Treatment Overview
Nerve stimulation therapy is an advanced, minimally invasive treatment for urinary incontinence, particularly effective for overactive bladder and urge incontinence. This therapy targets the nerves controlling bladder function, such as the tibial nerve or sacral nerves, to restore normal bladder signaling and reduce involuntary leakage.
In Korea, nerve stimulation therapy is performed using modern medical devices by highly trained urologists and physiotherapists. Hospitals offer both percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) and sacral neuromodulation (SNS) to provide long-term relief from urinary incontinence without the need for surgery.
Purpose & Benefits
H5 Key benefits of nerve stimulation therapy include:
- Significant reduction in urinary urgency and frequency
- Minimization of involuntary urine leakage
- Improvement in sleep quality by reducing nighttime urination
- Non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure
- Outpatient therapy with minimal downtime
- Personalized treatment based on diagnostic assessment
- Safe and effective for men and women
- Enhanced overall quality of life and social confidence
Korean specialists emphasize tailored therapy programs to maximize effectiveness for each patient.
Ideal Candidates
H5 Nerve stimulation therapy is suitable for patients who:
- Have overactive bladder or urge incontinence
- Do not respond to medications or behavioral therapy
- Experience frequent involuntary leakage or nocturia
- Seek a minimally invasive treatment option
- Prefer non-surgical therapy due to health or personal preference
- Are medically fit for outpatient procedures
- Want a long-term solution with high success rates
International patients also choose Korea for its advanced technology and professional care in nerve stimulation therapy.
Possible Risks & Complications
While nerve stimulation therapy is generally safe, minor risks may occur depending on the procedure.
H5 Possible risks include:
- Temporary mild discomfort or tingling at the stimulation site
- Minor bleeding or bruising at the needle insertion point (for PTNS)
- Temporary urinary retention or urgency fluctuations
- Low risk of infection
- Rare allergic reaction to device components or anesthesia (if used)
Korean hospitals maintain strict hygiene and patient monitoring protocols to minimize complications.
Techniques & Technology Used
Korea uses state-of-the-art devices and techniques for nerve stimulation therapy.
H5 Common methods include:
Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS)
- A thin needle is inserted near the ankle to stimulate the tibial nerve
- Electrical impulses travel to sacral nerves controlling bladder function
- Typically performed weekly for 6–12 sessions
Sacral Neuromodulation (SNS)
- A small implantable device sends electrical signals to the sacral nerve
- Used for patients with severe or refractory urinary incontinence
- Device is programmed to optimize bladder function
Additional Tools & Technology
- Electromyography (EMG) for nerve activity monitoring
- Ultrasound guidance to ensure accurate needle placement
- Biofeedback and patient monitoring systems
- Personalized device programming for SNS patients
Korean hospitals offer both outpatient PTNS and fully monitored SNS implantation for long-term results.
Treatment Process in Korea
H5 Step 1: Initial Consultation
Urologists review medical history, bladder symptoms, prior treatments, and patient goals.
H5 Step 2: Diagnostic Assessment
Tests may include urodynamic studies, urinalysis, bladder diaries, and pelvic floor evaluations.
H5 Step 3: Treatment Planning
Specialists determine whether PTNS or SNS is suitable and create a personalized therapy schedule.
H5 Step 4: Nerve Stimulation Therapy
- PTNS: Needle inserted near ankle, electrical stimulation delivered for 30 minutes per session
- SNS: Minimally invasive implantation of a programmable neurostimulator
H5 Step 5: Progress Monitoring
Sessions are monitored, and adjustments are made to maximize effectiveness.
H5 Step 6: Follow-Up
Patients are assessed periodically to track improvements, manage side effects, and schedule additional sessions if needed.
H5 Step 7: Long-Term Maintenance
SNS patients may have device programming adjustments for sustained bladder control, while PTNS patients may continue occasional maintenance sessions.
Recovery & After-Care
Nerve stimulation therapy requires minimal recovery.
H5 After-care guidelines include:
- Resume normal activities immediately after PTNS sessions
- Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours after SNS implantation
- Monitor urinary output and report changes to the doctor
- Attend follow-up sessions for device programming or therapy assessment
- Maintain hydration and follow bladder habit guidance
- Observe for any signs of infection or discomfort
Most patients experience improvements within a few weeks of therapy.
Results & Longevity
H5 Expected outcomes:
- Reduced urinary urgency and frequency within 4–6 weeks for PTNS
- Long-term control with SNS, often lasting years with device management
- Decreased involuntary leakage episodes
- Improved sleep and social confidence
- High success rates when combined with behavioral and pelvic floor therapy
- Minimal side effects and reversible treatment for SNS if needed
Korean hospitals report high patient satisfaction due to effective results and minimally invasive nature of therapy.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
Korea is preferred for nerve stimulation therapy because:
- Highly experienced urologists and pelvic health specialists
- Access to cutting-edge PTNS and SNS technology
- Minimally invasive procedures with quick recovery
- Affordable and transparent treatment costs
- Internationally accredited hospitals with high safety standards
- Integrated medical tourism services including translation and accommodation
- Fast scheduling and efficient outpatient care
- Comprehensive post-treatment monitoring for international patients
Patients from Asia, the Middle East, and Europe frequently travel to Korea for advanced nerve stimulation therapy.
Cost Range
H5 Estimated costs in Korea:
- Consultation & Diagnostic Assessment: $150–$400
- PTNS Session (30 minutes): $80–$150 per session
- Complete PTNS Program (6–12 sessions): $500–$1,500
- SNS Implantation Procedure: $8,000–$12,000
- Device Programming & Follow-Up: $200–$500
- Maintenance & Remote Monitoring (SNS): $200–$400 per session
Many hospitals provide medical tourism packages covering transportation, translation, and follow-up care.
Popular Clinics in Korea
Top Korean hospitals and clinics offering nerve stimulation therapy include:
- Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH)
- Samsung Medical Center
- Asan Medical Center
- Severance Hospital (Yonsei University)
- Mirae Urology Clinic
- Wooridul Urology Center
- CHA Women’s Medical Center
- Seoul Urology & Pelvic Health Clinic
These facilities are known for advanced technology, expert care, and excellent success rates in non-surgical urinary incontinence management.
