Intravesical
Part of the problem with patients with recurrent urinary tract infections is a deficiency in the lining of the bladder which makes them much more susceptible to infections with low levels of bacteria.
Intravesical treatment for recurrent UTIs, interstitial cystitis and bladder pain syndrome
People who get recurrent UTIs often have a damaged protective layer inside their bladder (called the GAG Layer). This layer helps to keep bacteria out. When it’s damaged, bacteria can easily get in, bury and embed themselves and cause infections.
A damaged GAG layer also lets irritating substances in the urine reach the sensitive bladder lining, causing pain and conditions such as painful bladder syndrome and interstitial cystitis.
The scientific illustration below shows how a gap in the GAG layer of the bladder can leave the bladder lining cells (urothelium) exposed to the various irritants and bacteria in the urine.
A well-established treatment is a course of bladder instillations which can be performed either by the nurse or by the patient themselves once a week for six weeks, followed by a monthly course for 6 – 12 months.
These are available in specialist NHS hospitals, but are also covered by insurance companies and are very well tolerated.
60 – 70% percent of patients with recurrent infections respond well to intravesical treatments with both an increase in bladder comfort and a reduction in infection rates.
Intravesical FAQs
Bladder (or intravesical) instillations are special liquids that help heal the inside of your bladder (GAG layer). They create a protective layer that stops infections from sticking and growing there. The liquid is administered directly into the bladder via a urinary catheter.
The whole process is straightforward to do. You’ll learn how to use a small, disposable tube (catheter) to gently place the treatment into your bladder. Our nurses will teach you everything you need to know in our clinic.
Bladder instillations are not a surgical procedure or a drug. They involve a specially formulated liquid that’s placed directly into the bladder to repair its protective lining. This can be done conveniently in an outpatient clinic or at home.
There’s no need to do anything special before starting the treatment. The process is simple to learn. Our nurses will show you exactly how to set up the equipment and put the liquid into your bladder using a catheter.
At first, you’ll have the bladder treatment every week. Once it starts working, you’ll only need it once a month to keep things under control.
Any side effects are usually from putting the tube into your bladder. This can sometimes be a bit uncomfortable or cause an infection, but this is rare. The liquid itself is safe, is not absorbed by the blood supply and therefore doesn’t affect the rest of your body.
Lots of scientific studies have shown that bladder instillations can help with problems like frequent recurrent UTIs, painful bladder syndrome, interstitial cystitis or an overactive bladder.
Yes you can. The whole process is very straightforward to do. Our nurses will show you in the clinic how to put the liquid into your bladder, and you can do future treatments yourself at home. You can carry on with your normal day afterwards, including driving.
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.
