Botox is indicated for the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency and frequency, in adults who have an inadequate response to or are intolerant of an anticholinergic medication.
How does Botox work?
In your body, certain chemicals travel from nerve cells to muscle cells to make your bladder contract so you can urinate. With OAB, these muscles contract uncontrollably and you frequently feel like you have to empty your bladder. Botox calms the nerves that trigger the OAB muscle. This results in eliminating or substantially reducing leakage episodes, reducing the strong need to urinate right away and reducing the number of times that you need to empty your bladder daily. It generally will last 6-10 months. When your symptoms return, you can talk to your doctor and have the treatment done again. Usually, similar results are seen each time, and it can be done as many times as needed.
The Procedure
Botox treatment is a minor procedure for women and men that is usually done in the office. A gentle numbing agent, sometimes in combination with a light sedative is given so you are relaxed and comfortable during the treatment. Most patients report very little discomfort, and you can resume normal activities later that same day. Once your bladder is numb, the Botox is administered through a cystoscope with a small needle into the bladder muscle. A cystoscope is a thin-lighted tube that provides access and visibility inside your bladder. The total time in the office from start to finish is under an hour. The treatment itself only takes about five minutes. Talk to one of the Urology Centers of Alabama physicians to see if you would be a good candidate for Botox Treatment.