Bladder botox. Yes, you read that right. Botox isn’t just for cosmetic use to smooth frown lines and wrinkles. Botox actually has a wide range of medical uses as well.
As Urology doctors in Dayton, Ohio we use Botox as a treatment option for overactive or leaking bladder due to neurological conditions. This is also categorized as a type of urge incontinence.
Patients with urge incontinence typically state “I can’t make it to the restroom in time” and at times may even leak without warning.
There are several options when it comes to treating incontinence. The best option will depend on the specifics of your symptoms and what is causing them. Consult our team of urologists to find out if bladder botox could be helpful to you!
What Is Bladder Botox?
Botox is a brand name for botulinum toxin products made from a bacterium called the Clostridium botulinum. Other brand names exist, including Dysport and Xeomin. But Botox is the name everyone recognizes because it was the first injectable botulinum toxin.
How Does Bladder Botox Work?
Botox injections work by weakening or paralyzing certain bladder muscles or by blocking certain nerves. Botox prevents the muscle from spasming or becoming overactive, which gives people time to make it to the bathroom. This means they experience less frequency and less urine leakage. The effects last about three to twelve months, depending on what you are treating.
How is Bladder Botox Administered?
Botox is a prescription medicine that is injected into the bladder muscle. Your urologist can do this either in the office or as an outpatient service in the hospital. After using anesthesia to numb your bladder, your urologist will make small injections in the bladder wall, where the bladder muscle is located. The entire process can take less than an hour.
Incontinence Treatment Options
Treatments such as bladder botox are options reserved for those who have made lifestyle changes or tried medications with little to no relief of overactive bladder symptoms. To find out with Bladder botox could help improve your quality of life with incontinence, contact Urology Specialists of Ohio.