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What Is PTNS in Urology?
If you’ve been struggling with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms like urinary urgency, frequency, or leakage—and medications haven’t worked—your urologist might recommend PTNS. Short for Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation, PTNS is a minimally invasive, drug-free treatment that’s been gaining popularity for its effectiveness and simplicity.
Let’s explore what PTNS is, how it works, and why it might be the solution you’ve been waiting for.
What Is PTNS?
PTNS is a type of neuromodulation therapy used to treat overactive bladder and certain other urinary disorders. The goal is to send mild electrical impulses to the tibial nerve, a nerve located near your ankle that connects to the sacral nerve plexus—the part of your nervous system that controls bladder function.
By stimulating the tibial nerve, PTNS indirectly influences the bladder and pelvic floor muscles, helping to reduce the urge to urinate and the number of bathroom trips throughout the day and night.
What Conditions Does PTNS Treat?
PTNS is most commonly used to treat:
- Overactive Bladder (OAB)
- Urge Urinary Incontinence
- Urinary Frequency or Urgency
- Nocturia (waking up at night to urinate)
It’s especially helpful for people who:
- Haven’t responded to behavioral therapy or medications
- Experience side effects from OAB medications (like dry mouth or constipation)
- Want a non-surgical treatment option
What Happens During a PTNS Treatment?
A PTNS treatment session is quick and relatively painless, usually taking 30 minutes and done right in your urologist’s office.
Here’s how it works:
- You’ll sit comfortably in a chair with your leg elevated.
- A thin needle electrode is inserted near the tibial nerve, just above your ankle.
- A small external device sends mild electrical pulses through the electrode.
- You may feel a tingling sensation in your foot or leg, but it’s not usually painful.
- You relax while the stimulation runs for about 30 minutes.
There’s no downtime—you can return to normal activities immediately afterward.
How Often Is PTNS Performed?
PTNS treatment follows a structured schedule:
- Initial phase: 1 session per week for 12 weeks
- Maintenance phase: After the initial course, sessions may be spaced out every 3–4 weeks, depending on your response
Most patients notice improvement around week 6–8, with continued progress over time.
Is PTNS Effective?
Clinical studies show that 60–80% of patients experience significant improvement in bladder symptoms with PTNS. While it’s not a cure, it’s an excellent long-term management tool—especially for those who want to avoid surgery or ongoing medication use.
Benefits of PTNS include:
- Non-surgical
- Minimal side effects
- No drug interactions
- Long-term symptom relief with maintenance
It’s important to note that PTNS does require commitment—especially during the 12-week initial phase. But for many people, the results are well worth it.
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects?
PTNS is considered very safe. Side effects are minimal and may include:
- Mild pain or bruising at the needle site
- Temporary tingling or discomfort
- Minor bleeding where the needle is inserted (rare)
Since the stimulation is low-level and external, the risk of complications is extremely low compared to other forms of neuromodulation (like implantable devices).
Is PTNS Right for You?
If you’ve tried pelvic floor therapy, bladder training, or medications without lasting relief, PTNS might be a great next step. It’s especially appealing to those looking for:
- A conservative treatment before considering surgery
- Fewer side effects than oral OAB drugs
- A long-term solution that fits into a routine
Your urologist can help determine if PTNS is appropriate based on your symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals.
If you’re in the NYC area and looking for an experienced provider, consider reaching out to a trusted urologist in Brooklyn. Dr. Jon Lazare offers comprehensive urologic care, including advanced treatment options like PTNS. His patient-centered approach ensures you get a care plan tailored to your needs and lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
PTNS is an innovative, low-risk option for people living with overactive bladder and other urinary issues. By tapping into the body’s natural nerve pathways, it helps restore control and comfort without the side effects of medication or the recovery time of surgery.
If you’ve been frustrated by frequent bathroom trips, leakage, or the constant urge to go, talk to your urologist about whether PTNS could be right for you. It just might change your life—one session at a time.
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