Electrical stimulation of the nerves that control the bladder can improve symptoms of urgency, frequency and urge incontinence, as well as bladder emptying problems, in some people. This treatment is usually offered to patients who cannot tolerate or do not benefit from medications.

At first, your doctor will place a device outside your body (lower back, near your tailbone) to deliver stimulation through a wire implanted under your skin to see if the treatment relieves your symptoms. This stimulator provides low-voltage stimulation to the sacral nerves; in many cases, this stimulation can improve the function of the bladder.  You will go about your daily life for several days, keeping track of how your bladder is functioning. If significant improvement is seen, you may be able to have a permanent device (similar to a pacemaker) implanted that delivers stimulation to the nerves in your back. The electrodes in the permanent device are placed in your lower back through a minor surgical procedure. The device can provide benefit for several years before the battery needs to be replaced. You may need to return to your doctor for adjustments to find the right setting that controls your bladder symptoms. This can be done at home or in the doctor’s office with a device similar to a TV remote control.