Botox injections into the bladder are a common outpatient procedure used to treat urge incontinence and overactive bladder. While general anesthesia is not required, a local anesthetic is used to numb the bladder and make the injections more comfortable. The effects of the local anesthetic usually wear off within an hour after the injections are completed. A urologist or urogynecologist can administer Botox injections into the bladder to help relax the muscles and give you more time to go to the bathroom when you feel the need to urinate.
The injections are well tolerated by most patients, with some describing it as similar to a menstrual cramp. Botox injections can also be used to treat persistent and disabling urinary incontinence of urgency, frequency, and urgency, as well as severe spastic bladders from neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease. Urinary incontinence can be caused by several factors, from a urinary tract infection to an overactive bladder, to pregnancy and childbirth. It's important to understand that urge incontinence and overactive bladder aren't caused by physical activity or movement, such as coughing, exercising, or sneezing.
Botox is administered through a cystoscope with a series of rapid injections into specific areas of the bladder muscle. This helps block nerve signals in the bladder that cause the release of urine and prevent involuntary loss of urine. The doctor can view the inside of the bladder with the cystoscope and give Botox injections through it. When looking for a doctor near you to give Botox injections into your bladder, make sure that they are board certified and specialize in this area.
It's also important to empty your bladder before leaving the office and your doctor will check that no additional urine is retained when you go to the bathroom. Botox for urinary incontinence is often recommended when conservative treatments fail to stop involuntary urine loss or overactive bladder.
