Posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) is a minimally invasive, in-office treatment for urge incontinence and overactive bladder. In this video, Dr. Kia Michel, board-certified urologist and founder of Comprehensive Urology in Beverly Hills, explains how PTNS works, who is a candidate, and what patients can expect from treatment. With over 20 years of experience and affiliation with Cedars-Sinai, Dr. Michel offers state-of-the-art bladder care using advanced diagnostic tools and evidence-based therapies.

Video Description

Urge incontinence is a common form of overactive bladder characterized by sudden urgency, frequent urination, and leakage. When behavioral therapy and medications are not effective or cause side effects, posterior tibial nerve stimulation offers an alternative solution.

PTNS works by stimulating the posterior tibial nerve near the ankle using a very small needle electrode. This nerve shares pathways with the sacral nerves that regulate bladder control. By gently modulating these signals, PTNS can reduce urinary urgency, frequency, and urge-related leakage episodes.

Treatments are performed in-office at our best-in-class Beverly Hills facility and typically last about 30 minutes. A standard course involves weekly sessions for 12 weeks, followed by maintenance therapy depending on symptom improvement. The procedure is well tolerated and does not require anesthesia.

At Comprehensive Urology, we provide in-office diagnostics for faster results and individualized treatment plans. If you are struggling with urgency or bladder leakage, make an appointment with our team today. 

Timestamps:
0:00 – What is urge incontinence?
0:25 – How PTNS works
0:50 – What to expect during treatment
1:10 – Who benefits most

What’s Covered in This Video:

• Causes of urge incontinence and overactive bladder
• How posterior tibial nerve stimulation works
• What happens during a PTNS session
• Alternative therapies such as Botox and sacral neuromodulation

FAQ

Is PTNS painful?
Most patients feel mild tingling near the ankle, but treatment is generally comfortable.

How long does it take to see results?
Many patients notice improvement after several sessions, though a full 12-week course is recommended.