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I've gotten an inquiry from an EmpowHER member, and need your help to assist her. She sought a second opinion from a new urologist who has recommended the use of Botox injections to treat her bladder spasms. Her primary urologist says he will not do this procedure because he doesn't believe there is enough data available. The treatment is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
She would really like to know if any of you have tried this, and what type of experience you had. Did the process help you? If so, for how long? Was it a treatment of last resort? Would you recommend it to others? Why or why not?
I've done some initial research, and learned that while this isn't an FDA-approved treatment it is being used successfully for some patients. According to the Mayo Clinic, Botox is sometimes injected into the muscles of the bladder to treat incontinence because it blocks the release of chemicals which cause muscle spasms. The injection is given under anesthesia and is effective for nine months to a year. Following are links to Mayo Clinic articles about this procedure:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/urinary-incontinence/treatment.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bladder-control-problems/WO00123
In addition, the following links also provide information on the use of Botox to control painful bladder spasms:
http://www2.wfubmc.edu/articles/Continence+Center/
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0CYD/is_20_37/ai_93531942/
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2007/12/05/33254.aspx
http://www.poise.com/Learn/LifeAndHealth/BladderHealth/BotoxHelp.aspx
Since this treatment is not approved by the FDA, it's not usually covered by insurance. Some references said the cost was about $300 per injection, and length of time cited for the treatment's effectiveness was generally cited as between six to nine months.
If any of you can offer information that will assist this member it would be greatly appreciated.
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Add a Comment38 Comments
I have neurogenic bladder. Medicine did not work so they first injected 100 units in my bladder. That seemed to help a little but not enough reliefs. So 4 months later followed up with 200 units injected. Now have success. I say go for its
March 7, 2013 - 2:39pmThis Comment
I have had botox injections for overactive bladder twice in my life after many years of taking medications that did not work. It truly gave me my life back. I am in the process of looking for a urologist that will again do the injections. The urologist that I previously used moved away. In my experience, the injections last around 18 months. I would do these the rest of my life if I have to. It is better than taking medication that doesn't work or not having any type of life. It is degrading to tell your 7 year old son you can't take him swimming. I get teary-eyed just thinking about it. Insurance really needs to pay for this treatment. They pay for the use of botox for migraines why not overactive bladder which is an everyday occurrence?
November 28, 2010 - 6:02pmThis Comment
hi there i have ms and i need to use cathter but i have trouble doing it because i have a lot of bladder spasms can u please tell me if any 1 knows if botox will help manythanks
July 24, 2010 - 5:24pmThis Comment
Anon- Research has found that Botox can be helpful for bladder spasms in patients with MS. You can find more information here: http://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/multiple-sclerosis-treating-botulinum-toxin
The MS Society provides information about spasicity at this link: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/what-we-know-about-ms/symptoms/spasticity/index.aspx
Hope this helps! Pat
July 26, 2010 - 6:37pmThis Comment
Anon - Thanks for the feedback, and it's great to know that you've found relief and a "normal" life. I'm sure it was difficult for you to have to plan your life around the availability of restroom facilities. I hope that your success continues and you have fun along with your new "freedom."
June 8, 2010 - 5:11pmTake care, Pat
This Comment
I had Botox injections for urinary incontinence 3 months ago. After 5 or 6 days the number of times I had to urinate decreased from approximately 15 times per day to 5. I no longer wake up at night and I feel "normal" after a lifetime of accidents, frequency and embarrassment. I cannot believe what a change these injections provided for me. Sadly, I understand that the injections will wear off and that I will have to undergo the procedure again. A small price for freedom.
June 8, 2010 - 2:27pmThis Comment
FB - Thanks so much for writing to us and sharing this information about the use of Botox for urinary incontinence. I'm glad to know your friend has done well, and I hope you will let us know of your results and progress over time, especially in terms of how long the effects last. We certainly hope your results are as successful as those of your friend.
February 2, 2010 - 5:54pmTake care,
Pat
This Comment
Urologists are conducting studies on the use of botox. It's a blind study so some patients will get a placebo and some will get the botox. I had the procedure done yesterday. I didn't find it painful. A good friend had hers done weeks ago and she says it's a miracle. I can't say that yet because it hasn't been long enough to really tell. These studies are being done in order to eventually get medical insurance to cover the Botox costs. Treatmants last about 6 months. I'm very excited about this. FB
January 29, 2010 - 11:34amThis Comment