Try InterStim™ before you commit
A simple, in-office test that lets you experience sacral neuromodulation therapy for 3 to 7 days before deciding whether to move forward with a permanent implant. For people struggling with overactive bladder symptoms not improving with medications.
What is InterStim™ therapy?
InterStim™ is a type of sacral neuromodulation — a therapy that uses gentle electrical stimulation to regulate the nerves that control the bladder. When those signals aren’t working properly, it can cause the urgency, frequency, and leakage of overactive bladder. InterStim helps “reset” those signals to improve bladder control.
The sacral nerves play a key role in:
What is the percutaneous trial?
The percutaneous trial — also called a PNE trial — is a short-term test that lets you actually try InterStim therapy before moving forward with a permanent implant. Thin temporary wires are placed near the sacral nerves and connected to a small external control device you’ll wear during the trial period.
You may be a candidate if…
The percutaneous trial is most appropriate for people whose OAB symptoms haven’t been adequately controlled by conservative treatments.
Urinary urgency
Sudden, intense urges to urinate
Frequent urination
Going far more often than normal
Urge incontinence
Leakage before reaching the bathroom
OAB unresponsive to meds
Bladder medications haven’t given enough relief
Med intolerance
Unable to tolerate bladder medications due to side effects
Note: This trial is typically recommended after conservative treatments — such as lifestyle modifications, pelvic floor exercises, and oral medications — have not provided adequate relief.
The essentials
~20 minutes
Procedure time. About 1 hour total appointment.
Local anesthesia
Lower back numbed — well tolerated
No prep needed
No special preparation beforehand
Drive yourself
No sedation — drive yourself home
What to expect during the procedure
The procedure is performed in-office and well tolerated.
Position
You’ll lie comfortably on your stomach.
Local anesthesia
Skin on the lower back is numbed.
Find the nerve
A small needle identifies the sacral nerve.
Wires placed
A thin wire is placed on each side near the nerve.
Connect device
Wires connect to a small external control device.
3 to 7 days at home
How it feels & works
A gentle pulsing sensation
A clear, measurable benchmark
Benefits of the percutaneous trial
Testing first lets you make an informed decision — you’ll know whether the therapy works for you before committing to anything permanent.
Minimally invasive
A simple in-office procedure with no surgery required
No incisions
Wires placed through small needle insertion — nothing to suture
Quick procedure
About 20 minutes in the office — total visit about 1 hour
No downtime
Go home the same day and drive yourself — no recovery needed
Reversible
Temporary by design — wires are easily removed in-office
Avoid unnecessary surgery
Find out if it works before committing to a permanent implant
A very safe procedure, with rare exceptions
The procedure is very safe, but as with any procedure, potential risks may include:
Your provider will review all risks with you and answer any questions before the procedure.
Your questions, answered
Is the procedure painful?
Do I need to prepare beforehand?
Can I drive myself home?
How long does the trial last?
What happens to the wires after the trial?
Will insurance cover this?
Ready to find real relief?
If overactive bladder is disrupting your daily life and medications haven’t been enough, the InterStim percutaneous trial offers a low-risk way to find out whether sacral neuromodulation could help — before any commitment.