Mercy Urogynecologist Dr. R. Mark Ellerkmann Discusses Methods For Treating Overactive Bladder, Including Botox Injection

Many people with an overactive bladder limit their work and social life when the urge to urinate may be difficult to control.

While the cause is not fully understood, there are options to manage overactive bladder, including a well-known cosmetic treatment.

“It's an issue with a lot of people and a lot of people don't want to say I'm incontinent,” Julia Hofferbert said. “They're embarrassed."

Hofferbert is not embarrassed to talk about her overactive bladder.

“It is what it is,” she said. “You have to learn how to live with it. Some people take certain medication and they work perfectly."

Hofferbert is not one of those people. Medications and changing her diet did not work.

Mercy urogynecologist Dr. R. Mark Ellerkmann, Director of the Urogynecology Center, The Institute for Gynecologic Care at Mercy, suggested Botox.

“I started laughing,” Hofferbert said. “Botox for my bladder? He said, 'Yeah.'”

Botox is well-recognized to temporarily get rid of wrinkles. But it has Food and Drug Administration approval for nine medical conditions, including overactive bladder syndrome.

“Botox helps to paralyze the muscle from contracting,” Dr. Ellerkmann said. “It also seems to affect the degree of sensation one has from the bladder to some degree. So it helps to sort of dampen the sense of urgency.”

According to Dr. Ellerkmann, Botox is injected into the bladder and the process minimally invasive.

“When the conservative methods don't work, having other options can change a patient's life,” Dr. Ellerkmann explained.

Hofferbert said her life is more manageable since she gave Botox a shot.

To view Mercy urogynecologist Dr. R. Mark Ellerkmann’s interview regarding treatments for overactive bladder syndrome, including Botox injections, click here.