InterStim II insertion for urinary bladder control has given many patients the ability to control their urine as normally as they did before developing a bladder problem. Patients who are experiencing urinary urge incontinence (involuntary leaking of urine accompanied by or preceded by a feeling of an urgency to urinate), urinary retention (the inability to partially or completely empty the urinary bladder), or symptoms of urinary urgency and frequency (feeling urgent need to empty the bladder/urinate and experiencing a need to do so more frequently than normal), are discovering they can return to their normal socialization free of the inconveniences and embarrassment they previously endured.
The InterStim II is implanted under the skin and sends electrical impulses through a tiny wire to nerves in the sacral area. The user has control of the device, increasing or decreasing the nerve stimulation as well as turning device on and off. For patients who have experienced lack of bladder control, and for whom other treatments have failed, this new technology can improve their quality of life by eliminating the embarrassment of urinary incontinence or the inconvenience of catheterization for lack of bladder function.
If other therapies fail to work, surgery may help a woman with stress incontinence regain her bladder control. Talk with your doctor about which treatments might work best for you.
Many women prefer to try the simplest treatment choices first. Kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic muscles and don’t require any equipment. Once you learn how to “Kegel,” you can Kegel anywhere. The trick is finding the right muscles to squeeze. The urologist or nurse can help make sure you are squeezing the right muscles. Patients are sometimes referred to physical therapists for learning and performing correct Kegel exercises.
