For Patients · University Urology, PC
Bladder Botox Injection — Preparation & Recovery
What to expect before and after your Botox bladder injection for overactive bladder or urinary incontinence.
Before Your Procedure
How to Prepare
Take your prescribed antibiotic
An antibiotic will be prescribed before your injection. Take it as directed, typically the morning of the procedure.
Arrive with a comfortably full bladder
You should have a moderate urge to urinate when you arrive. Do not void immediately before your appointment. The procedure is performed with the bladder partially filled.
No fasting required
You may eat and drink normally on the day of your procedure.
Plan to stay briefly after the procedure
You will be asked to urinate before leaving to confirm adequate bladder emptying. Bring a driver if possible.
Blood Thinner / Anticoagulation Medications
Contact your prescribing physician before stopping any blood thinner or anticoagulant. Do not stop these medications without medical guidance, particularly if you are on anticoagulation for a high-risk condition such as atrial fibrillation, a mechanical heart valve, or a recent blood clot.
- Aspirin — hold 7 days
- Clopidogrel (Plavix) — hold 5–7 days
- Apixaban (Eliquis) — hold 48 hours
- Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) — hold 48 hours
- Warfarin (Coumadin) — contact prescribing physician for INR guidance
After Your Procedure
Recovery & What to Expect
What to expect
Urinary retention risk
Botox relaxes the bladder muscle, which in some patients can cause difficulty emptying. If you experience trouble urinating after your injection, contact us promptly. A small percentage of patients require temporary self-catheterization.
Call us if you experience:
Call (865) 305-9254. After hours, follow prompts for on-call provider.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I notice improvement?
Most patients begin to notice improvement within 1–2 weeks. Full effect is typically reached at 2–4 weeks. If you have not noticed any improvement after 4 weeks, contact us via Klara.
How long does bladder Botox last?
The effect typically lasts 6–9 months, after which symptoms gradually return and repeat injection is needed.
What if I can’t empty my bladder after the injection?
Call our office promptly. Urinary retention after Botox is a known, treatable side effect. Most cases resolve within a few weeks. Some patients temporarily use intermittent self-catheterization.
Questions Before Your Bladder Botox Injection?
Send a Klara message or call us. Our team is happy to walk you through what to expect.