Is there anything else besides medication to treat OAB?
Answer: You are right to seek out other treatments besides medication. For some people,
incontinence medication can have side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, dry eyes,
urinary tract infections and cognitive impairment (anticholinergics) and/or can get expensive
depending on insurance. Luckily, there are some other options.
Modifying diet and behavior: Most doctors recommend this as a first-line treatment.
Tibial nerve stimulation: This is one type of neuromodulation which uses secondary nerves in your leg which runs up to the primary nerves in the pelvis. The aim is to calm down the overactive bladder electrically, instead of chemically from medication. Whether with a patch or needles, this often requires weekly office visits for 12 weeks.
Sacral nerve stimulation: An implant is implanted into the lower back with wire leads
that are positioned near the sacral nerves. This neuromodulation is usually continuous and
affects the primary nerves directly. There are two main manufacturers, Medtronics and Axonics, which can have good success for those that respond well in the initial test (responders).
Botox: Injection by Allergan of the toxin to “freeze” the contracting bladders.
This injection is done through a scope that is inserted into your urethra in a doctor’s office.
External direct stimulation: LOW risk. A brand-new external neuromodulation called Elitone URGE marries the efficacy of direct stimulation (like the implants), without the nerve-fatigue and
riskiness of implants. It’s wearable electrodes are worn underneath clothes so it doesn’t take up
time and is more convenient than PTNS, while the efficacy is similar to other neuromodulation
Sources: Rosetta Trial data: Amundsen CL, Komesu YM, et al; Pelvic Floor Disorders Network. Two-Year Outcomes of Sacral Neuromodulation Versus OnabotulinumtoxinA for Refractory Urgency Urinary Incontinence: A Randomized Trial. Eur Urol. 2018 Jul; 74(1):66-73. Jurol 2013 Jan; 189(1):210-6. Cost of neuromodulation therapies for overactive bladder: percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation versus sacral nerve stimulation Juro 2012.08.085.
About the author: Gloria Kolb, CoFounder and CEO
Say good-bye to leaks and pads and hello to confidence! Elitone® is the only FDA-cleared treatment for stress, mixed and urge incontinence. As an external, wearable treatment, it’s the easiest and most effective thing you can do to get back to a regaining control of bladder leaks. Go to www.elitone.com and use code NAFC24 for $25 off.
