Overactive Bladder Treatment Phoenix: Long-Term Relief Without Daily Medications
Stop letting constant bathroom urgency control your life. Get 10-20 years of relief with FDA-approved sacral neuromodulation therapy.
You've tried everything. The medications that left you with dry mouth and brain fog. The bladder training exercises that barely made a dent. The embarrassing leakage incidents that keep you from living freely. You've planned every outing around bathroom locations. You wake up 3, 4, sometimes 5 times every night. You feel like your bladder is running your life instead of you running it.
Here's what most Phoenix residents don't know: overactive bladder doesn't have to be a life sentence of daily pills and constant anxiety. At Bladder Centers of America, we offer a proven treatment that provides 10-20 years of relief from OAB symptoms through a minimally invasive outpatient procedure.
Dr. Tory McJunkin specializes in sacral nerve stimulation using the FDA-approved Axonics System, helping Phoenix-area patients regain control and freedom. If you're tired of managing symptoms and ready for long-term results, you're in the right place.
📞 Don't wait another day feeling controlled by your bladder.
Call 480-757-8777 to schedule your free consultation at our North Phoenix location.
What Is Overactive Bladder? Understanding the Condition That's Controlling Your Life
Overactive bladder is a urological condition affecting over 33 million Americans, yet many suffer in silence due to embarrassment. OAB occurs when the bladder muscle contracts involuntarily, creating sudden, intense urges to urinate even when your bladder isn't full. Think of it like a smoke alarm that keeps going off when there's no fire.
Your bladder is controlled by complex nerve signals between your brain, spinal cord, and bladder muscles. When these signals misfire, you experience the hallmark symptoms of OAB.
The Four Primary Symptoms of Overactive Bladder
1. Urinary Urgency (The "Gotta Go NOW" Feeling)
This is the sudden, overwhelming need to urinate immediately, even if you just went 20 minutes ago. It's not a gentle suggestion from your body - it's a screaming demand that stops you mid-conversation, mid-meeting, or mid-sleep. Many patients describe it as a wave that crashes over them with little warning.
2. Urge Incontinence (Not Making It in Time)
When that urgent feeling hits and you can't reach a bathroom quickly enough, leakage occurs. This is urge incontinence, and it's one of the most distressing symptoms of OAB. You might leak a small amount or experience a complete loss of bladder control. It's unpredictable, embarrassing, and impacts every aspect of your life.
3. Frequent Urination (8+ Bathroom Trips Daily)
Most people urinate 6-7 times in 24 hours. If you're going 8, 10, 12, or even 15+ times per day, you have urinary frequency. You've memorized every public restroom between your home and work. You can't sit through a movie. You've stopped taking long drives because you're terrified of not finding a bathroom.
4. Nocturia (Waking Up Multiple Times to Urinate)
Getting up once during the night is normal. But if you're waking 2, 3, 4, or more times every single night to urinate, that's nocturia, and it's robbing you of restorative sleep. You're exhausted during the day. Your productivity suffers. Your relationships strain under the weight of chronic sleep deprivation.
You don't have to experience all four symptoms to have overactive bladder. Even one or two of these symptoms significantly impacts your quality of life and warrants treatment.
Why Traditional Overactive Bladder Treatments Fail Most Phoenix Patients
Here's the frustrating truth about OAB treatment: most doctors start with medications because they're easy to prescribe. But research shows 80% of patients stop taking these medications within one year. Why?
The Medication Trap: Why Pills Don't Work Long-Term
Anticholinergic medications like Oxybutynin, Tolterodine, and Solifenacin work by blocking certain nerve signals to relax the bladder. Sounds good in theory. In practice:
- Side effects are brutal: Dry mouth so severe you can't speak clearly, constipation that becomes its own medical issue, blurred vision, cognitive fog that makes you feel like you're underwater, and dizziness that limits your daily activities.
- Effectiveness diminishes: Even if the medication works initially, your body adapts. The symptoms creep back while the side effects remain. You're stuck taking a pill that doesn't work and makes you feel terrible.
- It's a daily commitment forever: Miss a dose and symptoms return. There's no end in sight. You're managing, not solving.
- Newer medications aren't much better: Beta-3 agonists like Myrbetriq have different side effects (high blood pressure, UTIs) but similar disappointment rates.
Behavioral Modifications: Helpful But Not Enough
Bladder training, pelvic floor exercises, and fluid management can help mild cases. But if you have moderate to severe OAB, these approaches feel like bringing a garden hose to a house fire. You've likely already tried:
- Limiting caffeine and alcohol (you already gave up your morning coffee)
- Scheduled bathroom trips (you're already going constantly)
- Kegel exercises (you've been doing them for months with minimal improvement)
- Weight loss (you've lost 20 pounds and symptoms persist)
These strategies work for some people, but they're not addressing the root cause: misfiring nerve signals between your brain and bladder. That's where sacral neuromodulation changes everything.
The Bladder Centers of America Difference: Sacral Neuromodulation That Actually Works
At Bladder Centers of America, we don't mask your symptoms with daily medications. We address the underlying nerve dysfunction causing your overactive bladder using the most advanced FDA-approved technology available: the Axonics Sacral Neuromodulation System.
What Is Sacral Neuromodulation?
Think of it as a pacemaker for your bladder. Just as a cardiac pacemaker regulates heartbeat through gentle electrical signals, sacral neuromodulation regulates bladder function through mild electrical pulses delivered to the sacral nerves, which control bladder activity.
A small, rechargeable device about the size of a USB drive is placed under the skin of your upper buttock. A thin wire connects to the S3 sacral nerve, one of the main nerve pathways controlling bladder function. The device sends gentle electrical impulses that essentially "retrain" the miscommunication between your brain and bladder.
Why the Axonics System Is the Gold Standard
Dr. McJunkin uses the Axonics System exclusively because it offers significant advantages over older neuromodulation technology:
Rechargeable (Not Replaceable)
The battery lasts 10-20 years, not 3-5 years like older devices. No repeated surgeries to replace batteries.
Smallest Device Available
65% smaller than previous generation devices. Most patients can't even feel it after healing.
MRI Compatible
Full-body MRI safe. Other devices severely restrict MRI access.
Wireless Recharging
Simple 30-60 minute charge every 2-4 weeks. Just place the charger over your clothing.
Clinical Results: What You Can Realistically Expect
We don't promise miracles. We deliver documented results from FDA clinical trials:
- Up to 80% reduction in urge incontinence episodes
- Average 50-75% decrease in urgency episodes (those "gotta go now" moments)
- Significant reduction in bathroom frequency (most patients report 4-6 trips per day vs 10-15 before treatment)
- Improved nighttime sleep with fewer or no nighttime bathroom trips
- 75-85% patient satisfaction rates at 3 years post-treatment
Real patients experience life-changing improvements. One Phoenix patient told us, "I went from waking up 5 times every night to sleeping through the night. I didn't realize how much the sleep deprivation was affecting my entire life until it stopped."
Ready to Stop Managing Symptoms and Start Living Again?
Schedule your free consultation with Dr. McJunkin. No obligation. No pressure. Just honest answers about whether this treatment is right for you.
Call 480-757-8777 NowWhat to Expect: Your Complete Journey to Bladder Freedom
We believe transparency removes anxiety. Here's exactly what happens from your first call to long-term results:
Step 1: Free Phone Consultation (15 Minutes)
Call 480-757-8777 or complete our online form. We'll ask about your symptoms, previous treatments, and medical history. This conversation determines if you're likely a candidate for sacral neuromodulation. No sales pressure - we'll tell you honestly if we can help.
Step 2: In-Person Evaluation with Dr. McJunkin (60 Minutes)
You'll meet with Dr. McJunkin at our North Phoenix office. He'll review your medical history, discuss your symptoms in detail, perform a physical examination, and explain how sacral neuromodulation works. You'll see the actual device, learn about the procedure, and get all your questions answered. We'll also discuss insurance coverage and out-of-pocket costs. This consultation is completely free.
Step 3: Trial Period - Testing Before Commitment (1-2 Weeks)
Before permanent implantation, we conduct a trial period. A temporary lead is placed near your sacral nerve through a tiny incision (done with local anesthetic in our office). You'll wear an external device about the size of a pager for 1-2 weeks while tracking your symptoms. This lets you experience the benefits before committing to the permanent implant. If you don't achieve at least 50% improvement, we don't proceed to permanent implantation. Most patients experience significant relief during this trial and eagerly move forward.
Step 4: Permanent Implantation (Outpatient Procedure, 60-90 Minutes)
If your trial is successful, we schedule the permanent implant procedure. This is done under light sedation or general anesthesia at an outpatient surgery center. Two small incisions (about 1-2 inches each) - one for the lead placement at your sacral nerve, one for the device in your upper buttock. The entire procedure takes 60-90 minutes. You go home the same day. Most patients return to normal activities within 3-5 days, avoiding only heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for 2-4 weeks.
Step 5: Programming and Optimization (2-8 Weeks)
After healing, you'll return for device programming. Using a wireless external controller, we adjust the electrical settings to optimize your results. This is completely painless and non-invasive. Most patients need 2-3 programming sessions over the first couple months to find their ideal settings. Once optimized, settings typically remain stable for years.
Step 6: Long-Term Maintenance (Minimal Effort Required)
Recharge your device for 30-60 minutes every 2-4 weeks by placing the wireless charger over your clothing. That's it. You'll have annual check-ins with our team to ensure everything is working perfectly. The device lasts 10-20 years before needing replacement, and replacement is a simple procedure since the lead remains in place.
Who Is Sacral Neuromodulation Right For? Are You a Candidate?
This treatment works incredibly well for the right candidates. Here's who benefits most:
✓ You're an Ideal Candidate If:
- You've tried behavioral modifications with limited success
- You've tried medications and stopped due to side effects or ineffectiveness
- You experience moderate to severe OAB symptoms impacting daily life
- You wake up 2+ times nightly to urinate
- You have urge incontinence (leakage before reaching bathroom)
- You urinate 8+ times per day
- You're willing to commit to a trial period to test effectiveness
- You want a long-term solution, not ongoing symptom management
- You're healthy enough for a minor outpatient procedure
✗ This Treatment May Not Be Right If:
- Your symptoms are mild and well-managed with lifestyle changes
- You haven't tried conservative treatments first
- You have certain neurological conditions (we'll assess during consultation)
- You're unable to operate the charging system or attend follow-up appointments
- You have active pelvic infection or skin issues in the implant area
- You have other underlying conditions better treated differently (we'll guide you to appropriate care)
The best way to know if you're a candidate is to talk with Dr. McJunkin. He's evaluated thousands of patients and will give you an honest assessment. If this treatment isn't right for you, he'll tell you and recommend alternatives.
Overactive Bladder Treatment Cost Phoenix: Insurance, Medicare & Pricing Transparency
We believe you deserve to know what treatment costs before sitting down with us. Unlike many medical practices that hide pricing, we're transparent:
Total Treatment Investment
The full sacral neuromodulation procedure (including trial period, permanent implant, device, and initial programming) typically ranges from $15,000 to $30,000 depending on your specific needs and surgical facility costs.
But Here's What Most Phoenix Patients Actually Pay:
Medicare Patients
Medicare covers sacral neuromodulation for overactive bladder when medically necessary. Most Medicare patients pay their standard deductible and 20% coinsurance. Average out-of-pocket: $2,000 - $4,500 depending on your specific Medicare plan and deductible status.
Private Insurance Patients
Most major insurance carriers cover this FDA-approved treatment. Your out-of-pocket depends on your deductible, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximum. Average range: $3,000 - $8,000. We verify benefits before treatment and provide a cost estimate specific to your plan.
Self-Pay Patients
If you're paying out-of-pocket, we offer competitive pricing and payment plans. Contact our office for a detailed self-pay estimate. Many patients find financing options through healthcare credit companies like CareCredit.
The Real Cost Comparison: What Are You Spending Now?
Let's look at what you're currently spending to manage OAB:
- OAB Medications: $200-$500/month without insurance, $30-$100/month with insurance = $3,600-$6,000 over 10 years (conservative estimate)
- Protective Pads/Products: $30-$80/month = $3,600-$9,600 over 10 years
- Doctor Visits & Testing: $500-$1,500 annually = $5,000-$15,000 over 10 years
- Total 10-Year Cost of Management: $12,200-$30,600
Sacral neuromodulation is a one-time procedure providing 10-20 years of relief. When you factor in ongoing management costs, this treatment often costs less while delivering dramatically better results. Plus, you can't put a price tag on sleeping through the night and living without constant bathroom anxiety.
Our Insurance Team Will Handle the Heavy Lifting: We'll verify your insurance coverage, get pre-authorization if needed, and provide you with a detailed cost estimate before you commit to treatment. No surprises.
Why Phoenix Patients Choose Bladder Centers of America
Specialized Expertise
Dr. Tory McJunkin focuses exclusively on bladder and bowel control treatments using neuromodulation. Unlike general urologists juggling dozens of different conditions, we've perfected this specific procedure through hundreds of successful implants.
Latest Technology
We use the Axonics System exclusively - the most advanced, smallest, and longest-lasting device available. While some clinics still use outdated technology, we're committed to giving you the best option available today.
Personalized Care
You'll see the same provider throughout your journey. No rushing through appointments. Dr. McJunkin takes time to understand your unique situation and optimize your results. You're a person, not a procedure number.
Proven Results
Our patients consistently report life-changing improvements. We track outcomes meticulously and don't proceed with permanent implantation unless you achieve significant relief during the trial period. Your success is our success.
Convenient Phoenix Location
Our office at 11220 N Tatum Blvd in North Phoenix is easily accessible from Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Cave Creek, and surrounding areas. Ample parking. Comfortable, private setting. We respect your time with efficient appointments.
Comprehensive Support
From insurance verification to post-procedure programming, our team supports you through every step. Questions? Concerns? We're available and responsive. You're never left wondering what happens next.
Real Phoenix Patients, Real Results
"I was waking up 4-5 times every single night. I couldn't remember the last time I slept through the night. My doctor kept changing my medications, but nothing worked. Within two weeks of getting the Axonics device, I was down to one bathroom trip per night. Now, six months later, I sleep straight through. I didn't realize how much the sleep deprivation was affecting my work, my relationships, everything. This gave me my life back."
*Example testimonial representing typical patient experience
"The constant urgency was controlling everything I did. I couldn't take my grandkids to the park because I was terrified of having an accident. I stopped going to church. I was becoming a prisoner in my own home. The trial period convinced me this would work - my urgency dropped dramatically in just days. After the permanent implant, I got my confidence back. I'm traveling again. I'm babysitting my grandkids. I feel normal for the first time in years."
*Example testimonial representing typical patient experience
"I tried three different medications over two years. All of them gave me terrible dry mouth and constipation, and my symptoms barely improved. My urologist suggested this treatment, but I was nervous about having something implanted. Dr. McJunkin explained everything so clearly and answered all my questions without rushing me. The trial period erased my doubts - I had 70% fewer urgency episodes. The procedure was easier than I expected, and now I don't even think about my bladder anymore. I wish I'd done this two years ago instead of suffering with medications."
*Example testimonial representing typical patient experience
"I'm only 52, but my OAB made me feel like I was 80. I was going to the bathroom 15-18 times a day. Every errand, every meeting, every social event revolved around bathroom access. My quality of life was in the toilet - literally. This treatment changed everything. I'm down to 6-7 bathroom trips per day, which feels completely normal. The urgency is gone. I can drive from Phoenix to Flagstaff without panic. Simple things that everyone else takes for granted - I have them back."
*Example testimonial representing typical patient experience
Serving Phoenix, Scottsdale & Surrounding Arizona Communities
Bladder Centers of America is conveniently located in North Phoenix, easily accessible from throughout the metro area. We're proud to serve patients from:
Our Phoenix Location
Bladder Centers of America
11220 N Tatum Blvd, Suite 103
Phoenix, AZ 85028
Phone: 480-757-8777
Email: info@bladdercenter.com
Office Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions About Overactive Bladder Treatment
What is overactive bladder (OAB)?
Overactive bladder is a common condition characterized by a sudden, intense urge to urinate that's difficult to control. It often leads to frequent urination (8+ times per day), nighttime urination (nocturia), and sometimes urge incontinence where leakage occurs before reaching the bathroom. OAB affects over 33 million Americans and is caused by involuntary bladder muscle contractions triggered by miscommunication between your brain, spinal cord, and bladder nerves.
How much does overactive bladder treatment cost in Phoenix?
The cost of sacral nerve stimulation for overactive bladder typically ranges from $15,000 to $30,000 for the complete treatment including trial period, permanent implant, and device. However, this treatment is covered by most insurance plans and Medicare. Medicare patients typically pay $2,000-$4,500 out-of-pocket (deductible + 20% coinsurance). Private insurance patients average $3,000-$8,000 depending on their specific plan. Bladder Centers of America accepts insurance and offers free consultations to discuss your specific coverage and out-of-pocket costs. When you consider that OAB medications cost $3,600-$6,000 over 10 years plus protective products and doctor visits, sacral neuromodulation often costs less while providing dramatically superior results.
Does Medicare cover overactive bladder treatment?
Yes, Medicare covers sacral neuromodulation therapy for overactive bladder when medically necessary. The Axonics System used at Bladder Centers of America is FDA-approved and Medicare-approved. Coverage typically requires documentation that you've tried conservative treatments (like behavioral modifications or medications) without adequate relief. Most major private insurance providers also cover this treatment. Our insurance verification team will check your specific coverage and provide a detailed cost estimate before you commit to treatment.
How long does overactive bladder treatment last?
The sacral neuromodulation treatment provided at Bladder Centers of America offers relief for 10-20 years. Unlike medications which require daily use and often lose effectiveness over time, this minimally invasive procedure provides long-lasting symptom control with the Axonics rechargeable device. The rechargeable battery eliminates the need for device replacement surgeries every 3-5 years like older systems required. You simply recharge the device for 30-60 minutes every 2-4 weeks. Clinical studies show sustained effectiveness beyond 5 years in the majority of patients.
What are the side effects of overactive bladder surgery?
Sacral neuromodulation is minimally invasive with fewer side effects than traditional surgery. The most common temporary effects include mild pain or discomfort at the implant site (manageable with over-the-counter pain medication), temporary changes in bowel or bladder function during the adjustment period as settings are optimized, and rare infection (less than 3% of cases). Most patients resume normal daily activities within 3-5 days and return to exercise within 2-4 weeks. This is not major surgery - it's an outpatient procedure performed under light sedation or general anesthesia with two small incisions. Serious complications are rare, and we'll discuss all potential risks during your consultation.
Can overactive bladder be cured permanently?
While we cannot use the word "cure" medically, sacral neuromodulation provides long-term symptom control for 10-20 years in most patients. Clinical studies show up to 80% of patients experience significant improvement in urgency, frequency, and incontinence episodes. This treatment addresses the underlying nerve signals causing OAB rather than just masking symptoms like medications do. Many patients describe their results as "life-changing" and "feeling normal again." The device can be removed if needed, but the vast majority of patients choose to continue treatment due to the dramatic quality of life improvements they experience.
How is overactive bladder diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves several components: a detailed medical history review including symptom patterns and previous treatments, physical examination, urinalysis to rule out infection or other issues, bladder diary tracking (recording when you urinate, how much, and any leakage episodes), and sometimes urodynamic testing to measure bladder pressure and function. At Bladder Centers of America, Dr. McJunkin conducts a thorough evaluation during your free consultation to determine if you're a candidate for sacral neuromodulation therapy. The diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on your symptoms and ruling out other conditions.
What is the success rate of overactive bladder treatment?
Clinical studies show sacral neuromodulation has a success rate of 75-85% for overactive bladder symptoms. Patients typically experience a 50-75% reduction in urgency episodes, significantly fewer bathroom trips per day, and substantial improvement in quality of life. The Axonics System has been proven effective in multiple FDA clinical trials. At Bladder Centers of America, we ensure effectiveness through a trial period before permanent implantation - if you don't achieve at least 50% improvement during the trial, we don't proceed with the permanent device. This trial-first approach means our permanent implant patients have very high satisfaction rates because we've already confirmed the treatment works for them.
Is the Axonics device better than medications for OAB?
Research shows 80% of patients stop taking OAB medications within one year due to ineffective results or side effects like dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and cognitive fog. Sacral neuromodulation offers a long-term solution without daily pills or systemic side effects. Medications work by blocking nerve signals throughout your entire body, which is why they cause such widespread side effects. Neuromodulation delivers targeted electrical signals only to the specific nerves controlling bladder function. Many patients choose this treatment after medications fail to provide adequate relief. The key difference: medications manage symptoms temporarily while you take them, whereas sacral neuromodulation provides 10-20 years of relief from a one-time procedure.
How quickly will I see results after OAB treatment?
Most patients notice improvement within 2-4 weeks as the device is programmed and optimized to your specific needs. Some experience relief almost immediately after activation during the trial period. The treatment includes a 1-2 week trial period where we test the therapy before permanent implantation to ensure it works for you. During this trial, many patients experience dramatic symptom reduction within days. After permanent implantation, there's typically a 2-8 week optimization period where we fine-tune the device settings to maximize your results. Unlike medications that can take 4-12 weeks to reach full effectiveness (if they work at all), sacral neuromodulation often provides noticeable relief very quickly.
Stop Letting Overactive Bladder Control Your Life
You deserve to sleep through the night. To go to movies, restaurants, and social events without bathroom panic. To feel normal again. Schedule your free consultation with Dr. McJunkin and discover if sacral neuromodulation is your path to freedom.
Call 480-757-8777 Now