From the Research
There are reports of pelvic floor Botox injections causing constipation, as evidenced by a study from 2015 1 where 28.6% of patients experienced worsening of preexisting constipation.
Pelvic Floor Botox Injections and Constipation
Pelvic floor Botox injections are primarily used to treat conditions like pelvic floor dysfunction, including pelvic floor dyssynergia, where muscles don't coordinate properly during bowel movements. While the treatment typically aims to relieve constipation by relaxing overactive pelvic floor muscles, some patients experience worsening constipation as a side effect.
- This occurs because Botox may sometimes cause excessive relaxation of muscles needed for proper bowel function or affect adjacent muscles unintentionally.
- The effect is typically temporary, lasting 3-6 months as the Botox wears off.
Management of Constipation After Pelvic Floor Botox Injections
Patients experiencing constipation after pelvic floor Botox injections should:
- Maintain adequate hydration
- Increase fiber intake
- Stay physically active
- Consult their healthcare provider who might recommend stool softeners or laxatives during this period
Dosing of Botox for Pelvic Floor Conditions
The dosing of Botox for pelvic floor conditions typically ranges from 100-200 units, with the specific amount depending on the condition being treated and the specific muscles targeted, as seen in a study from 2024 2 where 100 U of botulinum toxin A was used for the treatment of spastic pelvic floor syndrome. However, it's essential to consider the most recent and highest quality study, which in this case is the 2024 study 2, to guide clinical decision-making and minimize the risk of constipation as a side effect.