If you have been struggling with overactive bladder, urinary incontinence, or urinary urgency and have not found relief with medications or lifestyle changes, InterStim therapy may be the answer. Thousands of patients across Arizona have found lasting bladder control with this FDA-approved neuromodulation treatment.
What Is InterStim Therapy?
InterStim (also called sacral nerve stimulation or SNS) is a small implantable device that sends mild electrical impulses to the sacral nerves — the nerves that control your bladder, bowel, and pelvic floor. Think of it like a pacemaker, but for your bladder. The device is made by Medtronic and has been FDA-approved since 1997. Over the past two decades, it has helped more than 350,000 patients worldwide regain control of their bladder and bowel function. In Arizona, it is one of the most sought-after procedures for patients whose overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms have not responded to other treatments.
InterStim works by resetting the miscommunication between the brain and the bladder. When the sacral nerves fire abnormally, they can cause the bladder to contract at the wrong time — leading to urgency, frequency, leakage, or the inability to fully empty the bladder. InterStim therapy regulates these signals, restoring more normal bladder behavior.
Who Is a Candidate for InterStim in Arizona?
InterStim treatment is typically recommended for patients who have been diagnosed with overactive bladder (OAB), urge urinary incontinence, or non-obstructive urinary retention. Candidates have usually tried at least two OAB medications without adequate relief, and have tried lifestyle modifications such as bladder training, fluid management, or pelvic floor therapy. InterStim is also considered for patients who are not good candidates for or have declined Botox bladder injections.
InterStim is covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, when you meet clinical criteria. Our team at Bladder Centers of America in Scottsdale works with your insurance to verify coverage before any procedure.
One of the most important features that sets InterStim apart from other treatments is the trial period. Before the permanent device is implanted, patients go through a test stimulation phase — typically lasting 5 to 14 days — to evaluate how well the therapy works for them. If you do not notice meaningful improvement, the trial lead is simply removed and no permanent commitment has been made. Most patients who complete the trial see significant improvement and choose to proceed with the permanent implant.
The InterStim Procedure: What to Expect
Step 1: Consultation and Evaluation. Your first step is a thorough consultation with a bladder specialist experienced in sacral neuromodulation. During this appointment, your doctor will review your symptoms, medical history, prior treatments, and any diagnostic test results. This is also the time to ask questions and discuss your goals.
Step 2: The Trial Phase. If you are a good candidate, you will have a minimally invasive outpatient procedure to place a temporary lead — a thin wire — near your sacral nerve. The lead is connected to an external pulse generator that you wear during the trial period. You will keep a bladder diary to track your symptoms and document any improvement. Most patients notice changes within the first few days.
Step 3: Evaluating the Trial Results. After your trial, you will meet with your physician to review your bladder diary and discuss results. A reduction of 50% or more in OAB symptoms is typically considered a successful trial. If you and your doctor agree the therapy is working, you can move forward with the permanent implant.
Step 4: Permanent Implant. The permanent InterStim device is implanted in a brief outpatient procedure, usually taking less than an hour. The small neurostimulator is placed just below the skin in the upper buttock area. Most patients go home the same day and return to normal activities within a few days. The device battery typically lasts 3 to 5 years, and newer rechargeable models can last significantly longer.
InterStim vs. Axonics: Which Is Right for You?
If you have been researching sacral neuromodulation in Arizona, you have probably come across both the Medtronic InterStim and the Axonics system. Both are FDA-approved, both work through sacral nerve stimulation, and both have helped thousands of patients regain bladder control. The main differences come down to device features.
InterStim is the original and most widely implanted sacral neuromodulator, backed by 25 or more years of clinical data. Axonics is a newer device (FDA-approved 2019) with a rechargeable battery rated for 15 or more years and a slightly smaller form factor. Both devices are fully MRI-compatible.
At Bladder Centers of America, Dr. Tory McJunkin evaluates each patient individually and recommends the device best suited to their anatomy, lifestyle, and insurance coverage. There is no single best device — it depends on the patient.
Results and Success Rates
Clinical studies consistently show that sacral neuromodulation — including InterStim — provides meaningful, durable relief for patients with OAB and urinary incontinence. Over 75% of patients with OAB report significant improvement in urgency and frequency after InterStim implantation. More than 80% of patients with urge incontinence report at least a 50% reduction in leakage episodes. Long-term studies show sustained results at 5 years and beyond. Many patients who previously relied on pads or protective garments report eliminating their use entirely.
These results are not guaranteed for every patient — individual outcomes vary — but the body of evidence behind InterStim therapy is robust. It is one of the most effective tools available for refractory OAB.
Recovery and Life After InterStim
Recovery from InterStim implantation is generally straightforward. Most Arizona patients experience same-day discharge from the outpatient procedure center and minimal downtime. Most patients resume light activities within 1 to 2 days. Some soreness at the implant site for a week or two is normal, managed easily with over-the-counter pain relievers. There are activity restrictions for 4 to 6 weeks such as avoiding heavy lifting, bending, and twisting. Follow-up programming appointments help fine-tune the device settings.
One common question from Scottsdale and Phoenix patients: Will I feel the stimulation? Most patients describe the sensation as a mild tingling or fluttering — many say they stop noticing it after a few weeks. The device can be adjusted or turned off at any time using a patient programmer.
Patients with InterStim can typically participate in most normal activities — swimming, golf, light exercise, air travel. Your physician will give you a device card to carry when going through airport security or undergoing medical procedures.
Why Choose Bladder Centers of America for InterStim in Arizona?
Not all urology practices in Arizona specialize in sacral neuromodulation. InterStim and Axonics implantation requires specific training, experience with the trial procedure, and expertise in device programming — a skill set that comes from volume and specialization.
At Bladder Centers of America in Scottsdale, we focus exclusively on overactive bladder and bladder control disorders. Dr. Tory McJunkin has implanted hundreds of sacral neuromodulation devices and has extensive experience managing the full spectrum of OAB treatments — from conservative therapies through advanced interventions like InterStim and Axonics. Our approach is patient-first and pressure-free. We take the time to understand your specific symptoms, review your history, and recommend the treatment that makes the most sense for your life.
We serve patients throughout the Phoenix metro area, including Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, and Glendale.
Take the Next Step
If you have been living with overactive bladder symptoms and are wondering whether InterStim treatment in Arizona might be right for you, the first step is a consultation. We offer comprehensive evaluations for OAB and sacral neuromodulation candidacy. Do not let bladder symptoms control your life. Treatment options have come a long way, and many patients who felt like they had tried everything find lasting relief with sacral neuromodulation.
Schedule your consultation at Bladder Centers of America today
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider to determine if InterStim or any other treatment is appropriate for your individual situation.