OnabotulinumtoxinA (BTX-A) injections in men with overactive bladder

This study aimed to investigate the safety and effectiveness of onabotulinumtoxinA (BTX-A) in men with overactive bladder (OAB). This study found that men with OAB experienced improvement in the quality of life following BTX-A treatment.

Overactive bladder (OAB) occurs when the bladder muscle is too active and contracts involuntarily. Instead of staying at rest as urine fills the bladder, the bladder muscle (detrusor) contracts and causes a person to feel a sudden and sometimes overwhelming urge to urinate even when the bladder is not full. BTX-A is a medication that is used for OAB. It is injected into the bladder muscle. It has been used in female OAB previously with good results. The use of BTX-A is unclear in men with OAB.

This study included both men and women. 65 men received BTX-A injections. Urinary function scores were measured at baseline and at 4 to 12 weeks later. These evaluated their quality of life (QoL) and side effects. 

Urinary function and QoL improved significantly for both men and women at follow-up. Side-effects were similar for women and men. These included catheterization (passing a tube into the bladder to let urine flow) or a urinary tract infection (UTI). Catheterization happened in 42.6% of men and 35.3% of women. UTIs occurred in 29% of men and 27% of women.

This study found that men with OAB experienced improvement in QoL scores following BTX-A treatment.

Some of the results in this study were not a good level of evidence (they were not statistically significant). Further, larger studies are needed.