Botox for OAB
What is Overactive Bladder (OAB)?
Overactive bladder is a common condition caused by an involuntary contraction of the bladder muscle (detrusor) leading to urinary frequency, urgency, nighttime voiding, and leakage of urine. This can have a significant impact on your quality of life.
Who May Be a Candidate for Botox for OAB?
Botox may be an option if urgency, frequent urination, or urge-related leakage continues despite medication or other treatments. Before recommending it, we review your symptoms, health history, and prior treatment response to confirm overactive bladder is the likely cause.
Tell us if you have trouble emptying your bladder, since Botox may temporarily make urination more difficult and some patients need intermittent catheterization. We also discuss your priorities and comfort with the procedure and follow-up.
How does Botox work for OAB?
Botox is used in patients who have not gotten relief from medications or other therapies. Botox is injected directly into the bladder and works by blocking nerve impulses to the bladder muscle causing temporary relaxation of the muscle. This can stop uncontrolled bladder contractions to allow for more normal functioning of the bladder.
How effective is Botox for OAB?
Botox takes approximately 2 weeks to work after the procedure. Our goal is to see a 50% reduction in your urinary symptoms after the procedure. This may mean less urinary leakage, less frequent urination, and/or fewer nighttime voids. It is rare that all of your symptoms resolve. Botox treatments typically last an average of 6 months. The procedure may be repeated when the symptoms return.
What are the risks?
Risks of the procedure include, but are not limited to:
- Bleeding – it is normal to see some blood in your urine after the procedure. This will normally resolve on its own over the next several days.
- Infection – you will receive an antibiotic after your procedure to help prevent this.
- Pain and discomfort – You may experience burning with urination, urinary frequency and urgency the first few times you void after the procedure.
- Difficulty urinating – Some patients may need to temporarily use an intermittent catheter to help empty their bladder until it regains its strength.
What can I expect during the procedure?
Instructions for after the procedure
Most women can resume normal activities after the procedure. You may drive yourself home afterwards. Be sure to drink several glasses of water after your procedure to help reduce bleeding and discomfort. Avoid fluids containing alcohol, caffeine, or carbonation for 24 hours as they may irritate the bladder lining. Taking a warm bath or holding a warm damp washcloth over the urethral opening may also help relieve any discomfort.
Contact our office immediately at (913) 262-3000 if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Trouble urinating
- Heavy bleeding such as clots larger than a quarter
- Chills or fever greater than 101 degrees
- Confusion, disorientation or agitation
- Severe abdominal pain
On rare occasions, the Botox can cause an allergic reaction. Seek emergent care if you experience difficulty breathing, vision problems, or generalized weakness.
Latasha Reed, WHNP is the best women’s health Urogynecology provider I have ever encountered!!
I drive 3.5 hrs to come see her despite having closer urogyn physicians closer to me.
She is one of the few providers out there that wants to make sure the root cause is treated. She has an amazing bedside manner. Her procedural skills are phenomenal and she’s always wanting the best for her patients.
She can navigate the most difficult cases and provide complete care.
I have the utmost respect for her as a human and practitioner and am so thankful she’s helping women with pelvic and bladder pain.
Thank you Latasha Reed!
-Anna E.
Why Choose Urogynecology of Kansas City?
At Urogynecology of Kansas City, our board-certified, fellowship-trained urogynecologists treat female pelvic floor conditions, including urinary incontinence. Dr. Abby Stork provides Botox treatment for OAB. She and Dr. Patrick Nosti have subspecialty training in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, with experience managing urinary incontinence. Dr. Stork reviews your symptoms and treatment history to determine whether Botox is an appropriate option.
Botox for OAB FAQs
Does Botox for OAB treat leakage during exercise?
Botox is used for overactive bladder symptoms, including leakage following a sudden urge to urinate. Leakage during coughing, sneezing, or exercise may have a different cause and need a separate evaluation.
What if I have both urgency and leakage with coughing or exercise?
Some people have symptoms of both overactive bladder and stress urinary incontinence. We assess each symptom pattern and discuss care options based on its cause.
Discuss Botox for OAB in Kansas City
If urgency, frequent urination, or urge-related leakage is affecting your daily life, our team can discuss whether Botox may be appropriate for you. Contact Urogynecology of Kansas City for an evaluation at our Overland Park or Independence office.
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