Bladder Treatment
Bladder treatment is a therapeutic method used for managing overactive bladder and certain types of urinary incontinence caused by neurogenic factors. This method can be considered for patients who do not benefit sufficiently from medication.

As a common problem affecting both men and women, this condition significantly impacts quality of life, which is why treatment options are widely applied.

Overactive bladder may occur in individuals who have:

• Bladder stones

• Bladder tumors

• Bladder prolapse

• Multiple sclerosis

• Parkinson’s disease

• Various nervous system disorders and stroke

• Prostate enlargement

Bladder treatment is a method aimed at reducing the constant urge to urinate. However, a detailed evaluation is essential at this point, and it must be confirmed that the problem is indeed due to an overactive bladder. Once the diagnosis is made, the treatment is applied to improve the patient's comfort by reducing the frequency of urination.

Widely used in the cosmetic industry for many years, this treatment has now become common in the fields of urology and neurology as well. Bladder treatment is one of the applications preferred by urology specialists.

By applying it to the bladder muscles, the involuntary and constant contraction of the bladder is prevented, and this method often yields successful results.

After the treatment, a significant portion of urinary incontinence issues is resolved. The treatment begins to show its full effects within 4 to 12 days and lasts for 6 to 12 months. If effective, the procedure can be repeated, as it is known to have no significant side effects.

What Is Bladder Treatment?
Frequent urination, nocturia (nighttime urination), urge incontinence, and other similar symptoms that negatively affect quality of life may indicate overactive bladder disease, which affects approximately one in three women between the ages of 30 and 60.

The treatment resembles a toxin applied to humans. It causes temporary paralysis in the muscle group associated with the nerve where it is administered. In patients with sphincter dysfunction at the bladder outlet, the treatment is applied directly to the region.

Systemic side effects are minimal. However, the effects may vary from person to person due to genetic differences. Therefore, accurate diagnosis and careful evaluation are crucial.

How Is Bladder Treatment Performed?
Treatment Details

• Operation: Bladder Treatment

• Procedure: Insertion of a camera through the urethra to access the bladder, followed by injection into the bladder muscle

• Duration: 30 minutes

• Hospital Stay: Discharge the same day or within 1 day

• Anesthesia: Local or spinal

• Recovery Time: 1 day

• Return to Work (or School): 1–2 days

• Scarring: None

• Pain Duration: 1 day

Under normal circumstances, the bladder muscle remains relaxed, allowing urine to accumulate in the bladder. Once the pressure and volume reach a certain threshold, the bladder contracts to facilitate urination.

In patients with overactive bladder, excessive contractions of the bladder muscle may occur. When the treatment is injected into the bladder muscle, it prevents these constant contractions, thereby reducing urination frequency. The substance used resembles a toxin applied to humans.

It induces temporary paralysis in the muscle group associated with the targeted nerve. In cases of sphincter dysfunction at the bladder outlet, the treatment is directly administered to the area. Managing this condition is crucial for improving patients’ quality of life.

How Long Does Bladder Treatment Last?
Bladder injections using botulinum toxin typically last between 15 and 20 minutes. The procedure is performed at a medical facility or clinic. Local anesthesia may be used to reduce discomfort. The effects usually begin to appear within 2–3 days after administration.

Once the medication takes effect, it temporarily paralyzes the detrusor muscle of the bladder. Since this muscle controls bladder contractions, its temporary paralysis can reduce or eliminate uncontrollable spasms and contractions. However, the results may vary depending on the individual case, the affected muscle, and the duration of the effect.

Things You Should Know About Bladder Treatment

• There are various types of urinary incontinence, with the most common being mixed incontinence. Urge incontinence can affect both men and women of all ages, though it is more common in women.

• Bladder issues manifest as symptoms such as urinary incontinence. Treatments are applied to resolve such problems, which negatively impact daily life. One of the treatments for urge incontinence is bladder injection.

• Overactive bladder (OAB) can affect quality of life and presents with symptoms such as frequent urination and sudden urges, with or without incontinence.

• For OAB treatment, the only approved form of botulinum toxin is OnabotulinumtoxinA (onabotA; BOTOX®); other forms like abobotulinumtoxinA and incobotulinumtoxinA are not licensed for OAB treatment.

• Currently, bladder injection is only licensed for overactive bladder and underactive bladder disorders. Recently, it has been studied and applied in some clinics for mild to moderate erectile dysfunction. However, intraprostatic injection is not currently recommended due to lack of proven benefit.

• After administration, the effects typically last 3 to 6 months. Initial results are usually observed within 1–2 weeks.

• The treatment involves injecting the medication with a fine needle into various areas of the bladder muscle. The procedure takes about 15 minutes on average.

• Post-procedure side effects may include urinary retention or urinary tract infections, but these are usually treatable.

• Bladder injections are not permanent. Once the effect of the drug wears off, symptoms may return. Patients should consult their physicians for permanent treatment options.

• In İzmir, bladder injections offer temporary relief by blocking the release of acetylcholine from nerve endings. This helps prevent frequent urination and incontinence for a certain period.

How Much Does Bladder Treatment Cost in İzmir?
The cost of bladder injections in İzmir varies depending on the hospital, clinic, and the expertise of the doctor performing the procedure.

To learn more about bladder injection prices in İzmir, you can contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Purpose of Bladder Treatment?
A: When lifestyle changes or medications are not sufficient in managing overactive bladder syndrome, surgical interventions may be considered. One of the most commonly applied surgical methods is bladder injection. This procedure involves injecting botulinum toxin into the bladder wall to reduce nerve activity that causes overactive bladder. The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes.

Q: Who Can Receive Bladder Treatment?
A: Urinary incontinence affects around 17% of women and 3–11% of men, making it a common issue that negatively affects quality of life. Common symptoms of bladder disorders include frequent urination, sudden urgency, nocturia, and sleep disturbances due to the need to urinate. Bladder treatment is used in such cases.

Q: How is Bladder Injection Performed?
A: Bladder injection is a frequently preferred treatment method and is not difficult to perform. It is done by inserting an endoscope (cystoscopy) into the bladder under mild anesthesia. The medication is then injected into appropriate sites in appropriate doses using special needles. The procedure is quite short.