ContinenceOstomySource

Medtronic, Inc. today announced the kick-off of an educational campaign aimed at raising awareness among women of overactive bladder (OAB), a serious condition that can severely impact patients' lives. This new campaign, conducted in partnership with leading patient advocacy groups, including The Accidental Sisterhood, Red Hot Mamas and Women's Health Foundation, will help to raise awareness of the prevalence of bladder control problems and encourage patients to find effective treatment options - including and beyond medications.

More than 33 million Americans suffer from overactive bladder, but too many people with OAB do not recognize that they have a treatable condition and struggle for years before finding the right treatment option. A recent survey conducted by the National Association for Continence (NAFC) with support from Medtronic, compared women ages 40 to 65 who have experienced symptoms of OAB to women without symptoms in the same age group. Overall, 80 percent of women who had treated their OAB said that years of frustration of living with the debilitating symptoms finally led them to seek treatment. Unfortunately, nearly three out of four women said that they waited longer than they should have to seek help. The campaign, launching during November's Bladder Health Awareness Month, will encourage people who are suffering with OAB to recognize the moments they struggle with their condition and to find resources for support or information about treatment options.

"Overactive bladder can have a significant impact on the lives of women living with the debilitating symptoms, seriously compromising their well-being," said Cindy Kent, vice president in Urology/Gastroenterology Therapies, part of the Neuromodulation business at Medtronic. "Through this comprehensive awareness campaign, we will help as many women as possible better understand their condition and what they can do to overcome it."

The campaign focuses on the personal stories of women suffering from OAB - their everyday struggles, how they coped with the condition and the moment they knew it was time to seek further treatment. Personal stories include those from women who are currently using InterStim® Therapy - a long-term option for patients who have not had success with or could not tolerate other forms of treatments such as oral medications.

Julie Rady, from Wisconsin, is an InterStim patient who suffered from overactive bladder for years. One year ago, Julie received InterStim Therapy, which she says has changed her life. Julie was selected to participate in the campaign because she wants to share her story with women across America who suffer from OAB. Julie will join forces with Dr. Donnica Moore, a leading women's health expert and advocate, to help women understand that there is hope and that they can have freedom from OAB.

"Overactive bladder can affect all aspects of a woman's life - from personal relationships to their career to completing everyday tasks. It can affect a woman's self-esteem and her sexual experiences, and it causes sleep deprivation," said Dr. Donnica Moore, Founder and President of DrDonnica.com and Sapphire Women's Health Group LLC. "Many women are hesitant to discuss this condition even with their physicians to avoid further embarrassment, but the campaign is all about letting women know they're not alone and that there is hope to take back their lives."

Important Safety Information About InterStim Therapy
InterStim Therapy for Urinary Control treats urinary retention (inability to completely empty the bladder) and the symptoms of overactive bladder, including urinary urge incontinence (leakage) and significant symptoms of urgency-frequency. It should be used after those affected with these symptoms have tried other treatments such as medications and behavioral therapy and they have not worked, or could not be tolerated.

Individuals with overactive bladder should have a successful trial assessment before receiving InterStim Therapy. They cannot have diathermy (deep heat treatment from electromagnetic energy) if they have an InterStim device.

InterStim Therapy is not intended for patients with a urinary blockage. Safety and effectiveness have not been established for pregnancy and delivery; patients under the age of 16; or for patients with neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis. In addition to risks related to surgery, complications can include pain at the implant sites, new pain, infection, lead (thin wire) movement/migration, device problems, interactions with certain other devices or diagnostic equipment, undesirable changes in urinary or bowel function, and uncomfortable stimulation (sometimes described as a jolting or shocking feeling).

About The Accidental Sisterhood Foundation
The Accidental Sisterhood Foundation promotes health education for women, with a special emphasis on improving female pelvic floor health. The Foundation supports research and information programs to ensure that women recognize and understand the highly treatable and preventable nature of pelvic floor issues and get the help they need.

About Red Hot Mamas
Red Hot Mamas is the nation's largest menopause management education and support program. Its mission is to broaden the base of women's knowledge about menopause and empower them to become educated healthcare consumers and active participants in the management of their menopause. Red Hot Mamas provides education, support, understanding, hope and optimism.

About Women's Health Foundation (WHF)
Women's Health Foundation has sought to bring sensitive and stigmatized women's health issues out of hiding and into the light. Guided by the mission "To improve the pelvic health and fitness of all women," WHF is continually taking steps to empower women with knowledge, and in turn, take control of their bodies.

About Medtronic
Medtronic, Inc., headquartered in Minneapolis, is the global leader in medical technology - alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world.