How sacral neuromodulation can help treat overactive bladder

For the millions of people living with urinary conditions, a small implanted device, barely larger than a matchbox, is opening a new path to relief through sacral neuromodulation.

Imagine having to plan your daily activities around the location of the nearest toilet or suddenly being unable to hold on long enough to reach one. This is everyday life for people with overactive bladder (OAB), a type of urinary incontinence.

In Europe, close to 50 million people live with OAB, but most do not receive treatment beyond making behavioural and lifestyle adjustments.^1, 2 Despite it being a common condition, many are not aware that it can be a treatable condition or are too embarrassed to seek medical help.

What is overactive bladder?

The hallmark symptom of overactive bladder is the frequent, sudden and intense need to urinate. It affects both men and women and is linked to changes in the nerves or muscles that control the bladder. When these signals between the brain and the bladder don’t work the way they should, the bladder can contract too often or too suddenly, creating a strong urge to urinate. Other factors, like diabetes or childbirth, can increase the risk of developing OAB.^3, 4 

OAB is not just a physical condition. Urinary incontinence can take a serious toll on quality of life, affecting sleep, work, relationships and emotional wellbeing with shame and embarrassment being widely reported.⁵ The European survey "Breaking the Silence" revealed that approximately 70 percent of Europeans living with urinary incontinence stated that their condition negatively impacted their lives.⁶ Treatment decisions are based on a patient’s clinical profile, stage of life and individual preferences, and urinary incontinence conditions can evolve over time.

How does sacral neuromodulation work?

Beyond general lifestyle changes, medication and Botox, which are also used for the treatment of OAB, Sacral Neuromodulation (SNM) is a further option to treat the condition. SNM is a minimally invasive therapy that may help restore normal communication between the brain and the bladder. The Axonics™ SNM System involves implanting a miniature device, about the size of a matchbox, into the lower back to deliver electrical pulses to stimulate the sacral nerve which controls urinary function.

The Axonics SNM System offers patients an effective, long-lasting therapy option.

What Axonics sacral neuromodulation options are available?

Axonics SNM Therapy is available as a rechargeable or recharge-free device, providing flexibility to best meet a patient’s lifestyle and needs.

• The Axonics R20™ Rechargeable Sacral Neuromodulation is designed to last at least 20 years and requires a battery recharge every six to ten months.
• The Axonics F15™ Recharge-Free Sacral Neuromodulation is the longest-lasting recharge-free device currently available in Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), and has a battery life ranging from ten to 20 years.

Axonics SNM Therapy uses the same type of thin wire in both devices, known as a tined lead, which connects the implanted device to the sacral nerves. This means patients may be able to switch between rechargeable and recharge-free therapy if their needs change over time.

Patients also have the option to undergo a trial and assess symptom improvement prior to receiving the permanent implant. If a patient's circumstances change, or if they experience side effects, the device can be switched off or removed. This distinguishes it from more invasive surgical interventions.

How effective is sacral neuromodulation for overactive bladder?

The Axonics SNM System is a clinically proven therapy that shows meaningful improvements in OAB symptoms and patients’ quality of life. In one study, more than nine in ten people (93%) reported improved bladder control two years after beginning therapy, and people on average said they worried less, felt more in control, slept more soundly and were more comfortable in social situations.⁷

For those managing frustrating OAB symptoms, SNM can provide long-lasting relief.

Urinary incontinence is common, but many people do not seek medical help, which may limit access to treatment options, including advanced therapies.
It is time to break the stigma and have an open conversation about these conditions. There are options available for people living with urinary incontinence, and an open conversation with a physician can be a start to regain quality of life.