Evidence suggests that breakdowns in the bladder-brain communication pathway are the root cause of OAB and non-obstructive urinary retention.^1-3 While other therapies focus on the bladder muscles, Medtronic therapies target the nerves, which is thought to help restore normal bladder function.^*

The relief you’ve been waiting for

The InterStim™ System targets the nerves that control your bladder to help it function normally again.

Implanting an InterStim™ system has risks similar to any surgical procedure, including swelling, bruising, bleeding and infection. Talk with our doctor about ways to minimize these risks. Complications can occur with the evaluation, including movement of the wire, technical problems with the device and some temporary pain.

Your doctor or nurse will provide you with the information regarding how to operate the test device, and inform you of other precautions related to the evaluation and activity restrictions.

85 percent of people with OAB using it achieved success in the first year^4**
3X greater improvements in OAB quality of life compared to medications⁵
Only therapy that lets you see if it works before you and your doctor decide
More than 350,000 patients have received relief as a safe, FDA-approved and minimally invasive Bladder Control Therapy
Recharge-free and rechargeable options let you choose the right device for your lifestyle

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.

Learn More

What is Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy delivered by the InterStim system?

This therapy targets the nerves that control your bladder to help it function normally again.

How does it work?

Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy delivered by the InterStim™ system restores* bladder function by gently stimulating the sacral nerves.

Why does it treat the sacral nerves?

It's thought that bladder control problems are caused by miscommunication between the brain and the sacral nerves, which control the bladder and muscles involved in urination.¹

What are the benefits of this therapy?

With this therapy, you may experience fewer trips to the bathroom, fewer accidents, and more confidence as you get back to the activities you enjoy.²

What are the potential side effects or complications?

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.

Why is this therapy different from other options?

You can try it before you decide, and it’s reversible if you change your mind later. It is clinically superior to oral medication.^†,2-4 And unlike injections, it doesn’t require self-catheterization or repeated treatment visits.

How long does the relief last?

This therapy significantly reduced symptoms of OAB and non-obstructive urinary retention in people treated for 5 years.^†,5,6 Your experience may be different.

Will this therapy cure my condition?

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

What does the stimulation feel like?

Most people describe it as a slight pulling, tingling, or fluttering sensation in the pelvic area. It should not be painful. Stimulation settings can be adjusted, and sensations will vary from person to person.

Can I get an MRI when I receive this therapy?

Getting an MRI head scan may be possible under specific conditions. For more information, talk with your doctor.

Will insurance cover the costs?

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

How long has this therapy been around?

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

* With the InterStim system, restored bladder function is defined as a 50% or greater reduction in your troublesome bladder symptoms.
† The most common adverse events experienced during clinical studies included pain at implant sites, new pain, lead migration, infection, technical or device problems, adverse change in bowel or voiding function, and undesirable stimulation or sensations. Any of these may require additional surgery or cause return of symptoms.
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 6-months in subjects with mild symptoms of overactive bladder. Neurourol Urodyn. 2015;34:224–230. DOI: 10.1002/nau.22544
3. Visco AG, Brubaker L, Richter HE, et al. N Engl J Med. 2012;367(19):1803-1813.
4. Peters KM, MacDiarmid SA, Wooldridge LS, et al. J Urol. 2009;182(3):1055-1061.
5. 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. The Journal of Urology 2018;Volume 199(1), 229 – 236.
6. Medtronic-sponsored research. InterStim Therapy Clinical Summary, 2018.

Bladder Symptom Diary

Record your symptoms to help your doctor understand your condition.

Care Pathway for Bladder Control

Understand all of your treatment options for dealing with bladder control issues.

Doctor Discussion Guide

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

Medtronic Bladder Control Therapies

Understand your options and decide if a Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy is right for you.

Patient Therapy Guide – iCon™ Programmer

A handy guide to living with Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy delivered by the InterStim system, and to using your hand-held Medtronic iCon programmer.

Patient Therapy Guide – Smart Programmer

A handy guide to living with Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy delivered by the InterStim system, and to using your Samsung Smart Programmer device.

GU, Ohio, Urology, -, Medtronic, InterStim, System

1. Dasgupta R. Critchley HD, Dolan RJ, Fowler CJ. Changes in brain activity following sacral Neuromodulation for urinary retention. J Urol. 2005;174:2268-2272
2. Griffiths D, Derbyshire S, Stenger A, Resnick N. Brain control of normal and overactive bladder. J Urol. 2005;174:1862-1867.
3. Griffiths D, Tadic SD. Bladder control, urgency, and urge incontinence: evidence from functional brain imaging. Neurourol Urodyn. 2008;27(6):466-474.
4. Noblett K, Siegel S, Mangel J, et al. Results of a Prospective, Multicenter study evaluating quality of life, safety, and efficacy of sacral neuromodulation at twelve months in subjects with symptoms of overactive bladder. Neurourol Urodyn. 2014. doi:10.1002/nau.22707.
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. DOI: 10.1002/nau.22544.
*Success with SNM is defined as a 50% or greater reduction in your troublesome bladder symptoms.
**Numbers reflect completers analysis defined as patients with diary data at baseline and 12 months (n=220). Clinical success was 82% at 12 months using the modified completers analysis (subjects who either had a baseline and 12 month evaluation or withdrew early due to device-related reasons and are considered failures).
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.

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Medtronic InterStim System