The effects of Botox injections on the bladder are not permanent, but they can provide relief from symptoms for up to 12 weeks. On average, the effects of Botox last for 7.5 months, and the full effect of the medication can take up to two weeks to become apparent. Compared to other muscles, Botox has a prolonged effect on the bladder, and most people experience relief from symptoms within a few days. However, there is a risk of urine retention, and it is not recommended for men with an enlarged prostate.
When Botox is injected into the bladder muscle, it blocks nerve signals to the muscle and thick muscle bands, known as trabeculation, are treated. After receiving a Botox injection, adults with symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB) or children with detrusor overactivity will receive a Botox injection at 20 sites, located 1 centimeter (cm) apart in the detrusor muscle. The good news is that most people get relief from symptoms quickly, in just a few days. Treatment results last about six months and you may receive additional injections.
The effects of Botox are temporary and last between six and 12 months. After this period, the Botox effect wears off and you'll need more injections. At each injection appointment, people who received Botox injections for symptoms of OAB saw improvements in certain symptoms such as frequent urination within 12 weeks of treatment. Some people can still have bladder control after 24 weeks. If you have questions about how often you'll need to get Botox injections for your condition, talk to your doctor. Botox is an option to treat urge incontinence or overactive bladder in people who have not been successful with other treatment options.
After more than a decade of embarrassing accidents, many people have found that Botox has changed their lives for the better. For more information on how to get Botox from a specialty pharmacy, see this fact sheet provided by the Botox manufacturer. The minimum period between injections is 12 weeks, but in some cases, people feel the effects of Botox for longer periods of time.
