What Is Intravesical Botox?
Intravesical Botox is a minimally invasive procedure where Botox (botulinum toxin) is injected directly into the bladder muscle wall during cystoscopy. The Botox relaxes the bladder muscle, reducing involuntary contractions that cause the urgent, frequent urges to urinate and urgency incontinence characteristic of overactive bladder. Most patients experience significant improvement in symptoms within one to two weeks, with effects lasting 6-9 months.
Benefits of Intravesical Botox
- Significant symptom improvement — 50-75% reduction in urgency episodes
- Reduced nighttime urination — often improves sleep quality
- Fewer accidents — decreased urgency incontinence episodes
- Improved quality of life — patients enjoy more activities without worry
- Office-based procedure — minimally invasive with quick recovery
- Repeatable — can be repeated every 6-9 months as effects wear off
Who Is a Candidate?
Intravesical Botox is ideal for patients with overactive bladder who have failed or cannot tolerate oral medications. It's also an excellent option for patients with neurogenic bladder from spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis. Dr. Libby will discuss whether Botox is right for your situation during your consultation.
What to Expect
Before the Procedure
You'll have a consultation where Dr. Libby reviews your symptoms and discusses the procedure. You may be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection. Arrange for someone to drive you home as sedation is typically used.
During the Procedure
Under light sedation, a cystoscope is passed through the urethra into the bladder. Dr. Libby identifies the areas of the bladder muscle that are overactive and injects Botox at multiple sites using a specialized injection needle. The procedure takes 20-30 minutes. You'll feel mild discomfort but not significant pain.
Recovery and Results
You go home the same day. You may notice mild burning with urination and slight blood-tinged urine for a few days. Results gradually improve over 1-2 weeks, with peak effect around 2-3 weeks. Most patients enjoy 6-9 months of benefit before symptoms gradually return, at which point the procedure can be repeated.
Living Better With OAB
Overactive bladder doesn't have to limit your life. Intravesical Botox offers excellent symptom relief for patients ready to move beyond medications. Dr. Libby's experience with this procedure ensures precise injection and optimal results. If you're struggling with overactive bladder, schedule a consultation to discuss whether Botox is right for you.