SACRAL NERVE STIMULATION
A proven therapy for bladder and bowel control
Struggling with overactive bladder or bowel incontinence? Sacral Nerve Stimulation, also known as Sacral Neuromodulation (SNM), is a proven therapy that helps restore communication between the brain and pelvic nerves to improve bladder and bowel function. SNM uses gentle electrical pulses to stimulate the sacral nerves at the base of your spine, which control signals between your bladder, bowel, and brain. Conditions treated with SNM include overactive bladder (OAB), urge and mixed urinary incontinence, chronic urinary retention, and fecal incontinence.
Sacral Neuromodulation involves a two-step process. First, a temporary device is placed during a trial phase to test how well the therapy improves your symptoms, which can often be done in the office. If the trial is successful, a small permanent device is implanted under the skin during outpatient surgery to deliver ongoing stimulation. This therapy is typically recommended after lifestyle changes and medications haven't provided relief.
At our practice, Dr. Karissa Cryer performs sacral neuromodulation using the Axonics System — an FDA-approved device built for long-term relief. The implant is small and long-lasting, with both rechargeable and recharge-free options to fit your lifestyle, and it's MRI-conditional, so you can still have MRI scans under the recommended conditions. You can adjust your therapy anytime with a small handheld remote, and because you test it during the trial phase first, you'll know how well it works for you before anything permanent is placed.
If you've been living with bladder or bowel control issues and other treatments haven't worked, Sacral Neuromodulation may be an effective long-term solution. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Karissa Cryer in our office to see if this minimally invasive therapy is right for you. Call or text us at 903-957-0275.