If you have a urinary condition that affects your ability to urinate or completely empty your bladder, you may assume that surgery or medication are the only two treatment options available.
While that used to be the case, a growing number of people are using sacral neuromodulation to manage these and similar conditions in a minimally invasive way.
At Associated Urologists of North Carolina, PA, with offices in Cary, Clayton, Dunn, Raleigh, and Wake Forest, North Carolina, our urology team regularly prescribes neuromodulation therapy to manage overactive bladder and other related conditions.
This article explains the connection between your brain and bladder, discusses how neuromodulation therapy works, and outlines what to expect during treatment.
Urinating is something you do every day, so it’s easy to assume that the process is relatively straightforward. However, bladder function depends on communication between your brain, spinal cord, and a complex network of nerves that signal when it’s full and when it needs to be emptied.
If these signals are disrupted due to injury, illness, or a neurological condition, it can trigger a variety of symptoms, including:
In many cases, these symptoms can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication, but if the problem persists, you may benefit from more advanced, targeted treatment options.
Enter neuromodulation therapy, or sacral neuromodulation.
This minimally invasive treatment approach involves inserting a small, electronic device called a pulse generator beneath the skin of your upper buttocks. The device is then connected to your sacral nerves using a thin wire called a lead.
Once placed, the neuromodulator emits gentle electric impulses, similar to a pacemaker. However, instead of supporting your heartbeat, the neuromodulator restores communication between your brain and pelvic organs, making it easier to urinate and fully empty your bladder.
We regularly use neuromodulation therapy to treat common urinary conditions, including:
Strengthening communication between your brain and bladder can help reduce leakage and episodes of urgency, making it easier for you to reach the bathroom on time.
Research is ongoing, and the exact mechanisms behind neuromodulation’s efficacy aren’t fully understood. Even so, after treatment, many people experience a noticeable improvement in their symptoms.
Neuromodulation therapy typically involves two distinct phases:
Not everyone responds to neuromodulation therapy, so we often start with a trial period.
This involves a quick, outpatient procedure where we place a temporary lead and connect it to your sacral nerves.
Over the next few weeks, you monitor your symptoms, tracking them in a journal. If the neuromodulator noticeably eases urinary frequency and helps prevent leakage, you may be a candidate for long-term treatment. If your symptoms persist or worsen, we recommend a different approach.
If we confirm that you can benefit from neuromodulation therapy, we secure the device beneath your skin and close the incisions with stitches.
Once placed, the device improves communication between your bladder and brain, providing ongoing symptom relief.
Urinary symptoms, such as frequent accidents or an urge to use the toilet, can significantly affect your quality of life. The good news is that neuromodulation therapy may provide ongoing relief and help you feel your best.
To make an appointment with our experienced urologists, call the nearest office in Cary, Clayton, Dunn, Raleigh, or Wake Forest, North Carolina, or schedule online today.
