Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation Specialist

What is percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation?

Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) is a treatment that helps you control your bladder. Your bladder is controlled and supported by a group of nerves called the sacral plexus. PTNS targets one of the nerves in the sacral plexus, called the tibial nerve, using electrical impulses. Since the tibial nerve travels to the sacral nerve, targeting it helps regulate your bladder.

If your providers at Valley Urogynecology Associates determine you’re a good candidate for PTNS, you can start treatments right away. The procedure takes just 20 minutes in the office, and you get them once a week for 12 weeks. 

Most people experience substantial results after the first 5-7 treatments but can continue coming in for greater improvements. Your providers evaluate your response to the stimulations and decide if you should continue treatment. 

What does percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation treat?

Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation treats a few conditions at Valley Urogynecology Associates. The team may recommend the procedure if you experience:

Overactive bladder

An overactive bladder can increase your urinary frequency and urgency. Urge incontinence, a type of urinary incontinence, is associated with an overactive bladder. That type of incontinence causes the strong need to urinate that often comes with leakage. 

Fecal incontinence

Fecal incontinence is a condition that causes accidental bowel leakage. Though percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation is used less often for this condition, it may still be an option for treatment. 

What should I expect from percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation?

During your sessions at Valley Urogynecology Associates, your providers carefully place an electrode near the tibial nerve in your lower leg. They connect the electrode to a battery-powered stimulator. 

People can experience different sensations during a PTNS treatment. Some experience a tingle, while others experience a pulse. Your providers can adjust the stimulator to make sure you’re comfortable during your PTNS sessions at Valley Urogynecology Associates. 

During follow-up visits, the team makes sure the treatment is going smoothly and that you’re satisfied with the results. 

If you experience symptoms of an overactive bladder or fecal incontinence, call Valley Urogynecology Associates to learn more about percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation or book an appointment online today.