Nerve stimulation (InterStim)
InterStim for OAB: will I still need medications?
By Advanced Urology · November 10, 2026
Will you still need bladder medicines with InterStim?
Summary
Many people can reduce or stop their bladder medicines, but some still use them. It depends on how well the device controls your symptoms.
Going through it
Tired of pills? A visit can show whether InterStim suits you.
At our Canton clinic
We see Canton patients at 2205 Riverstone Blvd Suite 101, where many first visits include testing. Your procedure is performed in Marietta, then your checkups come home to Riverstone Blvd.
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Talking it over in Canton
Canton patients with overactive bladder see our team at our Canton office to discuss InterStim. We'll go over the medicines you've taken, how well they worked and what side effects bothered you, and we'll look at a bladder diary if you've kept one. A urine test rules out infection.
How our urologists set expectations
InterStim stimulates the sacral nerves that help control the bladder. Many people are able to cut back on or stop bladder pills after it's in place, while others keep a medicine alongside it. The trial period shows you how much benefit to expect before the permanent device is placed at our Marietta Clinic & Surgery Center.
Phone us if
- You can't empty your bladder
- Pain, redness or drainage appears at the device site
- Fever or burning develops
- Symptoms return after a period of improvement
Common questions
Common questions
Can the settings be changed?
Yes. A handheld remote lets you adjust them, and our team can fine-tune programs at follow-up.
What if it doesn't help enough?
The InterStim settings can usually be reprogrammed first at a follow-up visit. If that isn't enough, bladder Botox and Altaviva are still options.
Families from Canton, Waleska and Hickory Flat can phone (678) 344-8900; device check-ins can usually happen in Canton.
During the trial week, keeping a bladder diary lets you compare your days with and without stimulation. Those notes help us decide together whether to move ahead with the permanent device.
Cutting back on bladder irritants such as caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods still helps alongside the device.
We'll review your medicine list at each follow-up.
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