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BOTOX® For Overactive Bladder

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What Is Botox®?

Botox® isn’t just for wrinkles—it’s also a proven treatment for overactive bladder (OAB). If you’ve been struggling with leaking, strong sudden urges to go, or going too often—even after trying pills—Botox® for urinary incontinence may help.

Botox® is a prescription medicine injected into the bladder muscle. It helps calm the nerves that cause OAB symptoms so your bladder doesn’t squeeze when it shouldn’t.

How Does Botox® For Overactive Bladder work?

With OAB, nerves tell your bladder to contract—even when it’s not full. That’s what causes sudden urges and leaks.

Botox® works by blocking these extra signals from the nerves to the bladder muscle. When the signals stop, your bladder relaxes—and you get fewer leaks and bathroom trips.

In clinical trials:

  • People had an average of 3 fewer leaks per day with Botox® (vs. just 1 fewer with a placebo).
  • About 1 in 4 people had their leakage stop completely.
  • Most people needed just 2 treatments a year.

Is Botox® Right For Me?

Botox® might be a good option if:

  • You’re looking for a way to significantly reduce daily leakage episodes.
  • You’ve tried OAB pills, but they didn’t work or had bad side effects.
  • You’re tired of planning your life around the nearest bathroom.
  • You want a treatment that works for up to 6 months at a time.

     

The decision to use BOTOX® should be one that you and your doctor decide on together. Talk with your doctor if you’re unsure. Together, you can determine if BOTOX is an option for you.

Download a doctor discussion guide to help you navigate the conversation about Botox. 

Kristie's Story: My Search For An Effective OAB Treatment

What To Expect At Your Appointment

Botox® is given in the comfort and convenience of your doctor’s office and takes about an hour from start to finish. Here’s what happens:

Before the visit:

  • Your doctor will prepare for your appointment by completing any necessary paperwork and ensuring all the details are handled for a seamless treatment experience. 
  • You’ll be prescribed antibiotics to help prevent a urinary tract infection. These should be taken before, on, and after the day of treatment. 

During the visit:

  • Your bladder will be numbed with a local anesthetic. This process takes roughly 20 minutes.
  • The doctor will place the Botox® in the bladder muscle. The procedure takes about 10 minutes.
  • You’ll stay for about 30 minutes after the injection to make sure you’re doing well.
  • You’ll schedule your re-treatment for 6 prior to leaving your doctors office. 

After the visit:

  • You might feel a little burning when you pee for the first day or two.
  • Results can start in as little as 2 weeks.
  • The treatment can last up to 6 months, and then you can come back for a retreatment.

Free Tools To Help You Get Started!

Click the images below to download 2 free tools to help you get started with treatment! 

Our Botox Treatment Tips Sheet will help you understand how to best prepare for your appointment, what to expect, and how to stick with treatment.

The 6-Month Treatment Tracker will track your symptoms over time and help you stay on track with your treatment plan!

An informational tip sheet about botox for overactive bladder, featuring preparation steps, what to expect during the procedure, and the National Association for Continence logo in the top right corner.
Botox Treatment Tips
A symptom tracker chart for Botox® 6-Month treatment by the National Association for Continence, with space to rate urinary symptoms from botox for overactive bladder and reminders for consistent tracking and questions to ask a doctor.
Botox 6-Month Symptom Tracker

Kristie's Story: My Botox Procedure Experience

Why It's Important To Stay On Treatment

OAB is a long-term condition. Just like with other health conditions, staying on a regular treatment schedule helps you feel your best.

Talk to your doctor about setting up reminders and make sure to book your next appointment before you leave the office. 

Kristie's Story: Why I Come Back Regularly For Re-treatment

botox treatment timeline.
*In clinical trials, 3 months after treatment, people treated with BOTOX® had an average of ~3 fewer leakage episodes per day compared to 1 fewer leakage episode per day with placebo. In clinical studies, results were measured at 2,6, and 12 weeks, with 12 weeks being the primary time point.  † If OAB symptoms return before 6 months, talk to your doctor. A minimum of 12 weeks is needed between treatments.

How Can I Save Money On Botox Treatments?

Most people with insurance, including Medicare, have coverage for Botox® for OAB. And if you have commercial insurance, you may be eligible for the BOTOX® Savings Program.

You could pay as little as $0 out of pocket.*

Check your eligibility and apply here

Kristie's Story: How To Save Money On BOTOX for OAB

Want To Find A Specialist?

If you’re ready to explore Botox® for urinary incontinence, use this tool to find a provider near you.

Still Have Questions?

Talk with your doctor or visit https://www.botoxoveractivebladder.com/botox-for-oab to learn more.

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