How Can I Use a Tens Machine for Overactive Bladder (OAB)?

Family Medicine, Primary Care Roots Community Health Center, Hippo Education, Kameda Medical Center

Supervised by Kenji Taylor, MD

A TENS machine is used by placing small pads on your skin near the lower back or pelvic area to help ease overactive bladder symptoms by relaxing the nerves that control the bladder.

Explanation

A TENS machine, which stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, can be used to help manage overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. First, you should talk with your doctor or a therapist who will show you exactly where to place the adhesive pads on your skin. These pads are usually put on the lower back or near the nerves that control your bladder. When you switch on the machine, it sends gentle electrical pulses through the pads. These pulses help calm the nerves and can make your bladder less overactive. Here is how you might use it:

Clean the skin where the pads will go.
Stick the pads on in the positions recommended by your doctor.
Turn on the machine and adjust the settings (like the speed and strength of the pulses) to a level that feels comfortable.
Use the machine for the recommended time, often around 20 to 30 minutes per session.

Remember, it is important to follow your healthcare provider’s directions when using a TENS unit. If you feel any discomfort or have any questions, be sure to ask your doctor right away.

(References)

Sharma N, Rekha K, Srinivasan KJ. Efficacy of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in the Treatment of Overactive Bladder. J Clin Diagn Res. 2016 Oct;10(10):QC17-QC20. doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2016/21683.8729. Epub 2016 Oct 1. PMID: 27891403; PMCID: PMC5121741.
Bapir R, Bhatti KH, Eliwa A, García-Perdomo HA, Gherabi N, Hennessey D, Magri V, Mourmouris P, Ouattara A, Perletti G, Philipraj J, Stamatiou K, Trinchieri A, Buchholz N. Efficacy of overactive neurogenic bladder treatment: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Arch Ital Urol Androl. 2022 Dec 28;94(4):492-506. doi: 10.4081/aiua.2022.4.492. PMID: 36576454.

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