Sacral Nerve Stimulation Phoenix: Advanced Neuromodulation for Bladder & Bowel Control
Restore control with FDA-approved SNS therapy. The Axonics System delivers 10-20 years of relief for overactive bladder, incontinence, and bowel disorders.
You've been told to "just live with it." Your doctor handed you a prescription for medications that don't work or cause unbearable side effects. You've tried pelvic floor therapy, bladder training, dietary changes, and nothing has given you lasting relief. Your bladder or bowel dysfunction controls your life, limiting where you go, what you do, and how you feel about yourself.
Here's what most Phoenix residents don't know: there's a proven treatment that addresses the root cause of bladder and bowel control problems. Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) doesn't just mask symptoms—it restores normal nerve function to give you back control. At Bladder Centers of America, Dr. Tory McJunkin specializes in the Axonics SNS System, the most advanced neuromodulation therapy available.
If you're tired of managing symptoms and ready for a real solution, you're in the right place.
📞 Discover if SNS therapy is right for you.
Call 480-757-8777 to schedule your free consultation with Dr. McJunkin at our North Phoenix location.
What Is Sacral Nerve Stimulation? Understanding the Technology That Restores Control
Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS), also called sacral neuromodulation, is a minimally invasive therapy that uses gentle electrical pulses to modulate the nerves controlling your bladder, bowel, and pelvic floor muscles. Think of it as a pacemaker for your pelvic organs.
Just as a cardiac pacemaker sends electrical signals to regulate heart rhythm, SNS sends targeted electrical impulses to the sacral nerves—specifically the S3 nerve—which control bladder and bowel function. These signals restore normal communication between your brain and pelvic organs, eliminating the misfiring nerve signals that cause urgency, frequency, incontinence, and retention.
How Sacral Neuromodulation Works: The Science Made Simple
Step 1: The Sacral Nerves Control Everything
Your sacral nerves, located in your lower back near your tailbone, are the communication highway between your brain and pelvic organs. These nerves control when your bladder fills and empties, when your bowels move, and how your pelvic floor muscles respond. When these nerves malfunction, you lose control.
Step 2: Misfiring Signals Cause Dysfunction
In conditions like overactive bladder, urge incontinence, and fecal incontinence, your sacral nerves send incorrect signals. Your brain receives urgent messages even when your bladder isn't full. Or it fails to send proper signals to prevent leakage. These misfiring signals create the symptoms that disrupt your life.
Step 3: SNS Restores Normal Communication
Sacral nerve stimulation delivers mild electrical pulses to the S3 sacral nerve through a small implanted device. These pulses essentially "retrain" the nerve pathways, restoring proper communication between your brain and pelvic organs. The result: normal bladder and bowel control.
Step 4: The Device Works Continuously
Once implanted, the Axonics device works 24/7 in the background, constantly modulating your sacral nerves. You can't feel the electrical impulses working (though some patients notice a gentle tingling sensation initially). The device is programmable, allowing us to optimize settings for your specific needs.
Conditions Treated with Sacral Nerve Stimulation
SNS therapy is FDA-approved for multiple bladder and bowel control conditions. If you've failed conservative treatments, you may be an ideal candidate.
Overactive Bladder (OAB)
Sudden, intense urges to urinate that disrupt your daily life. SNS therapy reduces urgency episodes by 50-75% in most patients.
- Frequent urination (8+ times daily)
- Urgent need to urinate immediately
- Nighttime bathroom trips (nocturia)
- Disrupted sleep and daily activities
Urge Incontinence
Involuntary bladder leakage before reaching the bathroom. SNS delivers up to 80% reduction in incontinence episodes.
- Leakage with sudden urges
- Cannot reach bathroom in time
- Unpredictable accidents
- Constant anxiety about leaking
Urinary Retention
Inability to fully empty your bladder, leading to frequent small voids or complete retention requiring catheterization.
- Weak urinary stream
- Feeling of incomplete emptying
- Frequent small voids
- Dependence on catheterization
Fecal Incontinence
Involuntary bowel leakage that devastates quality of life. SNS offers significant improvement for most patients.
- Bowel leakage (solid or liquid)
- Inability to control gas
- Urgency to have bowel movements
- Social isolation and depression
Why the Axonics System Is the Gold Standard for SNS Therapy
Dr. McJunkin exclusively uses the Axonics Sacral Neuromodulation System because it offers significant advantages over older SNS technology. Here's why Axonics is superior:
Rechargeable Battery
Lasts 10-20 years without replacement surgery. Older devices require battery replacement every 3-5 years, meaning multiple surgeries.
65% Smaller
The smallest SNS device available. Most patients can't feel it after healing. Discreet and comfortable.
Full-Body MRI Safe
Completely MRI compatible for scans anywhere in your body. Older systems severely restrict MRI access.
Wireless Charging
Recharge for 30-60 minutes every 2-4 weeks through your clothing. Simple, painless, and convenient.
Proven Clinical Results
FDA clinical trials show 75-85% success rates across multiple conditions. Sustained effectiveness beyond 5 years.
Advanced Programming
Customizable settings optimized to your specific needs. Adjustable wirelessly without additional procedures.
Find Out if SNS Therapy Can Help You
Schedule your free consultation with Dr. McJunkin. Learn if sacral neuromodulation is the solution you've been searching for.
Call 480-757-8777 NowThe SNS Procedure: What to Expect from Start to Finish
We believe transparency builds confidence. Here's exactly what happens during sacral nerve stimulation therapy:
Trial Period (1-2 Weeks)
Before permanent implantation, you undergo a trial to confirm SNS works for you. A temporary lead is placed near your S3 sacral nerve through a small incision (local anesthetic, done in our office). You'll wear an external device for 1-2 weeks while tracking your symptoms. If you achieve at least 50% improvement, you're a candidate for permanent implantation. Most patients experience dramatic relief during this trial phase.
Permanent Implantation (60-90 Minutes)
If your trial succeeds, we schedule the permanent implant procedure at an outpatient surgery center. Done under light sedation or general anesthesia. Two small incisions: one for the lead placement at your sacral nerve, one for the device in your upper buttock area. The procedure takes 60-90 minutes. You go home the same day.
Recovery (3-5 Days)
Most patients resume normal daily activities within 3-5 days. You'll avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for 2-4 weeks to allow proper healing. Mild soreness at the incision sites is normal and managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
Programming & 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 to find their ideal settings.
Long-Term Maintenance (Minimal)
Recharge your device for 30-60 minutes every 2-4 weeks by placing the wireless charger over your clothing. That's it. Annual check-ins ensure everything works perfectly. The device lasts 10-20 years before needing replacement.
Are You a Candidate for Sacral Nerve Stimulation?
SNS therapy works exceptionally well for the right patients. Here's who benefits most:
✓ You're an Ideal Candidate If:
- You have overactive bladder, urge incontinence, urinary retention, or fecal incontinence
- You've tried conservative treatments (medications, pelvic floor therapy, lifestyle changes) without adequate relief
- Your symptoms significantly impact your quality of life
- You're looking for a long-term solution, not ongoing symptom management
- You're healthy enough for a minimally invasive outpatient procedure
- You're willing to participate in a trial period before permanent implantation
- You can operate the charging system and attend follow-up appointments
✗ This Treatment May Not Be Right If:
- You have mild symptoms well-controlled with conservative treatments
- You haven't tried first-line treatments yet
- You have certain active medical conditions (we'll assess during consultation)
- You have anatomical abnormalities preventing device placement
- You're unable to comply with follow-up care requirements
The best way to know if you're a candidate is to consult with Dr. McJunkin. He's evaluated thousands of patients and will give you an honest, expert assessment. If SNS isn't right for you, he'll recommend appropriate alternatives.
Real Phoenix Patients, Real Results with SNS Therapy
"I was going to the bathroom 15-18 times a day with constant urgency. I couldn't work, couldn't travel, couldn't live normally. Medications didn't work and had terrible side effects. The SNS trial period showed me this treatment would work—my urgency dropped 70% in the first week. After the permanent implant, I'm down to 6-7 bathroom trips per day. I have my life back."
*Example testimonial representing typical patient experience
"Fecal incontinence destroyed my life. I couldn't go anywhere without fear of accidents. I was depressed, isolated, and desperate. Dr. McJunkin explained how sacral neuromodulation could help. The trial was life-changing—immediate improvement. Now, two years after my permanent implant, I have complete bowel control. I can socialize, travel, and feel like myself again."
*Example testimonial representing typical patient experience
"I had urinary retention requiring self-catheterization 4-5 times daily. It was painful, inconvenient, and increased my risk of infections. I was skeptical about SNS therapy, but the trial period convinced me. After permanent implantation, I no longer need to catheterize. My bladder empties normally. This technology is incredible."
*Example testimonial representing typical patient experience
Frequently Asked Questions About Sacral Nerve Stimulation
What is sacral nerve stimulation?
Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is a minimally invasive therapy that uses gentle electrical pulses to modulate the sacral nerves controlling bladder, bowel, and pelvic floor function. A small implanted device sends signals that restore normal communication between the brain and these organs, treating conditions like overactive bladder, urinary incontinence, urinary retention, and fecal incontinence. It's similar to how a pacemaker regulates heart rhythm, but for pelvic organs.
How does sacral neuromodulation work?
Sacral neuromodulation works by delivering mild electrical impulses to the S3 sacral nerve through a small implanted device. These impulses help regulate misfiring nerve signals between the brain and bladder or bowel, restoring normal function. The sacral nerves control when your bladder fills and empties, when your bowels move, and how your pelvic floor responds. When these nerves malfunction, you lose control. SNS retrains these nerve pathways to restore proper function.
What conditions does SNS treat?
SNS therapy is FDA-approved to treat overactive bladder (OAB), urge incontinence, urinary retention (non-obstructive), and fecal incontinence. It's also used for chronic constipation in some cases. The therapy is particularly effective for conditions caused by nerve dysfunction rather than structural problems. Clinical studies show 75-85% success rates across these conditions when conservative treatments have failed.
Is sacral nerve stimulation painful?
No, sacral nerve stimulation is not painful. The electrical impulses feel like a gentle tingling or pulsing sensation that most patients quickly adapt to and don't notice during daily activities. The implant procedure is done under sedation, so you feel nothing during surgery. After the procedure, most patients experience only mild soreness at the incision sites, manageable with over-the-counter pain medication. Recovery is quick, with most resuming normal activities within 3-5 days.
How long does SNS therapy last?
With the Axonics rechargeable system, SNS therapy provides 10-20 years of relief. The device battery is recharged wirelessly every 2-4 weeks for 30-60 minutes. Unlike older SNS systems requiring battery replacement surgery every 3-5 years, Axonics offers long-term relief without repeated procedures. Clinical studies show sustained effectiveness beyond 5 years in the majority of patients.
What is the success rate of sacral neuromodulation?
Clinical studies show sacral neuromodulation has a 75-85% success rate for FDA-approved conditions. Patients typically experience 50-80% reduction in symptom episodes and significant improvement in quality of life. 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. This trial-first approach means our permanent implant patients have very high satisfaction rates.
How much does SNS therapy cost?
SNS therapy typically ranges from $15,000 to $30,000 for complete treatment including trial period, permanent implant, and device. However, this is covered by Medicare and most major insurance plans when medically necessary. 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. Our insurance team verifies benefits and provides detailed cost estimates before treatment.
Can I have an MRI with the Axonics device?
Yes, the Axonics System is full-body MRI compatible. You can safely undergo MRI scans anywhere in your body with the device implanted. This is a significant advantage over older SNS systems that severely restrict MRI access. Always inform your MRI technologist that you have an implanted device before any scan.
What happens during the trial period?
The trial period lasts 1-2 weeks and tests whether SNS therapy works for you before permanent implantation. A temporary lead is placed near your S3 sacral nerve through a small incision using local anesthetic in our office. You'll wear an external device (about the size of a pager) and track your symptoms. If you achieve at least 50% improvement, you're a candidate for the permanent implant. Most patients experience significant relief during this trial and eagerly move forward with permanent implantation.
Will people be able to see or feel the device?
No, the Axonics device is implanted under the skin in your upper buttock area and is not visible. At 65% smaller than older devices, it's about the size of a USB drive. Most patients cannot feel it after the healing period. The device is discreet, and no one will know you have it unless you tell them. You can wear normal clothing, exercise, and engage in all regular activities.
Ready to Restore Bladder and Bowel Control?
Stop letting dysfunction control your life. Schedule your free consultation with Dr. McJunkin and discover if sacral nerve stimulation can give you the freedom and confidence you deserve.
Call 480-757-8777 Now