January 2009
Studies have shown that 1 in 5 people can suffer from symptoms of overactive bladder (also known as weak bladder); this figure rises with increasing age. Men and women that suffer with this embarrassing condition suffer from symptoms of urinary frequency, urinary urgency (the sudden desire to rush to the toilet) and urgency incontinence (sudden desire to pass urine with urinary leakage).
After simple measures have failed, one new form of treatment is to inject botulinum toxin directly into the bladder. Similar to the toxin that is injected into the face to reduce wrinkles (Botox®), botulinum toxin binds to and blocks the agents that cause bladder contraction. The procedure can be done under a local anaesthetic and has produced good results, with patients benefiting immediately after the procedure. The toxin can also be used in sufferers with neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis who suffer from severe bladder spasm.
For more information on this treatment or to make an appointment with a urologists at Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital, please call 01223 266929.