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Injections for an overactive bladder
Minimally invasive treatment for incontinence and urgency. Injections of muscle relaxant into the bladder can help to alleviate the symptoms of overactive bladder syndrome.
About managing an overactive bladder
Overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome is characterised by the frequent, sudden and uncontrollable urge to urinate.
This urgency is caused by the muscles of your bladder wall suddenly contracting. Injections of muscle relaxant work by relaxing these muscles to relieve the symptoms of OAB.
Need to know
Injections for OAB can be done using anaesthetic gel (to block pain in the area) or under general anaesthetic. Your consultant will recommend the best option for you.
A thin flexible telescope (cystoscope) will gently be inserted through your urethra and into your bladder. Your consultant will pump water through the cystoscope to expand your bladder before using a small needle to deliver up to 20 injections in your bladder wall.
Once the cystoscope is removed, you'll be able to empty your bladder. The entire procedure only takes around 10 minutes.
A thin flexible telescope (cystoscope) will gently be inserted through your urethra and into your bladder. Your consultant will pump water through the cystoscope to expand your bladder before using a small needle to deliver up to 20 injections in your bladder wall.
Once the cystoscope is removed, you'll be able to empty your bladder. The entire procedure only takes around 10 minutes.
Your consultant will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. They'll let you know if there is anything specific you'll need to do to prepare, including avoiding certain medications.
If you'll be having general anaesthetic, they'll also let you know long to avoid eating and drinking beforehand. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.
If you'll be having general anaesthetic, they'll also let you know long to avoid eating and drinking beforehand. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.
You should be able to go home shortly after your appointment, once you've emptied your bladder.
Some people have difficulty fully emptying their bladder after having these injections, but this is usually a temporary problem.
Your consultant will let you know what to expect and when you can get back to your normal routine, including work.
The effects of these injections usually last between nine to 12 months. Your consultant will let you know when you should return for a follow-up appointment to have the procedure repeated.
Your consultant will let you know what to expect and when you can get back to your normal routine, including work.
The effects of these injections usually last between nine to 12 months. Your consultant will let you know when you should return for a follow-up appointment to have the procedure repeated.
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Our Overactive bladder locations
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2TQ Birmingham
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
Patient stories
Hear from past patients about their experience