Botox Treatment for Overactive Bladder

Overactive Bladder is a condition where the bladder contracts uncontrollably, creating leakage, the strong sudden need to "go right away", and going too often.

So what exactly is going on?

Botox for Overactive Bladder Santa Barbara Urologist David Laub

First, it's important to realize that OAB is not a "weak" bladder. Rather, OAB occurs when certain nerves are functioning incorrectly. These nerves send signals to your bladder at the wrong time, causing the muscle to squeeze without warning. 

Why Botox?

BOTOX® works on the nerves and bladder muscle, blocking the signals that trigger OAB. In your body, certain chemicals travel from nerve cells to muscle cells to make your bladder contract so that you can urinate. With OAB, these muscles contract uncontrollably and you frequently feel like you have to empty your bladder.

BOTOX® treatment works by calming the nerves that trigger the Overactive Bladder muscle, helping to:

  • Reduce daily leakage episodes
  • Treat the strong need to urinate right away

One BOTOX® treatment can last up to 6 months before the effects wear off. As your symptoms return, talk to your doctor about repeating the treatment to help control your symptoms, but no sooner than 12 weeks from prior treatment.

Here's what you can expect before your BOTOX® treatment:

(note: You should not receive BOTOX® if you have a urinary tract infection. You will be given a preventative antibiotic to take prior to your BOTOX® appointment to help prevent infection)

  1. You will be given a numbing agent, maybe in combination with a sedative, to keep you relaxed and comfortable during the procedure
  2. Once your bladder is numb, a small tube called a cystoscope is inserted through the urethra (the natural opening where the urine comes out). BOTOX® goes through the cystoscope and is administered with a small needle into multiple areas of your bladder muscle
  3. The treatment itself only takes approximately 30 minutes. Then you will be observed for about 30 minutes, and your doctor will make sure you have emptied your bladder before you leave the office
  4. You should not experience significant pain after treatment, although it may sting or burn when you urinate the first few times. You may also see some blood in the urine right after treatment

Please click here to read about possible Botox side effects and talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have.

Contact Dr. Laub to inquire about Botox Treatment and whether it is right for you.