Surreal illustration of a bladder in a peaceful setting, symbolizing botulinum toxin treatment for MS.

MS and Bladder Control: How Botulinum Toxin Can Help

Beau Callahan in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how Botulinum Toxin-A (BONT-A) injections are revolutionizing the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, improving both bladder function and quality of life."

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common condition that affects the central nervous system, often leading to various physical challenges. Among these, bladder dysfunction is a frequent and disruptive issue, significantly impacting the quality of life for many individuals with MS.

Traditional treatments for bladder issues in MS can be limiting, often failing to provide adequate relief or causing unwanted side effects. This is where Botulinum Toxin-A, or BONT-A, comes in as a promising alternative. Approved for use in MS patients, BONT-A injections are showing remarkable success in improving bladder control and overall comfort.

This article will explore the role of BONT-A in managing lower urinary tract symptoms associated with MS. We will delve into how this treatment works, who might benefit from it, and what to expect during and after the procedure, offering a comprehensive look at this innovative approach to bladder management.

Understanding Bladder Dysfunction in MS

Surreal illustration of a bladder in a peaceful setting, symbolizing botulinum toxin treatment for MS.

Bladder dysfunction in MS arises from the disease's impact on the central nervous system, disrupting the complex communication between the brain, spinal cord, and bladder. This disruption can lead to two primary issues: detrusor overactivity (DO) and detrusor external sphincter dyssynergia (DESD).

Detrusor overactivity causes the bladder muscle to contract involuntarily, leading to frequent and urgent urination, often accompanied by incontinence. Detrusor external sphincter dyssynergia occurs when the bladder muscle contracts but the urinary sphincter fails to relax, causing difficulty in emptying the bladder completely.

Here are some of the main factors of bladder dysfunction in MS:

Frequency and Urgency: A constant need to urinate, even when the bladder isn't full.
Urge Incontinence: Leaking urine due to a sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate.
Nocturia: Frequent urination at night, disrupting sleep.
Difficulty Emptying the Bladder: Feeling like the bladder is never fully empty, leading to hesitancy and straining.
Increased Risk of UTIs: Incomplete bladder emptying can increase the risk of urinary tract infections.

These bladder symptoms can significantly impact daily life, affecting social activities, work, and overall well-being. Recognizing these symptoms and seeking appropriate treatment are essential steps in managing MS effectively.

Moving Forward with BONT-A

The use of Botulinum Toxin-A in treating bladder dysfunction related to MS represents a significant step forward in improving the quality of life for those affected. If you're experiencing urinary symptoms due to MS, talking to your healthcare provider about BONT-A could open the door to a more comfortable and confident life. With its proven effectiveness and minimal side effects, BONT-A offers a promising solution for managing bladder control and enhancing overall well-being.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

What is the role of Botulinum Toxin-A (BONT-A) in managing bladder dysfunction for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

Botulinum Toxin-A (BONT-A) is used to treat lower urinary tract symptoms in people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It helps manage bladder dysfunction by targeting the overactive bladder muscles. By injecting BONT-A, the overactivity of the detrusor muscle is reduced, which in turn decreases the frequency and urgency of urination and the occurrence of urge incontinence. BONT-A aims at improving bladder control, comfort and overall well-being for MS patients facing bladder problems.

How does Multiple Sclerosis (MS) contribute to bladder dysfunction, and what are the common symptoms?

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) affects the central nervous system, disrupting the communication between the brain, spinal cord, and bladder. This disruption leads to bladder dysfunction through two main issues: detrusor overactivity (DO) and detrusor external sphincter dyssynergia (DESD). Common symptoms include frequency and urgency of urination, urge incontinence, nocturia (frequent urination at night), difficulty emptying the bladder, and an increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). These symptoms significantly impact daily life, affecting social activities, work, and overall well-being.

What is Detrusor Overactivity (DO) and how does it relate to bladder problems in MS?

Detrusor overactivity (DO) is a condition where the bladder muscle (detrusor) contracts involuntarily. In the context of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), DO occurs because the disease disrupts the normal nerve signals that control the bladder. This disruption causes the bladder muscle to contract at the wrong times, leading to frequent and urgent urination and often, urge incontinence. Managing DO is a key goal in treating bladder dysfunction in MS.

What are the potential benefits of using Botulinum Toxin-A (BONT-A) for individuals with MS experiencing bladder issues, and what can patients expect?

The use of Botulinum Toxin-A (BONT-A) in managing bladder dysfunction in MS patients can bring significant benefits. Patients often experience a reduction in urinary frequency and urgency, along with a decrease in episodes of urge incontinence. Furthermore, BONT-A can help reduce nocturia, improving sleep quality. Patients can expect the procedure to involve injections of BONT-A into the bladder muscle. The effects of BONT-A are generally felt within a few days or weeks, with the benefits typically lasting several months. This leads to improved bladder control and overall quality of life.

Are there any alternative treatments for bladder issues related to Multiple Sclerosis (MS) besides Botulinum Toxin-A (BONT-A), and how do they compare?

Yes, there are alternative treatments for bladder issues associated with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), but Botulinum Toxin-A (BONT-A) has emerged as a promising option. Traditional treatments include anticholinergic medications that help reduce bladder muscle contractions. Another option is intermittent catheterization to empty the bladder completely. While these methods can provide relief, they often have limitations. Anticholinergics may cause side effects such as dry mouth or constipation, and intermittent catheterization requires a high degree of patient involvement. BONT-A offers an effective treatment with minimal side effects, making it a preferred choice for many individuals seeking improved bladder control and a better quality of life.