Bladder Botox
Bladder Botox is a treatment for overactive bladder or urge incontinence. The injections help relax the bladder muscles, giving you more time to get to the bathroom.
Bladder Botox for an overactive bladder
Botox is a medication that can help relax overactive bladder muscles. When injected into the bladder muscle, it can reduce the frequency and urgency of urination, as well as accidental urine leakage (urge incontinence).
Botox is recommended by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) for people who have not responded well to other treatments, such as medication or bladder retraining.
How bladder Botox works
Botox works by blocking nerve signals to the bladder muscle. This reduces the muscle’s ability to contract, leading to 3 main benefits:
- Reduced bladder spasms: Fewer sudden urges to urinate.
- Increased bladder capacity: The bladder can hold more urine before needing to empty.
- Improved bladder control: Less frequent and less urgent urination.
Bladder Botox Procedure
Botox injections for overactive bladder are typically performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day.
Here’s a brief overview of what to expect:
- Local Anesthesia: A local anesthetic gel will be applied to your urethra to numb the area.
- Cystoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a light and camera (cystoscope) is inserted into your urethra to view the inside of your bladder. This helps the doctor identify the correct injection sites.
- Botox Injection: The doctor will inject small amounts of Botox into specific areas of your bladder muscle.
- Recovery: The procedure is very quick and over in a few minutes. Most importantly you can typically resume normal activities immediately after including driving.
Please note: In some cases, the procedure may be performed under general anesthesia, especially for patients who find the procedure uncomfortable or are anxious about it. However this will require a day trip to the hospital and arranging someone to collect and look after you for 24 hours afterwards.
How painful is Botox in the bladder?
It’s a common question: “Does it hurt?”
Here at The Urology Partnership, our consultants are experts in this treatment. They use the latest techniques to make the procedure as comfortable as possible, and even deliver international lectures to teach others about these techniques.
Most of our patients find the procedure well-tolerated. In fact, many women say it’s less uncomfortable than a smear test.
If you do have any worries or concerns, please chat to your consultant. They’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
When will I see results and how often do I need to repeat treatment?
You should start to notice an improvement in your symptoms around two weeks after the treatment.
If successful, the effects of Botox can last between 6 and 9 months. In some cases, the effects may last even longer. Once the effects start to wear off, it’s easy to come back for a top-up treatment.
If the initial or subsequent treatments don’t last long enough, your consultant can increase the dose of Botox in future treatments.
Side effects of bladder Botox
While bladder Botox is generally safe, like any medical procedure, there are potential side effects including:
- Urinary Retention: In some cases, you may experience temporary difficulty in urinating. Your consultant may then teach you how to self-catheterise to manage this.
- Flu-like Symptoms: Some people may experience mild flu-like symptoms and fatigue.
- Haematuria: You might notice blood in your urine, which usually clears up within 48 hours.
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): There is a slight risk of developing a UTI.
If you experience any of these side effects, or if you have any concerns, please contact your consultant or GP.
Cost of bladder Botox
Most major insurance companies will cover the cost of one treatment of bladder Botox. If you’re self-paying, please contact The Urology Partnership for the latest pricing information.
Bladder Botox FAQs
For many people with overactive bladder who haven’t found relief with traditional treatments, bladder Botox can be a game-changer. It can significantly improve quality of life by reducing symptoms like frequent urination, urgency, and accidental leaks.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has approved bladder Botox as an effective treatment option, further supporting its benefits
The effects of Botox can last between 6 and 9 months, sometimes longer. Once the effects start to wear off, it’s easy to come back for a top-up treatment.
You can go home immediately after the procedure and resume your normal activities, including driving.
The effects of Botox can take up to 14 days to kick in and you will have a follow-up appointment with your consultant.
If the treatment is successful, we will schedule future appointments for top-up injections as needed when the beneficial effects start wearing off.
It can be normal to experience a little difficulty urinating after a Botox injection, as the medication can temporarily relax the bladder muscles.
However, if you’re unable to urinate at all or are concerned about retention, please contact your consultant or GP.
If your procedure was done in our outpatients clinic, you can drink fluids as soon as you feel comfortable after the procedure.
It’s important to stay well-hydrated for the first 24-48 hours. This helps to flush out any bacteria that may have entered your urinary tract during the procedure, reducing the risk of infection.
Remember to drink plenty of water and other clear fluids. Avoid drinks that can irritate your bladder, such as caffeine and alcohol.
You can have bladder Botox injections as many times as needed, as long as they continue to be effective.
However, it’s important to maintain a minimum interval of 3-4 months between treatments. This ensures that the effects of the previous injection have fully worn off before the next one.
You should start to notice an improvement in your symptoms around two weeks after the treatment. If successful, the effects of Botox can last between 6 and 9 months, sometimes longer. Once the effects start to wear off, it’s easy to come back for a top-up treatment.
Next Steps
Get fast access to leading specialists for the swift diagnosis and treatment of urological conditions in a private clinic environment.
If you would like more information or wish to arrange a consultation with one of our specialist consultant urological surgeons then please either Call 0118 920 7040 or complete the form below.
Insured patients
Contact your GP and ask for a referral to the Urology Partnership.
All consultations, investigations and treatments are covered by major insurance companies (depending on policy).
Funding your own treatment
Self-funding initial consultation fee is £205. Follow up fees are £165.
Consultation charges are exclusive of any tests and other investigations that the consultant may wish to carry out.
