In response to the COVID-19 health issue, we are offering telehealth as well as in-person appointments. Click to learn more.

More Than Skin-deep – BOTOX® Treatment Option Offered at The Urology Group

February 19, 2013

Overactive bladder is a condition that affects an estimated 33 million Americans, including a large percentage of my patients. It’s always great to have another treatment option, particularly one that offers a simple procedure in place of medications or a more invasive surgery.

So, after participating in a clinical trials program we are thrilled here at The Urology Group that BOTOX®, the widely used wrinkle-removing injection, is actually adding overactive bladder to its growing list of medical condition treatments.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially expanded its approval of BOTOX® (onabotulinumtoxin) as a viable treatment option for adults with overactive bladder who cannot use or do not adequately respond to traditional medications. (Until a couple of weeks ago, Botox was only approved for patients with neurological conditions such as spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis.)

Overactive bladder is a condition that affects both men and women. Symptoms include frequency of urination, a feeling of urgency to urinate, accidents or leakage from inability to reach the restroom in time and waking up at least twice a night to use the bathroom.

Normal bladder function involves communication between the nervous system and the muscles that make up the bladder wall. The nerves send signals to the bladder muscles, telling them to contract when the bladder is full. In patients with overactive bladder, those nerve signals occur more suddenly and frequently — even when the bladder is not full. This is where the BOTOX® treatment is most effective.

It’s a relatively simple procedure that requires injecting the drug into the bladder during cystoscopy (a medical procedure that lets a doctor see inside the bladder.) It sometimes requires general anesthesia. BOTOX® works by relaxing the bladder, thus allowing it to store more urine. The effects can last from four to six months.

The upside for patients is the technique may be repeated, with at least 12 weeks between each treatment. As with most treatments, there are possible side effects, including urinary tract infections, painful urination and incomplete emptying of the bladder. However, this new treatment is promising for patients with chronic bladder control issues.

Recent Featured Blog Posts

  1. Vaping – It’s No Smoke and Mirrors When it Comes to Urinary Health Issues

    Your bladder doesn’t like arsenic. So why are at least one in 20 Americans inhaling it regularly? That is the number of Americans now vaping (not smoking cigarettes). And research shows the tiny particles inhaled from vaping pens, or e-cigarettes, contain many of the same harmful chemicals as in tobacco, a leading cause of all…

    Read More
  2. How Pregnancy Affects the Bladder: What New Moms Should Know 

    Babies and bladders have a relationship that expectant mothers typically learn about in their third trimester of pregnancy when running to the restroom becomes the norm. But for most first-time moms, it’s important to know that the effects of that relationship can linger well beyond delivery day. Childbearing is a leading cause of stress incontinence…

    Read More
  3. Joining Vas Madness? 9 Vasectomy Tips-Offs, Ahead of the Games

    More than half a million men undergo a vasectomy annually. In March that number climbs by as much as 50%.

    Read More

Virtual Assistant

Virtual Assistant

How may I assist you today?

I need help with ‘Directions & Hours’
(Please select a location from the list below)
I need help with ‘ Billing Questions’
(Please select an option below)

I need help with ‘Billing Questions’

What number should I call to pay my bill?

If your bill is from The Urology Group, please call (513) 841-7474 to pay your bill.

If your bill is from The Urology Center, please call (513) 841-7475 to pay your bill.

I need help with ‘Making, Rescheduling or Confirming an Appointment’

If you would like us to call you to set up an appointment, please click here to request a call back.

If you would like to call us, please call
513-841-7400
to speak with a representative.
Our hours are:

Monday-Friday: 7:30am – 5:00pm

I need help with ‘Questions About Test Results’

please call us at:

513-841-7400

Our hours are:

Monday-Friday: 7:30am – 5:00pm

I need help with ‘Medication Refills’

please call us at:

513-841-7400

Our hours are:

Monday-Friday: 7:30am – 5:00pm

I need help with ‘Returning a Call from the Office’

please call us at:

513-841-7400

Our hours are:

Monday-Friday: 7:30am – 5:00pm

I need help with ‘A Copy of My Medical Records’

please call us at:

513-841-7400

Our hours are:

Monday-Friday: 7:30am – 5:00pm