Overactive bladder (OAB) and botox injection

What is it?

Overactive bladder (OAB) often happens when you feel a strong urge or need to pee and have a hard time controlling this urge. This can result in many trips to the bathroom or leaking of urine (pee). 

For some people with OAB, Botox injections (shots) in the bladder can help. 

What are the signs and symptoms of OAB?

• Urinary urgency (when you suddenly have to pee and feel like you cannot hold it)
• Urinary frequency (when you feel like you need to pee more than normal)
• Leakage of urine

How does Botox work?

• Botox is a medicine that is injected into the wall of the bladder. A special device called a cystoscope is used. This is a scope that looks into the bladder and urethra.
• It is done in the office after putting numbing medicine in the urethra and bladder to lessen any pain felt during the procedure.
• Botox helps block the tightening of the bladder wall muscle that causes the urge to urinate.
• After a Botox injection, many people have less urine leakage and have to go to the bathroom less often.
• For most people, the medicine lasts 4 to 8 months. When it stops working, you may have another injection. 

What can I expect after the procedure?

• You may have some discomfort.
  • Over-the-counter pain medicines, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol^®), may help lessen your pain.
• You may do your normal activities.
• You may take a bath and shower as normal.
• Drink fluids so your pee is pale yellow. This helps lower your risk of infection.
• When you go to the bathroom:
  • You may see light spotting or blood in your urine for 1 or 2 days. This is normal.
  • You may have the urge to pee quickly.
  • You may have discomfort with peeing for a few days. 
• If you are not able to pee at all:
  • Use the catheter we gave you.
  • Call the care team. 

Medicines

• You may be given a prescription for antibiotics. This medicine helps lower the chance of a urinary tract infection (bladder infection).
  • Take as told by the care team.
  • Take it until they are gone.   
  • Do not miss any doses.
• Keep taking your normal medicines. 
• You may take blood thinners, such as aspirin.

Follow up

Your care team may ask you to follow up in 2 weeks. You will see a nurse. They will make sure you are emptying your bladder normally. 

When should I call the care team?

• A fever over 100.4 F
• Chills
• Signs or symptoms of a urinary tract infection, such as:
  • Frequency
  • Urgency
  • Pain or burning when you pee 
  • Blood in your pee after the first 2 days
  • Side or back pain (your kidney area)
• If you do not feel you are emptying your bladder fullyadder fully