Have you ever heard of using Botox for your bladder? It may sound strange, but it is true! In this article we’ll explain all about how you can use Botox for overactive bladder.

What is Overactive Bladder?

Overactive bladder is a condition where a person experiences a sudden, strong urge to urinate, often accompanied by urinary frequency (going to the bathroom more than 8 times a day) and accidents related to urgency. It can also be caused by nerve injuries such as spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, strokes, and diabetes.

How Does Botox Help?

Botox works by paralyzing the bladder muscles, reducing the strength of the contractions that cause the urge to urinate. It has been found to be effective in 80% of people who get the injections, providing relief from accidents, frequency, and strong urges.

How is Bladder Botox Performed?

The procedure is done in the office and involves undressing from the waist down and putting your legs up into stirrups. Numbing jelly and medication is inserted into the urethra and bladder, and then a cystoscope (camera) is used to inject the Botox into the bladder wall. Generally, 10-30 injections are given, spread out over the entire bladder wall. The injections feel like small bee stings, but most people can handle it without a problem.

After the injections, you will need to stay in the office for 30 minutes to make sure you can urinate and don’t have any issues. You may experience some discomfort when you urinate, especially for the first few times, and you may also have blood or a light pink tinge in your urine. This is normal and should go away after a day or so.

Complications of Bladder Botox

The two most common complications associated with Botox injections are urinary tract infections and difficulty emptying the bladder. About 5% of people who get Botox injections will have difficulty emptying their bladder and may need to catheterize themselves afterwards.

Pros and Cons of Botox in the Bladder

The pros of Botox injections are that it works quickly (3-7 days) and is minimally invasive (no anesthesia or pre-operative paperwork needed). The cons are that it only lasts for 6-9 months before needing to be injected again, and there is a small chance of not being able to urinate.

Conclusion

Botox injections can be an effective treatment for overactive bladder, providing relief from accidents, frequency, and strong urges. It is minimally invasive and works quickly, but it does need to be repeated every 6-9 months. There is a small chance of complications, such as urinary tract infections and difficulty emptying the bladder, so it is important to talk to your doctor if you experience any pain or discomfort after the injections.