Bladder Botox for Overactive Bladder in London
Bladder Botox is a treatment for overactive bladder. It involves carefully placing botulinum toxin injections into the bladder wall to help relax the bladder muscle and reduce unwanted contractions.
It may be considered when bladder retraining, lifestyle changes or medication have not provided enough relief from urgency, frequent urination or urge leakage.
What is bladder Botox?
Bladder Botox uses botulinum toxin, a prescription-only medicine, to treat overactive bladder symptoms. Overactive bladder occurs when the bladder muscle contracts before it is the right time to empty, causing a sudden and difficult-to-delay need to pass urine.
For some people, this urgency is accompanied by frequent toilet visits, waking at night to pass urine or leakage before reaching the toilet. This is known as urge urinary incontinence.
During treatment, small amounts of botulinum toxin are injected into the bladder wall. This can help reduce involuntary bladder contractions and may improve symptoms for suitable patients.
Bladder Botox is usually considered after conservative measures, such as bladder retraining and changes to fluid habits, have not provided enough improvement. Medication may also have been tried or may not be suitable.
The procedure is carried out using a cystoscope, a narrow camera passed through the urethra into the bladder. The effect develops over the following days and commonly lasts for several months. Treatment can be repeated if symptoms return and it remains appropriate for you.
As with any procedure, bladder Botox has potential risks. In particular, it can affect how well the bladder empties for a time. Some people may need to use a catheter temporarily. Your consultant will explain the potential benefits, risks and alternatives before you decide whether to proceed.
How it works
Bladder Botox works by reducing the involuntary contractions of the bladder muscle.
Relaxes the bladder muscle
Botulinum toxin helps reduce unwanted contractions that can cause sudden urgency.
May reduce urgency and leakage
For suitable people, treatment may improve urgency, frequent urination, waking at night and urge leakage.
Repeatable treatment
The effects are temporary and often last several months. Further treatment may be considered if symptoms return.
Who it is for
Bladder Botox may be considered for people who:
- Have overactive bladder symptoms, with or without urge leakage
- Have not had enough improvement with bladder retraining or medication
- Cannot tolerate, or would prefer not to continue, medication
- Would like to discuss an option before considering more invasive treatment
- Have been assessed as suitable by a consultant urologist
What to expect
- Assessment
Your consultant will confirm whether overactive bladder is the likely cause of your symptoms and assess whether bladder Botox is an appropriate next step. - The treatment
A cystoscope is passed through the urethra into the bladder. Your consultant then places a number of small injections into the bladder wall. They will explain how the procedure is carried out and any preparation required. - Effect and follow-up
The treatment effect usually develops over the following days. Your consultant will discuss follow-up, monitor how you are responding and advise whether repeat treatment may be appropriate.
Why choose The Forbury Clinic for bladder Botox in London?
Treatment directed at the bladder
Bladder Botox is administered directly into the bladder wall to reduce unwanted muscle contractions.
An option when symptoms persist
It may be considered when conservative treatment or medication has not provided enough relief.
A treatment plan tailored to you
Your consultant will consider your symptoms, medical history, bladder function and priorities before recommending treatment.
Repeat treatment where appropriate
If bladder Botox is effective and symptoms return, repeat treatment may be discussed following review.
Frequently asked questions
Is bladder Botox the same as cosmetic Botox?
It uses the same type of medicine, botulinum toxin, but it is used differently. In this treatment, botulinum toxin is injected into the bladder wall to help manage symptoms of overactive bladder.
How long does bladder Botox last?
The effects are temporary and commonly last for several months. This varies between people. If symptoms return, your consultant can discuss whether repeat treatment is appropriate.
Are there risks with bladder Botox?
All treatments have potential risks. Bladder Botox can sometimes make it harder to empty the bladder fully, which may mean using a catheter temporarily. There is also a risk of urinary tract infection. Your consultant will discuss the risks, benefits and alternatives in detail.
When is bladder Botox used?
It is usually considered for people with overactive bladder when bladder retraining, lifestyle measures or medication have not provided enough improvement, or when medication is unsuitable.
Is the treatment painful?
Your consultant will explain how the procedure is performed and the options available to keep you comfortable. Some people experience mild discomfort, but this varies. You will have the opportunity to ask questions before treatment.
Ask whether bladder Botox could help
If urgency, frequency or urge leakage remains difficult despite other treatments, a consultant assessment can help establish whether bladder Botox may be suitable.
- AppointmentBook a consultation
- Reception0118 920 7055
- Location
The Forbury Clinic London, 45 Queen Anne St, London, W1G 9J
