Does percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation effectively treat incontinence?

In one U.S. multicenter study, presented at a meeting of the American Urological Association, 12 weeks of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) treatment cured or improved 80% of patients, compared with 61% of a control group who were prescribed medication (tolterodine).

The device was cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of urge incontinence, known as overactive bladder (frequent urination and urges to urinate), and is widely available here, through a company called Uroplasty. In Europe, this treatment is approved for treatment of fecal incontinence (unintended passage of stool) as well. A woman who has both urinary and fecal incontinence may be able to qualify for coverage because the therapy can be billed under urinary incontinence. You should not use this treatment if you are pregnant, have nerve damage, or have a pacemaker or implantable defibrillator.