Botox and Urinary Tract Infection: What Users Say

• Von...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 18, 2019

For Urinary Incontinence "I first received Botox for urinary problems under local anesthetic in my doctor's office in November 2018. It was not horribly uncomfortable. I went to work and was experiencing UTI symptoms. By the afternoon, however, those symptoms diminished, and I felt like I could already see positive results from the Botox. I was pad-free within a week. Results only lasted 3 to 4 months. In June 2019, I had surgery for vaginal and rectal prolapse and a mesh sling put under the neck of my bladder. The hope was that I would not need Botox again. I went back into surgery in October 2019 to administer Botox and remove the mesh sling (it became exposed in my body). This is now 2 weeks later... NO improvement with urge incontinence. I feel I am wetting myself MORE. Two days ago, I started a prescription for UTI. The past 3 nights have been miserable... up to pee 7 to 8 times, and usually wetting myself before I make it to the toilet. I’m so worried and sad about my future."

• RB2...
• March 7, 2017

For Urinary Frequency "I had a Botox treatment to my bladder for OAB on December 21, 2016. My urologist did not counsel me on the side effects or send me home after the treatment with an antibiotic as directed in the Botox pamphlet. Since that time, I have had two UTIs and still cannot empty my bladder. It is March 7, and I still have to self-cath every four hours. Like someone else wrote, I'm afraid my bladder will never be the same again, and right now it feels like I'll be self-cathing for months. I wish I had never heard of Botox for my bladder!"

• Lor...
• October 16, 2016

For Urinary Frequency "I had Botox for bladder on the 15th of August 2016, I got urosepsis the first week and was in resus at A&E, an impatient for one week. Now, nine weeks later, it's a complete nightmare. My bladder holds over 200mls, still in retention, constant UTIs. I couldn't get used to self-catheterization because I was using it every hour and kept piercing my bladder. Now, I'm on an indwelling catheter with constant UTIs, a total nightmare and instant pain wearing the catheter. I am worried I will ever have a normal bladder again and live a normal life. I'm worried that using an indwelling catheter will weaken my muscles even further. I'm sick of taking antibiotics, lost weight through stress, and worry. I suggest that whoever considers this treatment should look at all the risks first and do thorough research."

• Yvo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 30, 2021

For Urinary Incontinence "I’ve had MS for 27 years. Tried everything, nothing helped. My doctor said I needed to seriously consider Botox. I read all reviews on this site and was convinced it was a no. Doc convinced me otherwise. BIG MISTAKE. 3 UTIs in 1 month. Getting up 3x/night, every 2-3 hours. Procedure was painful. I’m now at wit's end as nothing helps my neurogenic bladder."

• Kic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 23, 2016

For Urinary Frequency "I had Botox for overactive bladder six weeks ago, and it's been nothing more than a nightmare for me. My main issues were frequency and bladder spasms, and the Botox has only worsened these issues. I initially experienced a great deal of bleeding with large clots for 12 hours, which I was unaware could occur - only slight spotting had been mentioned. Within a week, I could no longer urinate, and a Foley catheter was inserted. Six weeks on, my bladder remains seized, and despite a number of attempts to remove the catheter, my bladder hasn't improved. I have had two UTIs and been admitted to the emergency department for severe bladder trauma, urine retention, and UTI. I have suffered extreme anxiety as a result of all of this. It's not for everyone!"

• Jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 17, 2016

For Urinary Frequency "I had the procedure done just a few days ago, and it has been wonderful. I've had a few minor side effects, like a UTI and some burning, but other than that, I'm doing well. I know it takes a few weeks to kick in, so I will update accordingly. If I have to complain about anything, it's that my insurance requires that this is done in the surgery center, so I lose a day of work. I planned for this, so it was fine. I went to the mall last night and realized that I had been there for hours and didn't need to run to the bathroom every 10 minutes. I have to go for a check-up in 2 weeks. I am urinating on my own, so that's good. I think this was a good decision. Again, I will update next week with any side effects."

• Gal...
• July 3, 2016

For Urinary Frequency "One week after Botox treatment, I was and still am miserable. I have had UTIs and urinary retention. Following a trip to the ER, I was fitted with a catheter, which was pretty uncomfortable. Next came self-catheterization, which has been nearly impossible, due to my bulging bladder. I would rather wear Depends than go through this ongoing nightmare. I resent the fact that my doctor only mentioned retention casually and did not explain the consequences."

• lld...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 6, 2023

For Urinary Incontinence "Had Botox injected in my bladder over 2 months ago and am still catheterizing myself 5 times a day! I have had 2 UTIs! The spasms pains are the worst pain ever! I can barely even walk! Why don't the doctors warn you of this? If you are considering this, don't do it!"

• owl...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 27, 2016

For Urinary Frequency "I have had Botox injections often over the past three years. For me, they last about six months. My doctor performs the injections under general anesthesia, so I don't feel a thing except for the IV, that is the worst part for me. I have only gotten one UTI from the injections. I have multiple sclerosis, the doctor I have is knowledgeable about MS. We tried four different meds, which didn't work. I have good luck with the injections, so I plan on sticking with them."

• Fin...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 10, 2016

For Urinary Frequency "I just had another round of Botox injections three days ago. While I did get a UTI from the procedure and it was a bit difficult to void the first two days, I am 100% now. I even went to work the following day. I also had this procedure in March of 2015. That one didn't go so well in the beginning, but I think it was because I was in an interstitial cystitis flare. If you have it, I feel your pain. After my flare calmed down, I noticed the Botox actually worked really well. This time I made sure I was not in a flare before Botox, and all is good. This is a last line of treatment for me, and at just 31 years old, I'm so glad I have found it. It is not a lifelong fix, it will most likely require treatment every three months to a year. Everyone is different."

• Mis...
• September 17, 2015

For Urinary Frequency "Worst decision I ever made. I am far worse now with frequency, always feeling like I need to urinate, UTIs, and pain. Can't sleep at night with going to the bathroom 8 or more times, and lack of sleep triggered my depression."

• Tir...
• November 1, 2016

For Urinary Frequency "My husband had prostate surgery (TURP) for an enlarged prostate in January (11 months ago). Ever since, he has had annoying leakage. The doctor mentioned two options - Botox or an implanted device. He said Botox had a '99% success rate,' so my husband opted for that. Ever since, a nightmare. At first, he simply could not pee at all. He had an indwelling catheter for a while, and since has had to do self-catheterization four times a day (still cannot pee a drop). The Botox must have relaxed the bladder too much? Plus, there was a LOT of old blood in his bladder, presumably from the Botox injections. The doctor said it was not possible to be from the catheters. And he has a UTI. The slight leakage seems like NOTHING next to this nightmare."

• Cat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 23, 2018

For Urinary Frequency "I had the Botox on 11/30, and on 12/10, I had to go to the doctor because my bladder felt so full, and I could not urinate enough. They gave me catheters to cath myself, which was hard for me to do, I always got at least 500 mL. I got 650 mL back, called the doctor, and was told to go to the ER and get a Foley catheter. I went back to the doctor on 12/19 and had the Foley removed. The next morning, I had to cath myself again, I could only urinate a little. I went back to the doctor, after urinating, they had a 650 mL urine return, and they put another Foley catheter in. I am in so much pain today I could just cry. I have had 2 UTIs since the procedure and am just miserable."

• Lit...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 17, 2017

For Urinary Frequency "I had 200 mg (a large dose) of Botox injected into my bladder in August 2017. I got an infection within days of having the procedure. I went straight into retention. It has now been about 12 weeks since the procedure. I am still having to use a catheter and I am never free from infection. I have spent nearly three weeks in the hospital due to complications with a UTI, resulting in kidney damage. I am on a very rare antibiotic that my own GP and local chemist had not heard of. I truly hope that this antibiotic does the trick, as I don't think that I am going to be able to cope with the outcome of the Botox injections for much longer. I wasn't given an antibiotic after the procedure, the outcome may have been different if I had."

• Gec...
• July 26, 2017

For Urinary Frequency "I too had the sling surgery. It took care of the laughing, coughing, etc. accidents. I had difficulty emptying my bladder. I couldn't sit to urinate, I had to squat like a linebacker. I had to go pee every 30 minutes. And when I had to go, I went from no urge to running and barely getting my pants down. My urologist said that I could a. have the injection, b. have my bladder snipped to 'undo' the surgery, or c. go to a doctor in Pittsburgh (close to me) and have a pacemaker-type device put in. I got the injection a little over a week ago. The first day I was really crampy. Now, I can't fully empty, and it's getting worse every day. I thought it was a UTI, but now I have to self-cath. I also go (trickle) every 15 minutes. Grrr! Hope this helps!"

• lrz...
• August 31, 2017

For Urinary Frequency "Let's just say LIFE CHANGING!! Goodbye pads - hello active lifestyle! I've had this procedure twice and am excited to be going for the third time tomorrow! I have a great doctor who has been with me every step of the way since I asked him about it in 2015. It sounds like I'm one of the lucky ones - besides pain/cramping during urination that first day (which Ibuprofen helps!), and a couple of UTIs shortly after each procedure, I've suffered no ill effects but have experienced a dramatic improvement in all issues I've had with painful urges, frequency, and leakage. Mine lasted a full year each time before I noticed any degradation, and it was almost 18 months before I was 100% back to the old symptoms."

• buz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 12, 2016

For Urinary Frequency "I had Botox March 21st, 2016. When I haven't got a UTI, it works a treat, since having it done, I have had a UTI just about every other week. It's sad because it does make a massive difference. Awaiting water test results, just getting over another UTI as I write. I have become immune to certain antibiotics. Not sure if I'm gonna have it again."

• Jms...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 11, 2017

For Urinary Frequency "I was very unsure about going ahead with this treatment, but nothing else had worked and I have had OAB all my life. From the start of all the OAB treatments that failed and inconclusive results to my first 150 ml injection was around 18 months. The end of line treatment was Botox or acupuncture, so I opted for Botox. Well, it was definitely worth the wait, and the procedure was very straightforward. Fully prepared with my chosen catheters ready to be used, I was pleasantly surprised to find I hardly used them. No UTIs, just a life-changing feeling of no urgency. I've read some horror stories on here, maybe I'm lucky. Not getting up in the night anymore, no urgency, catheter-free, it's the only treatment that's worked for me!"

• Elk...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 25, 2021

For Urinary Frequency "Never again! I've had Botox injections 3 months ago for my overactive bladder. PTNS and medication didn't work. Before Botox, I had to pee every hour, after Botox, even more. My bladder feels painful and full all the time. The injections were a bit painful, and I got antibiotics before, but after 2 weeks, I had a UTI. Can't empty my bladder without pushing really hard, so I have to cath myself 3 times a day. Still, my bladder feels full all the time. So sick of this."

• Kaz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 6, 2018

For Urinary Frequency "Got Botox on my bladder 4 weeks ago after years of overactive bladder. Since then, I've had 4 UTIs and now have to use a catheter as I was retaining urine, that's the downside. On the positive, I've had no embarrassing accidents and certainly don't run to the loo like I used to. Nurse says it's early days, so time will tell, would I get it again? Undecided on that one at the moment."

• Anonymous
• September 19, 2021

For Urinary Incontinence "Never again. I had Botox for the first time under sedation, it worked great for a month, but it did not last. Had double the dose the second time, no sedation. Omg, it hurt. It has been over three weeks, I ended up with a nasty UTI, and I am still having an overactive bladder, running to the bathroom all the time. So Botox was a big waste of time, also switching doctors!"

• KAT...
• July 26, 2021

For Overactive Bladder "After my second injection of Botox, I was worse off. Didn't get a third injection. Why did this happen? Seems I can't get an answer. Was the injection in the correct area for the Botox? No meds seem to help. I would always have urinary tract infections constantly for about three years. Always taking Flomax. What is my next best alternative? Can't go out and enjoy the day or evening. Housebound."

• Lyn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 14, 2019

For Overactive Bladder "I had the Botox injections for overactive bladder about 3 months ago for incontinence. I am 47 and was constantly leaking. Having tried all other methods, I was offered Botox. I was a bit dubious at first, but I have a really good incontinence nurse and urologist. Everything was clearly explained, and I had to show I could self-catheterize before they would do the procedure. The procedure was a little uncomfortable and stung once or twice, other than that, it was fine, and I watched on the screen. The procedure worked for me, I can sneeze and cough without peeing myself. I have had one UTI since I had it done, but it cleared with antibiotics. I do still occasionally leak, but that is if my bladder is full and I put pressure on my bladder. I was lucky, I didn't need to self-catheterize. I'm glad I had it done. I'm sorry for the people for whom it didn't work."