Living with bladder or bowel leakage can be frustrating, embarrassing, and incredibly isolating. I’ve heard from so many people who curtail their social lives simply because they’re worried about the potential for having an accident. Many people resort to pads and incontinence underwear, seeing it as the only option to manage accidents. While absorbent products provide a temporary solution, they do nothing to address the underlying problem. Fortunately, advances in medical technology have introduced sacral neuromodulation (SNM), a minimally invasive therapy that treats the symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB) and fecal incontinence, rather than just managing them. If you or someone you love is relying on pads and incontinence underwear to get through the day, here’s why sacral neuromodulation is the superior choice for long-term relief.
Understanding the Problem: Overactive Bladder and Incontinence
Overactive bladder (OAB) affects nearly 33 million Americans, with symptoms like frequent urination, urgency, and unexpected leakage. Bowel incontinence, also called fecal incontinence, can be equally disruptive, leading to unexpected accidents that severely impact quality of life.
While many factors—age, childbirth, neurological conditions, or pelvic floor dysfunction—can contribute to these issues, they all have one thing in common. Incontinence stems from a miscommunication between the pelvic nerve plexus, the brain, and the bladder or bowel. This is where sacral neuromodulation offers a real breakthrough.
Why Incontinence Underwear Isn’t the Answer
Incontinence underwear is widely available, and for some, it may feel like the most convenient option. But it doesn’t solve the problem—it only hides it. Here’s why incontinence underwear falls short:
- It’s costly over time. The average person spends hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars per year on disposable incontinence products.
- It impacts self-esteem. Many individuals feel embarrassed or restricted in their daily activities, affecting confidence and social interactions.
- It leads to skin irritation. Prolonged exposure to moisture can cause rashes, infections and discomfort.
- It doesn’t stop the leakage. Incontinence underwear simply absorbs urine or stool after an accident occurs—it does nothing to prevent those accidents from happening in the first place.
Instead of masking symptoms, why not treat the root cause?
The Power of Sacral Neuromodulation (SNM)
Sacral neuromodulation is a game-changing therapy that restores normal communication between the pelvic floor nerve plexus, the brain and the bladder or bowel. It works by using a small, implanted device (similar to a pacemaker) that gently stimulates the sacral nerves, which control bladder and bowel function.
Why SNM is a Better Choice Than Incontinence Underwear
- It addresses the root cause. Unlike absorbent products that merely contain leaks, SNM prevents them from happening by correcting nerve miscommunication.
- Its efficacy is clinically proven. Studies show that SNM significantly reduces or even eliminates leakage in up to 90% of patients with OAB and fecal incontinence.
- It offers long-term cost savings. While incontinence underwear is a lifelong expense, SNM is a one-time therapy that provides long term relief, reducing the need for disposable products.
- It has minimal maintenance. Once implanted, the device requires little upkeep. Patients can adjust stimulation settings using a handheld controller for personalized comfort.
- It gives you freedom and confidence. Many people who switch to SNM no longer fear accidents, allowing them to travel, socialize, and enjoy life without worry.
Covered by Medicare and private insurance, SNM therapy is so well-proven over the last 25 years that it is widely covered by all insurers.
Is Sacral Neuromodulation Right for You?
If you’re tired of relying on incontinence underwear, SNM might be the solution you’ve been waiting for. This therapy is FDA-approved for individuals who have not found success with medications or behavioral therapies. The best part? A trial period allows you to test the therapy before committing to permanent implantation (and it’s a painless 20-minute minor procedure).
Take Control of Your Life Again
Living with bladder or bowel incontinence should not be your “new normal.” If incontinence underwear has been your go-to solution, it may be time to consider a better, more effective alternative. Sacral neuromodulation offers real, lasting relief so you can regain control, confidence,and quality of life.
Talk to us today at The Continence Center of Nevada Surgical to learn if sacral neuromodulation is right for you. Our team is happy to help.
