interstim implant in Houston, TX
A Permanent Solution to Urinary Incontinence Symptoms
Interstim for Overactive Bladder
When medications and pelvic floor exercises fail to fix an overactive bladder, it’s time to move to the next step of treatment.
The Interstim device has been around for more than 20 years, and is a proven treatment that permanently addresses overactive bladder symptoms. Dr. Christi has implanted many successful Interstim devices—and the results are life-changing.
Treatment Details
Treatment type
Nonsurgical
Treatment frequency
2, with a battery replacement every 10 years
Treatment time
20 – 30 minutes
Downtime
7 days
What It Treats
Overactive bladder
Spastic bladder
Urge incontinence
How Interstim Works
Step 1
First, contact ChristiMD Medical Group for an initial consultation.
We'll talk with you openly and honestly about your concerns, and which previous exercises and treatments you've tried. When previous treatments haven't work, an Interstim implant in Houston, TX may be the best solution and we'll schedule your procedure.
Step 2
You'll be put under mild sedation in the operating room, and then Dr. Christi makes two small incisions to implant the device into your lower back.
Then we do a test run for a week or two. If you notice at least a 50% improvement in your number of trips to the bathroom and/or bladder accidents, we'll schedule the next procedure.
Step 3
During this second operation, the intermittent pulse generator is implanted in the buttock area, creating about a half-inch pocket under the skin.
Then, the lead is plugged into the generator and Dr. Christi applies absorbable stitches to close the wound.
Step 4
Once the device is set and working well, you can forget about it and get back to normal! In head-to-head studies between Interstim and other bladder treatment, Interstim had the best results in quality of life.
When the battery wears out in about 10 years, you will need a quick follow-up procedure to have a new intermittent pulse generator placed.
Benefits of the Interstim Implant in Houston, TX
Pronounced decrease in trips to the bathroom and/or bladder accidents
Permanent results
Best results for quality of life
Works for men and women
Minimal downtime
Outpatient procedure
Real results
Results of Interstim for Overactive Bladder
Interstim is a proven treatment that permanently improves overactive bladder symptoms. Further treatment involves changing the battery approximately every 5 years.
a passionate, experienced medical team
About ChristiMD Medical Group
ChristiMD Medical Group provides a trustworthy and welcoming space for men and women alike, offering the most advanced medical treatments available under one roof. Dr. Christi is double board certified in urology and urogynecology, with over 26 years of experience.
We’ve helped thousands of patients across Texas experience positive, life-changing results. Better doctor. Better techniques. Better results.
Get started
Request a consultation to meet with our team and explore treatments to best address your unique concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Interstim device has a neuro-stimulator that moderates the signals traveling back and forth along the bladder nerve. It consists of a thin lead, which sits next to the 3rd sacral nerve root in the lower back area, and a silver dollar-sized intermittent pulse generator.
The device is controlled by a remote control that communicates through the skin to turn it on and off, up and down.
Dr. Christi’s patients who received Interstim describe it as a tingling or flittery sensation in their pelvic region. It should never be painful. Sensations vary for each patient, and your settings can be adjusted accordingly.
No, Interstim doesn’t cure overactive bladder. If the device is turned off or removed, symptoms can return. It does significantly reduce those symptoms.