What is tibial nerve stimulation used for in urinary incontinence?

• A. A surgical implant for stress incontinence
• B. A pelvic floor muscle training program
• C. A minimally invasive neuromodulation therapy for refractory overactive bladder/urge incontinence
• D. A pessary device

Answer: (C)

Tibial nerve stimulation is a minimally invasive neuromodulation approach used for people with refractory overactive bladder and urge incontinence. The idea is that stimulating the tibial nerve near the ankle sends signals to the sacral nerves that control the bladder, helping to modulate the reflexes that trigger urgency and leakage. This makes it a practical option after conservative measures and medications haven’t fully controlled symptoms, offering an in-clinic or at-home treatment that avoids surgery. It’s not a surgical implant, and it’s not aimed at stress incontinence, pelvic floor training, or pessary devices, which are used for different mechanisms or problems.