Bowel and bladder accidents can be embarrassing. For this reason, a reliable solution is key. Axonics treats an overactive bladder and urinary incontinence. If the Axonics Therapy side effects are only mild, this could be a great treatment.
Still, you should get a diagnosis and discuss possible treatment methods with your doctor first.
Axonics Therapy is an FDA-approved implant that stimulates the nerves that control bowel and bladder function. Hence, it prevents bathroom accidents. This form of treatment is sacral neuromodulation.
Later, we will define overactive bladder and urinary incontinence.
How Does Axonics Therapy Work?
First and foremost, let’s explain the term overactive bladder.
Overactive bladder is a condition which causes an abrupt urge to pee. It has a few symptoms, one of which is urinary continence.
However, urinary incontinence and overactive bladder can be used interchangeably at times.
Urinary urge continence is the involuntary leakage of urine. Once you have the urge to pee, you will probably be unable to wait to relieve yourself.
Other symptoms include the incomplete emptying of your bladder. Instead, you have small trickles of urine.
Old age, menopause, pregnancy, enlarged prostate and urinary tract obstruction are some of the causes of this condition. Another possible cause is the lack of proper communication between the brain and the bladder.
Now that you understand the problem, what solution does Axonics Therapy offer?
Axonics Therapy is a nerve stimulator. That is a device which transmits signals to the nerves that control your bladder. As a result, your brain and bladder and bowel can communicate efficiently.
A wire, which is connected to a controller, is placed at the bottom of your back. These devices provide stimulation to your nerves.
Axonics F15™ provides ten to twenty years of relief without recharge. On the other hand, Axonics R15™ is a rechargeable implant which will give you relief for fifteen years.
Is Axonics Therapy Safe?
The FDA approves sacral neuromodulation (SNM).
The device is small and the surgery is approximately half an hour long. Moreover, the process is minimally invasive.
The Axonics F15™ is also MRI-safe and easy to use for first-time implanters.
Unfortunately, there is a thirty to forty per cent chance of experiencing complications within the first five years of use.
One possible issue is pain due to the positioning of the implant. In this case, you will undergo corrective surgery.
Overall, the procedure can be very costly. Therefore, you should consider other treatment options first. Patients with severe bowel and bladder issues can consider Axonics therapy.
How Effective Is Axonics Therapy?
According to clinical studies, Axonics therapy improves bladder and bowel control in most patients.
In a recent study, eighty-three per cent of cases of an overactive bladder feel improvement after SNM.
Additionally, eighty per cent of patients report an improvement in multiple urinary issues. Furthermore, it treats faecal incontinence.
At times, you may find the implant to be ineffective. In this instance, your doctor should confirm that the device is on. Then, your doctor should inspect the device for a possible short circuit.
Eventually, you may have to undergo surgery. But only as a final option.
Before you get a permanent implant, you will have a temporary one. For two to three weeks, you will document your symptoms post-procedure.
If there is a noticeable improvement, you will receive the permanent implant.
Symptoms and pain often reduce by fifty per cent with the use of Axonics Therapy.
What Are the Axonics Therapy Side Effects?
The Axonics Therapy side effects are mainly mild. In addition, the chances of experiencing side effects are low.
Nonetheless, this information is important if you are considering Axonics as your preferred treatment.
1. May experience swelling
Like any other surgery, Axonics implantation may cause swelling. This swelling will occur around the site of implantation. It should not worry you.
Nevertheless, if the swelling does not ease after a few days, you can get a prescription.
2. May cause tingling
When your doctor turns Axonics on, you may feel tingling sensations. In most cases, the tingling is mild.
As you adjust to the implant, the tingling will be less noticeable.
3. May cause pain at the site of implantation
Mild pain is normal post-surgery, but it may also be a sign of implant migration. When the implant and its wires move, you may feel discomfort.
Unfortunately, you will have to undergo surgery to correct this issue.
4. May cause heat in the area of implantation
Heat is one of the Axonics therapy side effects that will cause discomfort. In the worst cases, it may be a sign of infection. Report such side effects to your doctor.
5. May cause hematoma
Hematoma is the abnormal accumulation of blood due to a ruptured blood vessel. Hematoma often occurs after surgery. Thus, it is one of the Axonics therapy side effects that should resolve itself.
If the bleeding becomes severe, visit a physician immediately.
6. May lead to difficulty urinating
Sometimes, you will have bladder issues post-procedure. A malfunction of the implant is most likely the cause.
Nonetheless, if you continue to experience poor bladder control, you may have to take the implant out.
7. May cause skin irritation
Skin irritation is one of the mildest Axonics therapy side effects. Unless you have an allergic reaction, it will probably ease with time.
8. May cause urinary tract infection (UTI)
A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract. As a consequence, you experience several symptoms. For example, pain or burning during urination, cloudy urine and bad-smelling urine.
Your doctor may prescribe some medication for the UTI. However, if it occurs chronically, you may have to remove the implant.
9. May cause bruising
Bruising around the site of implantation is normal in many cases. You should only be worried if the bruising does not go down or is accompanied by pain.
Inform your doctor of such Axonics therapy side effects.
10. May cause discomfort in the leg
Discomfort in the leg may seem like one of the most unexpected Axonics therapy side effects. Urologists advise you to turn down the stimulation if it occurs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you should try other forms of treatment before Axonics therapy. Despite being efficient, it is expensive.
First, have a detailed conversation with your doctor. You need to understand the procedure.
Hopefully, Axonics therapy is the treatment you need to fix your bowel and bladder problems.
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