Botox has been used for years as a wrinkle reducer, and has also recently been hailed as a breakthrough for treating migraine headaches. More importantly, and of interest to those who may be suffering from urge incontinence, Botox has been shown to be effectve in reducing or eliminating symptoms in urge incontinence.
How does it work? Urge incontinence is the product of an overactive bladder, and people who suffer from urge incontinence feel an urgent need to urinate as the result of bladder spasms. They also feel the need to urinate frequently due to these unpleasant bladder spasms. Conventional treatment consists of bladder retraining, medications and sometimes surgery.
Botox has been found to be effective in treating urge incontinence when it is injected into the bladder muscle that is responsible for the bladder spasms, thus reducing urgency and frequency. The downside of Botox is that it is not a permanent cure- Botox wears off in a matter of months, necessitating further treatment. However, in studies people who have been treated with Botox report a reduction in symptoms and, in some cases, a complete absence of symptoms following Botox injections. Botox has not been approved for this purpose, but trials are taking place. If this treatment interests you, you may want to consider if there are any trials taking place near you. To read more about this exciting new breakthrough, click here.
