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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.
Discover how Medtronic can help you get more out of life.
A: This therapy is an implantable device that targets the nerves that control your bowel to help it function normally again.
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.
A: Medtronic Bowel Control Therapy delivered by the InterStim™ systems restores bowel function by gently stimulating the sacral nerves.*
A: Doctors believe that bowel control problems are caused by miscommunication between the brain and the sacral nerves, which are located in the lower back and control the bowel and related muscles.1
A: With this therapy, you may experience fewer trips to the bathroom, fewer accidents, more confidence, and more freedom.2
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.
A: No. It can be effective, but it’s not a cure. If the neurostimulator is turned off or removed, symptoms can return.
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 improved quality of life for people with fecal incontinence for five years.†,2
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.
A: You can try it before you decide, and it’s reversible if you change your mind later.
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.‡
A: Medicare and many private insurance companies cover this therapy. Talk to your doctor to learn more about your insurance coverage.
Hear from people who have successfully reduced their symptoms with help from Medtronic bowel control therapy.
READ PATIENT STORIESConnect with people who have experienced life-changing relief with Medtronic bowel control therapy.
REQUEST A CALLGet our e-newsletter for success stories and tips for managing and treating your condition.
SIGN UP NOWBowel control problems affect millions of people. But relief is closer than you think.
SEE THE STEPSSpeak with a doctor in your community who can help you find the right treatment.
FIND A SPECIALISTWith the InterStim™ system, restored bowel function is defined as 50% or greater reduction in chronic fecal incontinence episodes.
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.
Under certain conditions.
Patton V, Wiklendt L, et al. The effect of sacral nerve stimulation on distal colonic motility in patients with fecal incontinence. Br J Surg. 2013 Jun;100(7):959–68.
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):234–45.
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.