MRI WITH THE IMPLANTABLE DEVICE?

A: Yes, you can have a full-body MRI scan under certain conditions. Your clinician can provide more details about these conditions, as well as safety information.§

Q: HOW LONG HAS THIS THERAPY BEEN AROUND?

A: Since its approval in 1997, the InterStim™ system has been used to treat bladder control problems in hundreds of thousands of patients around the world.

Q: WILL INSURANCE COVER THE COSTS?

A: Medicare and many private insurance companies cover this therapy. Talk to your doctor to learn more about your insurance coverage.

INTERESTED IN EXPLORING OTHER OPTIONS FOR BLADDER CONTROL?

Discover the Nuro™ System

REAL PEOPLE,  REAL RELIEF 

Hear from people who have successfully reduced their symptoms with help from Medtronic bladder control therapy.

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RESOURCES

FOR PEOPLE EXPLORING MEDTRONIC BLADDER CONTROL THERAPIES

pdf Bladder Symptom Diary (.pdf)

Record your symptoms to help your doctor understand your condition.

125KB

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pdf Doctor Discussion Guide (.pdf)

Starting the conversation can be hard. This guide can help you talk to your doctor more easily.

2.4MB

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pdf Medtronic InterStim™ systems (.pdf)

Explore bladder control with a small implantable device. A simple test shows if the therapy will work for you.

4.9MB

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pdf Medtronic NURO™ system (.pdf)

Learn more about a therapy that's given at your doctor's office in 12 weekly sessions.

11.0MB

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START YOUR Journey

Bladder control problems affect millions of people. But relief is closer than you think.

SEE THE STEPS
Female Medtronic bladder control doctor who specializes in the InterStim system.

TALK TO A BLADDER CONTROL EXPERT

Speak with a doctor in your community who can help you find the right treatment.

FIND A SPECIALIST
*

With the InterStim™ systems, restored bladder function is defined as a 50% or greater reduction in your troublesome bladder symptoms.

†

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, undesirable changes in urinary or bowel function, and uncomfortable stimulation (sometimes described as a jolting or shocking feeling). Talk with your doctor about ways to minimize these risks.

‡

Anticholinergic/antimuscarinic medication.

§

Under certain conditions.

1

Leng WW, Morrisroe SN. Sacral nerve stimulation for the overactive bladder. Urol Clin N Am. 2006;33:491–501.

2

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. DOI: 10.1002/nau.22544

3

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. Journal of Urology. 2018;Volume 199(1), 229–236.

4

Van Kerrebroeck P, et al. Results of sacral neuromodulation therapy for urinary voiding dysfunction: outcomes of a prospective, worldwide clinical study. Journal of Urology. 2007;178:2029-2034.

5

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.

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.