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Has anyone had success with botox for their bladder?

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
London, ON
July 30
 · 
Reactions
A MyMSTeam Member

Just read your reply Heather, thanks so much. I think I'll give it a try. My appt was just booked, 28 Aug. is the day. Fingers crossed this helps!

August 2
A MyMSTeam Member

Oh yes! Before I had the Botox I leaked. Badly and often. I wore a nappy thingee so I could go out and about. And I often changed, as I was constantly aware that I didn't want to smell!! My doctor said there was no help, I had MS, so .....
I asked for a second opinion, and another doctor at same surgery agreed.
So I asked for a referral to the Urology dept at the local Hospital. After much grumbling and saying they would just agree with him, I was referred.
At Urology Botox was offered straight away. Bladder spasms causing the leakage stopped completely within 2-3 days. No More Nappy Thingees!!! (I watched the inside of my bladder and the injections on the TV monitor - was fascinating).
It lasts about 6-8 months, I've had it done 4 times now.
much love, encouragement, and a figurative hug xxx 🙏🏼 🌈 🤗

August 1
A MyMSTeam Member

I haven’t tried it , sorry

July 30
MyMSTeam

Bladder Botox has shown real promise for people with MS, and many have found it genuinely life-changing. It works by relaxing the bladder muscles, reducing urgency, leakage, and frequency of urination.

One study of 144 people with MS found that Botox significantly reduced bladder dysfunction, with more than half Show Full Answer

Bladder Botox has shown real promise for people with MS, and many have found it genuinely life-changing. It works by relaxing the bladder muscles, reducing urgency, leakage, and frequency of urination.

One study of 144 people with MS found that Botox significantly reduced bladder dysfunction, with more than half experiencing a 100% reduction in urinary incontinence after just six weeks.

A MyMSTeam member shared, "Botox has been a life changer for me — no more leaks or wet seats." Another said, "A few years ago, I started getting my bladder Botoxed, and it really changed my life." Here's what to know about the procedure and its practicalities:

- It's done via a procedure called a cystoscopy, where a tiny camera and needle are inserted through the urethra
- Usually performed under local anesthesia
- Effects can last up to a year, with repeat treatments needed every 3–4 months
- It's a temporary treatment and does not slow MS progression

Possible side effects to be aware of include:

- Pain or discomfort after the procedure
- Bloody urine
- Infection
- Difficulty urinating on your own, which may require self-catheterization

The self-catheterization side effect sounds daunting, but many people find it empowering once they get the hang of it — and it's often a worthwhile trade-off for regaining bladder control.

It's always best to discuss this option with a neurologist or urologist to see if it's the right fit for your situation.

July 30

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