Nerve stimulation is a treatment that uses small electrical signals to help manage pain or improve how certain body parts work. It involves sending gentle pulses to specific nerves, which can help block pain signals or make muscles work better.

For example, if you're having pelvic pain, nerve stimulation might be used to calm the nerves in that area and reduce the discomfort. It’s usually done with a small device placed on your skin or sometimes under the skin, depending on the type of treatment.

It’s safe, doesn't involve medicine, and can be helpful when other treatments haven’t worked well.

The most common types include:

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
TENS uses a device to send mild electrical impulses through electrodes placed on painful areas of the body. It has been shown to help some people with bladder pain.
Sacral Nerve Stimulation (SNS)
SNS involves placing a thin wire (called an electrode) under your skin. This procedure is done under anaesthetic, so you’ll be asleep and won’t feel any pain. A small device, similar to a mobile phone, is used to control electrical signals that stimulate nerves in your pelvic area.
Posterior Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS)
PTNS uses a tiny needle inserted into your foot to send electrical pulses to nerves around your pelvis.

Although nerve stimulation treatments can feel a bit uncomfortable at first, they aren’t usually painful, and the intensity can be adjusted to make you comfortable.

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