Sacral Nerve Stimulation: An advanced Option to Regain Bladder Control

When medications, exercises, and lifestyle changes aren’t enough to control bladder problems, there is still hope. One of the most advanced options available today is Sacral Nerve Stimulation (SNS) — also called sacral neuromodulation. This treatment helps patients restore bladder (and sometimes bowel) control, offering freedom from the daily struggles of leakage or urgency.

How Does Sacral Nerve Stimulation Work?

Your bladder and bowels are controlled by special nerves in the lower back, called the sacral nerves, located near the tailbone. If these nerves don’t send the right signals, it can lead to problems like leakage, urgency, or trouble emptying the bladder.

SNS uses a small device, like a pacemaker, which sends gentle electrical pulses to these nerves. This restores normal communication between the brain and bladder, improving control and reducing symptoms.

SNS can help with:

👉 Urge incontinence (leaking with a strong urge)

👉 Frequent urination

👉 Urinary retention (trouble emptying bladder without a blockage)

👉 Faecal incontinence

The SNS Procedure is not performed for everyone directly, but is performed with a trial to ensure the patient's understanding and benefit.

Trial Phase:

A thin temporary wire is placed near the sacral nerves and connected to an external stimulator. For a few weeks, you wear it while tracking your symptoms.

Implant Phase:

If you see a 50% or more improvement, the permanent device is implanted under the skin in the upper buttock. It’s small, programmable, and can be adjusted for comfort.

Ongoing Management:

Most people can return to normal daily life with much better bladder control. The device usually lasts 15–20 years and can be removed or replaced if needed.

Who Should Consider SNS?

SNS may be recommended for adults with:

👉 Overactive bladder has not improved with medicines

👉 Urge urinary incontinence

Non-obstructive urinary retention

👉 Faecal incontinence

👉 It may not be suitable for patients with certain neurological conditions, mechanical obstructions, or those unable to manage the device.

Benefits of SNS

✅ Significant reduction in leakage episodes

✅ Better bladder control and fewer bathroom trips

✅ Minimally invasive and reversible procedure

✅ Quick recovery and long-lasting results (15–20 years)

Risks to Consider

Mild discomfort at the implant site

Rare infection or skin irritation

Device malfunction (adjustments usually fix it)

Stimulation-related pain (settings can be modified)

At a Glance: Sacral Nerve Stimulation

Target Nerve : Sacral nerves (S3, S4, near tailbone)

Device Type: Small, programmable electrical stimulator

Indications: Urge incontinence, frequency, retention, faecal incontinence

Success Criteria : >50% improvement in trial phase

Longevity: 15–20 years

Side Effects: Mild irritation, rare infection, device adjustment issues

Takeaway:

Sacral Nerve Stimulation is giving many patients a second chance at living confidently. For those who have struggled with bladder control despite trying medications and therapies, SNS offers real, lasting hope.

At We Care 4 ‘all’, we help patients understand advanced treatment options like SNS, connect with trusted specialists, and find affordable care without compromising safety.

If you or a loved one continues to struggle with bladder control, it may be time to ask your doctor about sacral neuromodulation.

Sacral Nerve Stimulation has transformed bladder care, giving many people their confidence back when other treatments failed. But real success isn’t just about the surgery — it’s about how life continues afterwards.

Don’t miss the final chapter in our Incontinence Series:

Part 6: Life After Surgery – Living Well With Confidence (coming soon).

Missed the earlier parts? Catch up here:

1️⃣ Part 1: Why Adult Diaper Use Is Rising

2️⃣ Part 2: From Global Trends to Personal Triggers

3️⃣ Part 3: The Hidden Obesity Links Behind Incontinence

4️⃣ Part 4: Bladder Problems After Back Surgery

This series builds step by step — read them all to see the full journey from problem to solution.

Sleep Apnea: The Hidden Sleep Disorder That Affects Your Breathing, Energy, and Long-Term Health

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which a person’s breathing repeatedly stops or becomes very shallow during sleep. These breathing interruptions lead to poor-quality, fragmented sleep and reduced oxygen levels in the body. Although common, sleep apnea can be serious if left untreated because, over time, it puts extra strain on the heart, blood vessels, and other vital organs. Types of Sleep Apnea 1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) This is the most common form. It occurs when the throat or upper airway becomes blocked or collapses temporarily during sleep. People with OSA often experience loud snoring, gasping, or choking episodes as the body struggles to reopen the airway. The brain briefly wakes the person—usually so quickly, that they don’t remember—to restore normal breathing. 2. Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) This type is less common. It happens when the brain fails to send proper signals to the breathing muscles, so breathing simply stops for short periods. Unlike OSA, there is no phys...

Why Adult Diaper Use is Rising Worldwide — What You Need to Know

Across the globe, more and more people are turning to adult diapers. The main reason? Urine or stool leakage, medically known as incontinence. This condition happens when the muscles and nerves that control bladder or bowel movements don’t work quite as well as they used to. What Causes Incontinence? ➡️ Weakening muscles that hold in urine or stool ➡️ Damage to the nerves that communicate with the brain ➡️ Changes in the body’s anatomy affecting normal control Incontinence usually results from factors such as ageing, injuries, nerve problems, infections, or certain medical conditions. Because the causes can vary widely, it’s important to see a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and care. Why Is This a Growing Issue? Japan leads the world in adult diaper use because it has one of the oldest populations on Earth. But this is not just Japan’s story. Many countries across North America, Europe, and Asia are seeing similar trends as their populations age and people live lo...

Obesity and Sleep Apnea: The Hidden Connection That Affects Your Airway, Energy, and Long-Term Well-Being

Our previous blog on Sleep Apnea explains why this silent condition affects more than just sleep. Catch up now in case you missed it: https://wecare4all.blogspot.com/2025/12/sleep-apnea-hidden-sleep-disorder-that.html In this blog we are gonna see how Obesity and Sleep apnea are interlinked: Extra body weight makes sleep apnea much more common and more severe, mainly because it affects the airway and the way we breathe at night. Fat deposits around the neck and throat reduce the space inside the upper airway , which is a soft, flexible tube. So, when the throat muscles relax during sleep, the airway collapses more easily and blocks airflow. Extra fat around the chest and abdomen also limits lung movement and reduces the natural “stretch” that helps keep the airway open. As weight increases, the risk also increases. A higher BMI or a larger neck circumference is strongly linked to more frequent breathing pauses in sleep studies, and nearly half of adults with obesit...

We Care 4 'all' / SHE

Search This Blog