Beauty treatments and health

Pioneering medical research is going on at thecannot squeeze so hard, and so reduces the need to
University of Leicester into the use of Botulinum toxin -pass water frequently or suddenly. It may also reduce
commonly thought of as a beauty treatmentthe sensation of having a full bladder. Dr Douglas
– for bladder problems.Tincello commented:
Dr Douglas Tincello, Senior Lecturer at the University's"Overactive bladder is very difficult to treat well. Lots
Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicineof our patients try different tablets and pelvic floor
and Consultant Gynaecologist at the Leicester Generalexercises but at least a third of them will not be better.
Hospital, is carrying out a randomised trial involvingAt the moment the only alternatives are to put up with
injecting botulinum toxin into the bladders of womenit, or consider a very big operation which often means
who have overactive bladder disease.the patient ends up with a stoma bag.
The trial, which has received a grant of L158,000 from"Many patients just suffer in silence, but the quality of
the Moulton Charitable Trust, involves women whoselife when you live with overactive bladder is similar to
conditions have not improved after tablet treatment.that of a patient on kidney dialysis.
Overactive bladder is a condition in which the bladder"Botulinum toxin has been tested already in spinal cord
tries to empty itself, rather than the patient retaininginjury patients.This study is important to ascertain if it is
control. Symptoms include having to pass water verysafe and effective in patients with overactive bladder.
often day and night, not being able to put off the needBotulinum toxin is a very exciting development and in
to do so, sudden urgency to pass water andthe future may provide a simple and effective way to
sometimes incontinence.improve the quality of life in our patients."
The botulinum toxin relaxes the bladder muscle so it