It’s December, which means the holiday season's busyness is in full swing. If an overactive bladder (OAB) is making you anxious about shopping, gatherings with family and friends, or travel, we understand!
OAB causes embarrassing symptoms like urgent trips to the restroom, getting up at night to pee, leaks, and accidents. These issues aren’t just an inconvenience — they significantly impact your quality of life.
The good news is that you aren’t alone in your OAB struggle. At Urological Associates in Charlottesville, Virginia, our providers understand that managing OAB is about more than lifestyle changes. We offer effective and innovative OAB solutions tailored to your needs to improve your overall quality of life.
One of our favorite solutions for people struggling to manage OAB is Botox®. Keep reading to learn how this injectable treatment could help you.
Chances are you’ve heard of people getting Botox injections to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. And you may have heard that Botox can stop eyelid twitches and spasms. However, fewer people are familiar with Botox as a method of managing OAB.
In fact, Botox is an FDA-approved bladder therapy to control the muscle spasms that make OAB symptoms worse. Botox is a potent neurotoxin (botulinum toxin), and when used in small, controlled doses, it can effectively treat OAB.
It works by blocking the signal to the muscle that controls your bladder and causes spasms. This helps reduce the urgency and frequency of urination, making it a game-changing therapy for anyone who’s struggled with OAB.
At Urological Associates, we offer Botox treatments for OAB as an outpatient therapy. General anesthesia isn't required. The injections are quick, but plan to spend an hour at the office for prep and post-treatment observation.
First, we administer a local anesthetic. Once you’re numb, we inject the neurotoxin directly into your bladder muscle through your bladder wall.
After your treatment, you’ll spend about 30 minutes in the office under observation. During this time, our team will ensure you can urinate without help. We may prescribe an antibiotic to help prevent a urinary tract infection.
Like all medical procedures, there are a few potential risks and side effects associated with Botox for OAB. These are generally minor, and the risk of experiencing them can be minimized by following our pre- and post-treatment instructions.
Possible side effects and risks include:
We discuss these with you in detail and monitor you closely for any issues.
The majority of OAB patients who use Botox to treat their condition experience a significant reduction of OAB symptoms within two weeks after their injections, including the following:
However, results don’t happen immediately. You may notice some improvement after a few days, but it typically takes 1-2 weeks for noticeable improvement and 12 weeks for optimal results.
It’s also important to keep in mind that Botox for OAB isn’t a cure, and the effects of the neurotoxin wear off after about six months. However, with repeat injections, you can enjoy fewer leaks and trips to the bathroom — without daily medications.
The only way to learn if you’re a candidate for Botox for OAB is by talking to your provider at Urological Associates. Our team evaluates your condition, discusses treatment options, and determines if Botox injections could be the right choice for you.
Generally, ideal candidates for Botox for OAB are those who:
Learn more about Botox for OAB and how it can help you enjoy the holiday season without worrying about leaks or your next bathroom trip by scheduling an appointment online or over the phone at Urological Associates in Charlottesville, Virginia.
