PTNS for Overactive Bladder, London
Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation, known as PTNS, is a gentle, drug-free treatment for overactive bladder. By stimulating a nerve near the ankle that connects with the bladder’s nerve supply, it may help reduce urgency, frequency and urge leakage without medication or surgery.
What is PTNS?
Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation, or PTNS, is a treatment for overactive bladder. It works by gently stimulating the tibial nerve, which runs near the ankle. This nerve connects through the spinal cord to nerves involved in bladder control.
During treatment, a very fine needle is placed near the ankle and connected to a small stimulator. Mild electrical pulses travel along the nerve pathways and aim to calm the overactivity that can cause urgency, frequency and urge leakage.
PTNS is usually provided as a course of short, regular sessions. Appointments often last around 30 minutes and may be followed by maintenance sessions to help sustain any benefit.
As it is drug-free and minimally invasive, PTNS may be an option for people who prefer to avoid medication, have not tolerated it or would like to consider a less invasive treatment before bladder Botox or an implanted device.
Calming the bladder’s nerve signals
PTNS helps manage overactive bladder symptoms in three ways.
Stimulates the tibial nerve
A fine needle near the ankle delivers mild electrical pulses to a nerve linked with bladder control.
Modulates bladder signals
Needing to pass urine far more often than usual and waking repeatedly through the night.
Builds over a course of treatment
PTNS is delivered through regular sessions, with maintenance treatment considered where appropriate.
Who a PTNS blood test may suit
PTNS may be considered for people who:
- Have overactive bladder with urgency and frequency
- Experience urge urinary incontinence
- Would prefer a drug-free treatment option
- Have not tolerated medication or have not had enough improvement with it
- Would like to discuss an option before bladder Botox or an implant
- Have been assessed as suitable by a consultant urologist
What to expect
- Assessment
Your consultant will assess your bladder symptoms and confirm whether overactive bladder is the likely cause. They will then discuss whether PTNS may be an appropriate option. - A course of sessions
Treatment is delivered through short, regular clinic appointments. A fine needle is placed near the ankle and gentle stimulation is applied. - Review and maintenance
Your consultant will review how your symptoms respond over the course of treatment. Maintenance sessions may be discussed to help sustain improvement where appropriate.
Why choose The Forbury Clinic for PTNS in London?
Drug-free treatment
PTNS may be an option for people who prefer not to take medication or who have found medication unsuitable.
Minimally invasive
Treatment uses a very fine needle near the ankle and is generally well tolerated.
Focused on bladder control signals
PTNS aims to influence the nerve signals that contribute to overactive bladder symptoms.
A useful middle step
It can sit between conservative treatment and options such as bladder Botox or sacral nerve stimulation.
Frequently asked questions
Does PTNS hurt?
Most people tolerate PTNS well. You may feel a mild tingling sensation during treatment when the stimulation is applied. Your consultant and clinic team will explain what to expect and check that you are comfortable.
How many PTNS sessions will I need?
PTNS is delivered as a course of short, regular sessions, often once a week for a number of weeks. Your consultant will recommend the schedule most appropriate for your symptoms.
How is PTNS different from bladder Botox?
Both treatments may be used for overactive bladder. PTNS uses gentle nerve stimulation near the ankle, while bladder Botox involves injections into the bladder wall. PTNS is often considered as a drug-free, minimally invasive option before more involved treatment.
Is there a more involved form of nerve stimulation?
Yes. Sacral nerve stimulation uses an implanted device to stimulate nerves involved in bladder control. It may be considered for people whose symptoms have not responded to other treatments.
Explore a drug-free treatment for overactive bladder
If urgency, frequency or urge leakage is affecting your daily life, PTNS may be an option worth discussing. Submit an enquiry or call our team in confidence.
- AppointmentBook a consultation
- Reception0118 920 7055
- Location
The Forbury Clinic London, 45 Queen Anne St, London, W1G 9J
