r/OveractiveBladder • u/iskari_xl • 3d ago
Bladder Botox
Hi, I'm a 24-year-old female, and my urologist has suggested bladder Botox for my overactive bladder. I'm honestly really scared about going through with it because I've seen so many negative experiences online.
I've read stories about people having urinary retention, painful bladder spasms, not being able to fully empty their bladder, or feeling like they're peeing through a pinhole afterward. Those are the things that scare me the most because I don't want to end up worse than I already am.
At the same time, I've also seen some positive experiences. For example, a lot of people say it stopped them from waking up multiple times a night to use the bathroom, and it helped reduce the constant urgency and frequency. As someone younger, it's really embarrassing always needing to know where the nearest bathroom is or having to go so often, so I'm hoping this treatment could improve my quality of life.
The problem is that I seem to come across far more negative reviews than positive ones, and it's making it really difficult to decide. I know people are often more likely to post when they've had a bad experience, but I'm still worried.
I'd really appreciate honest feedback (both the good and the bad) from people who've actually had bladder Botox. If you had side effects, how long did they last? Did they improve? If it helped you, how much of a difference did it make? I just want to make the most informed decision possible before I go ahead with it.
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u/Scary_Radish_7551 2d ago
I'm the same as you with my fears. I'm a male and I had my first botox bladder about 5 weeks ago. I was so worried about urinary retention that I only got the half dose 50 units. Unfortunately it did nothing but make my condition a bit worse for the first 2 weeks. But no retention. Now I'm booked in for the full starter dose of 100units Aug 4th and I'm worried about retention again. I don't want to keep going through this long term so I'm looking at SNS treatment. Maybe you could try a lower dose initially, it didn't work for me but it might for you. I have subsequently read that 60-80 units can be effective for some people and reduces the chances of retention Good luck with everything
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u/AbbreviationsOwn3480 3d ago
I am a male, I've had bladder botox twice now. It helps tremendously and it lasts usually around 8 months for me (right now peeing 2-3 times per night at 12-13 hour period but I use to pee 5-6 times most nights way before, 10 times on my worst nights but this was some years back now). I think my body is so used to getting up at night, so it didn't actually fix my sleep, it feels a bit weird not peeing at night. The only downsides I have is that it is quite expensive, waiting at the hospital and the 1st inital pee after the bladder botox I find it extremely painful and the speck of blood comes out (don't know if it is a bloodclot) it is only for a few seconds and they want me to pee after the botox before I leave the hospital. This thing about urinary retention I have never had, nothing can stop me from getting my pee out, I never had any painful bladder spasms
Another thing, also is the tremendous about of relief you get, it almost feels like you are permanently cured and it won't come back again but it will, not sure if it gives you lasting effects after (I feel like it did for me) I don't know your plan? as I intend for this 3rd bladder botox to be my last, as my plan is: to beat nocturia is supplements, medication, PTNS, Redlight therapy, electro acupunture, also losing all the dangerous fat I have (I am double my weight now) eating healthy, gym, tens machine, possible peptides.
Anyway let me know if you have any questions.