InterStim sacral neuromodulation restores the bladder–brain communication that drives urinary urgency, frequency, and urge leakage — offering durable relief without daily medications.
Educational content only. Not a substitute for medical advice; please consult your urologist.
Overactive bladder (OAB) involves urgency (a sudden, hard-to-control need to urinate), frequency (>8 times/day), and sometimes urge leakage. Symptoms arise when the bladder muscle contracts at the wrong time. OAB impacts confidence, sleep, work, intimacy, and social life. For people who do not respond to lifestyle changes or medications, Sacral Neuromodulation (SNM) is a reversible, minimally invasive therapy with a long track record. Medtronic’s InterStim systems were FDA-cleared for bladder indications in the late 1990s and have since helped hundreds of thousands of patients worldwide.
InterStim is FDA-cleared for several bladder and bowel conditions, and is typically recommended when lifestyle changes or medications haven't worked:
OAB often stems from miscommunication between the brain and the sacral nerves that control the bladder. InterStim sends gentle electrical pulses to these nerves, helping normalize reflexes and signaling so the bladder functions more appropriately. Many clinicians consider this a way to address the functional root cause of OAB — the misfiring signals — rather than just treating symptoms.
Before a permanent implant, you complete a short trial phase. If your symptoms improve (often defined as a ≥50% reduction), you and your clinician can choose to move forward. If not, the leads are removed and you can explore other options. This patient-validated step reduces risk and supports a confident decision.
InterStim offers rechargeable and recharge-free systems to match your lifestyle. Longer battery life means fewer replacement procedures. MRI-conditional models allow full-body scanning under specific conditions.
| Device | Battery Type | Stated Longevity | Recharging | Approx. Size | MRI Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| InterStim™ Micro | Rechargeable | Up to ~15 years (typical settings) | About weekly; ~20 minutes (full in <1 hour) | ~2.8 cm³ | 1.5T & 3T SureScan™ (full-body) |
| InterStim™ X | Recharge-free | Over 10 years (up to ~15 years at low energy) | None | Small implantable generator | 1.5T & 3T SureScan™ (full-body) |
Your care team will help you choose between rechargeable and recharge-free systems based on lifestyle and clinical needs.
InterStim has decades of real-world use with strong results in clinical studies. Reported benefits include:
| Measure | Timepoint | Reported Result |
|---|---|---|
| Therapeutic success | 12 months | High success rates reported in trials |
| Therapeutic success | 36 months | Strong sustained efficacy |
| Therapeutic success | 60 months | Long-term benefit in many patients |
| Quality of life | 6–60 months | Significant improvements vs. baseline; greater than medications in head-to-head studies |
Individual results vary. Your trial phase helps predict your personal benefit before choosing a permanent implant.
Nighttime urination (nocturia) disrupts sleep and can affect long-term health. By improving OAB symptoms, InterStim may help you sleep longer stretches at night — supporting daytime energy, mood, and overall wellness.
InterStim and Axonics are the two leading SNM platforms. InterStim combines decades of clinical use with modern options (Micro and X) and MRI-conditional systems. Your provider will discuss what best fits your goals and anatomy.
If you’re seeking lasting relief from OAB symptoms after trying conservative options or medications, InterStim may be a strong next step — especially with its trial phase to confirm benefit before committing.
You don't have to plan life around your bladder. Advanced Urology is one of the busiest group practices in the country performing InterStim — come to a team that does this every day.
We’ll review your history, discuss the evaluation (trial), and help you choose the best device option for your life.
Adults with persistent OAB symptoms (urgency, frequency, urge leakage) after trying conservative measures and medications may be candidates. Your anatomy and goals will be reviewed to confirm.
A temporary lead is placed to stimulate the sacral nerve. You go home and track your symptoms for several days. If you see meaningful improvement, you may opt for a long-term implant.
Many patients reduce or stop OAB medications after successful SNM, but your care plan is individualized.
Yes — InterStim systems with SureScan™ technology allow full-body MRI scans under specific conditions. Your team will review details.