In 2013, the FDA approved Botox for treating overactive bladder. Since then, millions of Americans have used Botox to reduce their symptoms and manage this condition. Here’s everything you need to know about Botox for overactive bladder. 
## What is Overactive Bladder?
An Overactive Bladder (OAB) can cause a sudden need to urinate. In some cases, it can even cause incontinence or involuntary urination. According to the Urology Care Foundation, OAB affects up to 30% of men and 40% of women in the US. Overactive bladder is an unpredictable condition, so it’s difficult to manage. Some adults with OAB may reduce their social activities and stay closer to home. This can lead to social isolation and distress.
## The Symptoms of Overactive Bladder
OAB is underdiagnosed because the symptoms of an overactive bladder can change over time, and they’re often different for each person. This is also a sensitive issue to talk about, and some people may not bring it up with their doctor.

These are the main symptoms of overactive bladder:
Using the bathroom at least 8 to 10 times every 24 hours.
Getting up to urinate at least twice every night.
Feeling an uncontrollable or very sudden need to urinate.
Frequently experiencing incontinence. 
## Treating Overactive Bladder
Your doctor may try several treatment options to help you manage your OAB. Changes in diet and lifestyle can sometimes calm your bladder. Other treatments aim to calm and relax the nerves and muscles of your bladder. Your doctor may prescribe a medication, a cream, or a patch to try to relax these overactive muscles.
## Botox for Overactive Bladder
You may think of Botox as a wrinkle treatment, but it can do a lot more than that. Botox works by temporarily paralyzing or weakening targeted muscles. If these muscles are in your face, the relaxed muscles will stop creasing the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

Botox is a new treatment option for overactive bladder, and it’s very effective. Botox injected into the muscles of the bladder can weaken these overactive muscles, giving you symptom relief. These muscles stop contracting so frequently on unexpectedly. Instead, they’ll only contract when your bladder is full, and you need to urinate. 

Botox for OAB can calm the muscles and nerves in your bladder. The risk of side effects is low, and the effect will usually last between 6 to 8 months.
## Getting Botox Injections for OAB
Botox needs to be injected into the targeted muscles. For example, if you get Botox for forehead lines, you’ll receive several injections in your forehead to target these muscles.
 
Botox for OAB is injected into your bladder muscles. Your doctor will inject Botox into your bladder muscles along with a local anesthetic to numb the area. After treatment, you may need to stay at the office for observation for a few minutes. You may notice a few side effects at first, but most people who get Botox for overactive bladder symptoms can go back to their normal routine right after treatment.

You will start to notice a change in symptoms within the first 2 weeks after the injection and the results may last for up to 8 months.

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Botox For Your Bladder: Treating Incontinence | Persimmon

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