Axonics Therapy for Overactive Bladder in Katy, TX
When medications have not controlled urgency, frequency or leakage, sacral neuromodulation offers a different approach, and you can try it before committing.
Axonics therapy is a form of sacral neuromodulation. A small device placed under the skin of the upper buttock sends mild electrical pulses to the sacral nerves that control the bladder, helping restore more normal communication between the bladder and brain. It is FDA-approved for overactive bladder, urge incontinence, urinary retention and fecal incontinence. At our Katy office, Dr. Solafa Elshatanoufy evaluates whether you are a candidate and starts with a trial.
How Sacral Neuromodulation Works
The sacral nerves, located near the tailbone, carry signals between the bladder, bowel and pelvic floor and the brain. In overactive bladder, these signals can become overactive or poorly coordinated, causing sudden urges, frequent trips to the bathroom and leakage.
Sacral neuromodulation delivers gentle, continuous stimulation to one sacral nerve. Most people do not feel it at all or feel only a mild tingling. Over time, the stimulation helps calm overactive signals and improve bladder control. It does not involve medication, so there are no medication side effects such as dry mouth or constipation.
Axonics systems are small, available in rechargeable and recharge-free models, and approved for full-body MRI scans under specific conditions.
Who May Be a Candidate
Sacral neuromodulation is usually considered after first-line treatments have not given enough relief.
Conditions it can treat
- Overactive bladder with urgency and frequency
- Urge urinary incontinence
- Non-obstructive urinary retention (difficulty emptying)
- Fecal incontinence
You may be a candidate if
- Lifestyle changes and pelvic floor therapy have not been enough
- Bladder medications did not work or caused side effects
- You prefer to avoid long-term medication
- A test phase shows meaningful improvement
It is not designed to treat stress incontinence, which is leakage with coughing, sneezing or exercise. See our incontinence treatment page for those options.
Comparing Advanced Overactive Bladder Treatments
When medications are not enough, three advanced options are commonly considered:
- Bladder Botox injections: an in-office procedure repeated about every six to twelve months. A small number of patients may need to self-catheterize for a time afterward.
- Tibial nerve stimulation: weekly in-office sessions for several weeks, then maintenance sessions.
- Sacral neuromodulation: a longer-term device after a successful trial, with periodic programming checks.
Dr. Elshatanoufy will walk you through the benefits, risks and commitment of each so you can choose what fits your life.
Neuromodulation Care From Dr. Solafa Elshatanoufy
Dr. Solafa Elshatanoufy is board-certified in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (urogynecology), a specialty in which sacral neuromodulation is a core treatment for overactive bladder and urinary retention. She also holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, which helps when reviewing past medications and deciding when it is time to move beyond them.
She will review your history, confirm the diagnosis and explain the trial and implant process step by step.
Before Treatment: Confirming the Right Diagnosis
- Bladder diary: to record urgency, frequency and leaks before and during the trial.
- Urinalysis: to rule out infection or blood in the urine.
- Post-void residual: to check bladder emptying.
- Urodynamic testing: when the type of bladder problem needs clarification.
The Treatment Process
One of the advantages of sacral neuromodulation is that you can test it before receiving the long-term device.
Step 1: Trial phase
- A thin, temporary lead is placed near the sacral nerve, usually with local anesthesia or light sedation.
- You wear a small external stimulator for about one to two weeks.
- You keep a bladder diary to measure your response.
- If symptoms improve meaningfully, typically by half or more, you can move to the long-term device.
Step 2: Long-term device
- A small neurostimulator is placed under the skin of the upper buttock in a short outpatient procedure.
- Most people return to light activities within a few days.
- Settings are adjusted with a handheld remote and at follow-up visits.
- Rechargeable models are charged periodically through the skin, and recharge-free models need no charging.
Possible risks include pain at the device site, infection, lead movement, loss of effect over time and the need for revision surgery. These will be discussed with you in detail.
What Can You Expect?
Many people who respond to the trial continue to see meaningful reduction in urgency, frequency and leakage with the long-term device. Some become completely dry, while others have fewer and lighter episodes. Results vary, and periodic programming adjustments help keep the therapy working well.
Overactive Bladder Care in Katy, Texas
Advanced bladder treatments from a specialist who considers every option with you.
- Board-certified urogynecologist
- Trial before long-term implant
- Bladder Botox injections also offered
- Medication review by a physician with a PharmD
- Urodynamic testing when needed
- Ongoing programming and follow-up
What Our Patients Say
Patients share their experience of care at our Katy office. Individual results vary.
Dr. Elshatanoufy is simply wonderful! She took the time to thoroughly explain my extensive lab results and other tests, answered all of my questions, and gave me the confidence and peace of mind I needed before moving forward with the procedure.
The entire staff was also incredibly attentive, courteous, and welcoming throughout my visit. I truly loved my experience there and felt very well cared for. I definitely trust Dr. Elshatanoufy and her team with my health needs and would highly recommend them!
I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Solafa. She is warm, attentive, and incredibly compassionate. She takes her time during appointments, listens carefully to concerns, and never makes you feel rushed. Her bedside manner is truly wonderful, and she creates such a comfortable and reassuring environment. You can tell she genuinely cares about her patients. Very sweet, professional, and knowledgeable. I’m so grateful to have found her for my mom’s treatment.
Dr. Elshatanoufy was truly lovely to work with. I’ve had a hard time pinning down my symptoms but she was willing to hear my concerns and do a thorough examination to rule out more serious conditions. She was thorough, efficient, patient, gentle, and kind during the pelvic examination, which is a vulnerable position for women. I felt that she genuinely cared for my wellbeing. After receiving less than ideal care at a neighboring practice in Katy, I am really grateful to Dr. E for validating my concerns, making me feel heard, and reassured with my next steps.
The waiting room was pretty busy and cold when I went. Suggest bringing headphones and some long sleeves!
My experience perfection. From check in to check out. Dia was my MA and she was so professional and a pleasure. She answered all my questions and made sure I was taken care of. Dr Elshatanoufy was AWESOME! Great bedside manner and make my exam comfortable. Then I had the pleasure to check out with Elizabeth and she was just as pleasant. I can tell this is an office that cares greatly for their patients!
This was my first visit at Katy Women’s Pelvic Health. It was a great experience, from checking in with a very helpful and friendly receptionist to being seeing by Nida the office manager, Oyin the NP and Dr. E. Everyone was very friendly, professional, and made the visit very comfortable. They thoroughly explained all the finding and the options for treatment. I highly recommend this practice.
Dr E. and her whole staff are gems! They have the best customer service, energy, and I noticed they are great with all other patients besides me. Dr E. really listens to your problems, offers solutions and she explains things so well. You can tell she loves what she does and does a wonderful job at it. I definitely recommend her practice to anyone seeking top notch, high quality care.
Just the kindest people! I was so at ease with the whole experience!! Very knowledgeable, explained everything and answered all my questions!!! Wish I had found her earlier in my life!!
Mi nombre es Nidia, I am a patient at Katy Women’s Pelvic Health and had my surgery less than 15 days ago. This clinic is highly recommended for its excellent medical and humane care. This type of care is provided by the entire staff, in addition to the doctor, including the receptionist, nurses, and health technicians. The surgeon is Solafa Elshatanoufy, who has more than 20 years of experience in women’s pelvic health, offering modern, effective, and minimally invasive treatments in many cases. She is a compassionate and empathetic person who makes you feel safe, listened to, and cared for by expert and professional hands. The environment is clean and welcoming, and thanks to its modernity, I felt almost no discomfort or pain during the procedures, and everything was quick.
One of the best places to see OBGYN. My mom sees Dr. Solafa. The staffs, nurses, Doctors and the services they provide are very professional and welcoming. Highly recommended.
Top-tier doctor and extremely skilled surgeon, I could not have been more blessed to have her taking care of me. Thank you, Dr. E!
Dr. E is a super great Doctor who listens attentively and collaborates closely with patients throughout every step of the process. Additionally, the office staff was professional, courteous, and efficient.
Dr. E is so kind and professional. She listened to all my concerns and had an answer to all my questions. She made sure I was happy with my medications. Her staff is so helpful and make the visit go quickly and efficiently. I am so glad I found Dr E!
Dr. E has the best bedside manner compared to all the doctors I have seen before. She is so knowledgeable and truly cares for her patients and wants the best for everyone. I feel incredibly lucky to find a doctor willing to always spare time for patients. She is amazing and 1000% worth the wait!!!!
Frequently Asked Questions About Axonics Therapy
Does sacral neuromodulation hurt?
Most people feel nothing or a mild tingling from the stimulation. There is some soreness after the procedures, which usually settles within days.
How do I know if it will work for me?
You try it first. During the trial phase you track your symptoms, and the long-term device is placed only if you have a meaningful improvement.
Can I have an MRI with an Axonics device?
Axonics systems are approved for full-body MRI under specific conditions. Always tell the imaging team you have the device so they can follow the required settings.
Does Axonics treat stress incontinence?
No. Sacral neuromodulation treats urgency, urge incontinence, retention and fecal incontinence. Stress incontinence has different treatments, such as pelvic floor therapy or a sling.
Is Axonics covered by insurance?
Sacral neuromodulation is covered by Medicare and many private insurance plans when criteria are met. Our team can help check your coverage.
Can the device be removed?
Yes. The device can be turned off or removed if needed.
Do you see patients from outside Katy?
Yes. Women from Fulshear, Richmond, Sugar Land, Cypress and across Greater Houston are seen at our Katy office.
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Consultations, trial planning and programming visits take place at our Katy office at 410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 320. Procedures are performed in an outpatient setting. We welcome new patients from Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, Sugar Land, Cypress and West Houston.
Ready to Move Beyond Bladder Medications?
Find out whether sacral neuromodulation is right for you. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Solafa Elshatanoufy.
410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 320, Katy, TX 77494