Overview

If you have urinary incontinence or an overactive bladder, you may receive Botox injections in your bladder to help you control urination.

Urinary incontinence is the accidental release of urine. Bladder control problems are very common, especially among older adults. Incontinence usually does not cause major health problems. But it can be embarrassing.

Pregnancy and menopause can increase the risk for incontinence. It can also be a result of childbirth.

With overactive bladder, you have many strong, sudden urges to urinate during the day and night. You can get these urges even when you have only a little bit of urine in your bladder. You may not be able to make it to the toilet in time to urinate.

Botulinum toxin, also known as Botox, can be used to treat these bladder problems. It's made with Clostridium botulinum bacteria. When a small amount is injected into the bladder, it paralyzes the nerves that cause overactive bladder. This lets your bladder muscles relax and helps bring your bladder problem under control.

When are Botox injections given for urinary incontinence or overactive bladder?

Botox injections are given in severe cases of urinary incontinence or overactive bladder when other treatments aren't working.

How well do the injections work?

Your doctor will talk with you about how well Botox injections work. Some people have relief for 6 to 9 months. But your results may be different. The treatment may be repeated.

How are the injections done?

Botox is injected into the wall of the bladder. Your doctor will do this using a procedure called a cystoscopy. A cystoscope is a thin, lighted tool that's put into the urethra and moved into the bladder. The procedure can take place in a hospital or the doctor's office.

Your doctor will check for a urine infection before the procedure. Your doctor may also check how well you empty your bladder before treatment and about 2 weeks after.

Here's how the procedure is done:

1. Your doctor will tell you if you need to do anything to prepare for the procedure.
2. After taking off all or most of your clothes, you lie on an examination table on your back, knees bent and legs apart. You will be given a paper or cloth covering.
3. Your genital area is cleaned with an antiseptic solution. Anesthetic jelly may be applied to numb your urethra. In some cases, you may be offered a mild sedative to help you relax. Often a one-time antibiotic is given to reduce chances of infection.
4. The cystoscope is inserted. A sterile fluid is put into the bladder to expand it. You may feel pressure from this fluid.
5. The doctor inserts a tiny tool through the scope to inject the Botox into the bladder wall.
6. When the procedure is done, the cystoscope is removed.

Afterward, you may feel some mild burning or very minor bleeding when you urinate. Your doctor will advise you to drink plenty of water to flush out your bladder.

When should you call for help?

Contact your doctor if:

• You have a fever.
• You can't urinate.
• You have increasing burning or pain when you urinate.
• You're passing increasing amounts of blood in your urine.