This pivotal multicenter, double-blind, randomized, sham controlled trial provides level I evidence that percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation therapy is safe and effective in treating overactive bladder symptoms. The compelling efficacy of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation demonstrated in this trial is consistent with other recently published reports and supports the use of peripheral neuromodulation therapy for overactive bladder.
Most STEP participants with an initial positive response to 12 weekly percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation treatments safely sustained overactive bladder symptom improvement to 3 years with an average of 1 treatment per month.
This is the first study providing preliminary data supporting the use of guided imagery as a potential therapy for IC. Guided imagery may be a useful tool to offer women with IC for pain and IC symptom management. It is an intervention without negative side-effects, is readily available, and shows a trend toward improvement of IC symptoms.
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