Botox is a popular treatment option for people with bladder conditions, such as urge incontinence or overactive bladder. The effects of Botox on the bladder are not permanent, and the average duration of relief is 7.5 months. Most people get relief from symptoms quickly, within a few days. Treatment results last about six months and additional injections may be necessary.
A possible side effect is urine retention, and it is not recommended for men with a risk or history of an enlarged prostate. The minimum period between injections is 12 weeks, but in some cases, people feel the effects of Botox for longer periods of time. When considering Botox injections, it's important to ask your primary care provider for a referral or look for a healthcare professional with experience in these types of treatments. At each injection appointment, adults with symptoms of OAB or children with detrusor overactivity will receive a Botox injection at 20 sites, located 1 centimeter (cm) apart in the detrusor muscle. People who received Botox injections for symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB) saw improvements in certain symptoms, such as frequent urination, within 12 weeks of treatment.
Another improvement that people using Botox for OAB symptoms noticed after receiving the injections was the reduction in episodes of urinary incontinence. Your doctor determines the dose of Botox based on your condition and response to previous Botox treatments. For use in adults with detrusor overactivity caused by a neurological condition, the recommended dose is 200 units of Botox. In most cases, Botox can be performed in an office with local anesthesia instilled in the bladder. If you have any of these symptoms after receiving Botox injections, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or seek immediate emergency medical attention. You can also learn more about side effects in this detailed Botox article or in the medication guide for the medication.
