If overactive bladder medications haven’t worked for you, percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) is a minimally invasive nonsurgical treatment that can help. At Tricounty Urology in Waynesburg and Uniontown, Pennsylvania, leading urologists Sunil Rayan, MD, and Mukul Patil, MD, offer PTNS treatments on-site to reduce or eliminate your overactive bladder symptoms in anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Call the office nearest you or request your appointment online today.
PTNS Q & A
What is PTNS?
Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) is a minimally invasive nonsurgical solution for overactive bladder sufferers. PTNS treatment generates impulses to your tibial nerve, and the impulses move to the band of nerves that control your bladder function.
A series of PTNS treatments can actually alter the way that your bladder works, relieving the chronic urge to urinate when you don’t need to. PTNS treatment can also improve your quality of life, especially if you’ve suffered from an overactive bladder for a long time.
Am I a good candidate for PTNS?
If you have an overactive bladder and haven’t found relief with medication, bladder training, and lifestyle changes, you could be a good candidate for PTNS.
Certain people don’t qualify for PTNS. If you have a pacemaker or implanted defibrillator, or if you suffer from some types of nerve damage, you’re likely not a PTNS candidate, but you could benefit from other types of treatments.
How does PTNS treatment work?
PTNS treatments happen on-site at Tricounty Urology. You’ll sit in a comfortable position, with your leg elevated. A single needle electrode goes around your ankle, which is the most direct route to the tibial nerve.
Treatment sessions usually last around 30 minutes, and you can read or use your phone during the PTNS treatment if you like. You might feel some mild tingling during treatment, but it’s not painful.
How many treatments do I need?
A series of 12 PTNS treatments is usually ideal. You visit Tricounty Urology once a week for your treatments. After your full series of treatments, you can decide how the treatment worked for you.
Most patients enjoy excellent results from PTNS. To maintain those results long-term, you might need occasional treatments going forward.
When will I see results from PTNS treatment?
Everyone is different, but most patients notice symptom improvement within 2-12 weeks. In clinical studies, patients saw a 70% reduction in symptoms and significant improvement in their quality of life after 12 treatments.
You don’t have to live with an overactive bladder. If your initial treatment didn’t work, PTNS could be just what you need to get your life back. Call Tricounty Urology or request an appointment online today.