Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS)

Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) is an FDA-approved method of treating an overactive bladder. It is similar to electrical stimulation of the pelvic floor, but does not require a device to be inserted into the vagina. Because the tibial nerve shares some of the same nerve supply as the bladder, when this nerve is stimulated in the ankle, it can help regulate bladder function.
 
During PTNS, a very small, fine needle (similar to an acupuncture needle) is inserted into the ankle. A low-dose nerve stimulator (similar to a TENS unit used in physical therapy) is attached; it provides a mild electrical current to stimulate the nerve ending in the ankle. This electrical pulse then blocks nerve signals that are causing the bladder to be overactive. The procedure has been proven to be safe and effective in many high-level studies.

PTNS is used to treat overactive bladder. Symptoms of overactive bladder may include:

• The urge to urinate frequently

• Nighttime trips to the bathroom

• A strong urge to go to the bathroom that cannot be suppressed

• Urine leakage associated with urgency symptoms

An overactive bladder can occur in people of all ages, from young children to adults, but is more likely to increase with age.  

PTNS is performed in your doctor’s office on an outpatient basis. You can expect to spend around 30 minutes receiving the treatment, which is not painful. In order to have the best results, you will need to repeat the treatment every 7-10 days for a total of 8-12 treatments. Some patients return for a single maintenance session every few months. While this involves several visits, obtaining good results without medications and without a more invasive option is appealing to many women.

PTNS is well tolerated by most people. You can expect to see a marked improvement in your bladder control and a reduction in the urgent need to urinate after completing the series of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation treatments. You may need to have an additional PTNS session after a certain period of time. This timing varies by individual but may be anywhere from several months to a year after the initial series of treatments.