The benefits of Botox® extend far beyond its wrinkle-reducing reputation. The skin-smoothing agent eases symptoms in patients with urinary incontinence (UI) and overactive bladder (OAB). If you’re one of the millions of women in the United States living with the sudden and uncontrollable urge to urinate, Botox can give you back your freedom. Find out how Botox can help you gain back control.

Here at Bela Vida Urogynecology, our Urogynecologist Dr. Bela Kudish diagnoses and treats a wide variety of pelvic floor conditions. We routinely help patients manage bladder issues, such as UI and OAB. We want patients to know about the options available to effectively manage symptoms and restore their quality of life.

Urinary Incontinence and Overactive Bladder

Overactive bladder causes a sudden urge to urinate. For some women, this can lead to the involuntary loss of urine. Women with UI may feel embarrassed and limit their activities. They may also develop anxiety around the frequent and urgent need to go to the bathroom.

While the risk of UI increases with age, it’s important for women to avoid casting UI off as a normal part of aging. UI is not a normal part of aging and can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life, affecting her physical and psychological health.

Botox eases urinary incontinence

Botox is a purified form of botulinum toxin A, made from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It’s commonly used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles but its muscle-relaxing effects benefit women with a leaky bladder.

In women with UI, the bladder contracts too often and spasms suddenly, causing the urgent need to release urine. Weak or damaged pelvic floor muscles contribute to the leakage of urine in women with the condition.

How Botox relieves urinary incontinence

Botox blocks substances necessary for nerves to send signals to muscles. This prevents certain muscles from contracting. Your urogynecologist strategically inject Botox into nerves that communicate with the bladder, preventing bladder spasms. The doctor uses a small telescope to look inside the bladder to ensure the precision of the injections into the bladder wall.

Botox offers fast results

Botox starts to work over the course of the first two weeks following treatment. Most patients begin to notice a decrease in the frequency of the urge to urinate.

What’s more, Botox has a prolonged influence on the bladder. This means treatment for UI and OAB lasts longer than when injected into other areas. Results may vary, however, most patients experience an average of eight months of relief from their symptoms. Repeat treatments are recommended to provide optimal results.

Botox is highly effective in treating UI

We’re happy to inform patients that Botox has been found to be more effective than traditional medications used to treat urinary incontinence. Up to 80% of patients report significant improvement or complete resolution of their symptoms within two to four weeks of treatment.

Botox is ideal for women who have not had success controlling their symptoms with standard treatment. The procedure is done on an outpatient basis, requiring no hospital stay, and takes about 20 minutes.

If you’re struggling with the symptoms of urinary incontinence, effective treatment is within your reach. To learn more and get started, call 407-982-4852 to schedule an appointment at our Ocoee office.