UM Doc Looking at New Use for Botox: Overactive Bladders

Patients in a new study at the University of Miami have had Botox regularly shot into their urethra -- keep your mind out of the gutter -- to see if perhaps the chemical could be used to treat overactive bladder problems.Botox is usually used cosmetically to numb muscles in the...

By Kyle Munzenrieder

March 15, 2010

[
        {
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Inline Content - Mobile Display Size",
          "component": "19274298",
          "insertPoint": "2",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
        },{
          "name": "Editor Picks",
          "component": "17482312",
          "insertPoint": "4",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18711090",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17482310",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18711090",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - Leaderboard Tower - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17482313",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        }
      ]

Patients in a new study at the University of Miami have had Botox regularly shot into their urethra -- keep your mind out of the gutter -- to see if perhaps the chemical could be used to treat overactive bladder problems.

Botox is usually used cosmetically to numb muscles in the faces to lessen the appearance of wrinkles. However the same numbing effects could be used to help patients who can frequent the restroom up to 60 times a day. Treatment varies by patient, and Botox has been used before but not with FDA approval.

Now, UM urologist Dr. Angelo Gousse is trying to determine how effective it could be. Apparently about 75 percent of patients report improvement.

Become A Member

BEFORE YOU GO...
Can you help us continue to share our stories? Since the beginning, Miami New Times has been defined as the free, independent voice of Miami — and we'd like to keep it that way. Our members allow us to continue offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food, and culture with no paywalls.