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Nerve stimulation (InterStim)

What is InterStim (sacral nerve stimulation)?

By Advanced Urology · November 10, 2026

What is InterStim?

The short answer

InterStim is sacral nerve stimulation. A small device near the tailbone sends gentle signals to the nerves that control the bladder and bowel.

More detail

It helps overactive bladder, some types of retention, and bowel leakage. You try it first with a trial, then decide on the long-term implant. It's placed in a short outpatient procedure.

When to see us

If other treatments haven't helped, book a visit to find out whether InterStim is an option for you.

Our care near Marietta

Across Marietta, Canton, Dallas and Jasper, our team sees you for visits and follow-ups at the office where you first come to us. Procedures for all four offices take place at our Marietta Clinic & Surgery Center on Church Street Extension NW.

Request a visit at Advanced Urology to go over your options.

Call (678) 344-8900 Book a visit online

Where can I go from here?

Start with the condition page, then call or book online whenever you are ready.

Our overactive bladder page: symptoms, how we evaluate it and the treatments we offer.
Our four offices in Marietta, Canton, Dallas and Jasper.
Clinicians who see this concern: Chirag Dave, MD, Jason Lomboy, MD, Andy Ostrowski, MD.
More on overactive bladder and night-time urination (10 articles), or what happens at a first visit.

Seeing us about bladder control

People with urgency, frequency, leaks or retention see our team across our four clinics, and our urologists perform InterStim procedures in Marietta. Expect questions about bladder training, medicines and anything else you've tried; a brief bladder diary kept beforehand is often requested.

How our urologists use nerve stimulation

InterStim gently stimulates the sacral nerves that control the bladder. A test phase comes first, letting you judge the benefit before any permanent device goes in. We'll also describe related choices, including Botox in the bladder through a scope and tibial stimulation with Altaviva, so you know the full range.

Reasons to call

You can't empty your bladder
Fever or burning with urination
Questions during your trial week

Call (678) 344-8900 to talk with our team.

Living with the device

After placement, a small handheld remote lets you check and adjust the settings. We'll show you how it works and see you for follow-up visits to fine-tune the stimulation as your needs change.

Common questions

Can it help bowel control too?

Yes. Sacral nerve stimulation is also used for bowel leakage, and some people see both problems improve with one device. Mention bowel symptoms at the visit so they are tracked during the trial.

Many people notice during the trial whether urgency and leaks ease.

We'll review those results together before deciding on the next step.

What is Bulkamid for bladder leakage?

Videos from Advanced Urology

#003 - Rewiring Bladder Control: How InterStim Transforms Overactive Bladder What the video covers: A podcast episode about InterStim and how it is used for overactive bladder, based on the episode title. Watch on YouTube

Videos play here from Advanced Urology’s YouTube channel, using YouTube’s privacy-enhanced mode.

Bowel leakage and bowel control

Accidental bowel leakage often shows up alongside bladder symptoms. These guides cover causes, warning signs and treatment at our four offices:

Questions after reading this? Our offices in Marietta, Canton, Dallas and Jasper share one phone line and one caring team.

Call (678) 344-8900 Book online