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Jhang JF, Kuo HC. Novel Treatment of Chronic Bladder Pain Syndrome and Other Pelvic Pain Disorders by OnabotulinumtoxinA Injection. Toxins (Basel). 2015 Jun 18;7(6):2232-50. doi: 10.3390/toxins7062232.

This comprehensive review article summarizes key data supporting the use of botulinum toxin A injections in a variety of chronic pelvic pain conditions, including interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). Botulinum toxin A is known for its anti-pain, anti-inflammatory, and muscle relaxant effects; accordingly, it has been evaluated in a variety of chronic pelvic pain conditions. The results suggest this treatment might hold promise for patients who are not responding to standard therapies. Specifically in patients with IC/BPS, injections of botulinum toxin A seems to not only reduce bladder pain, but also increase bladder capacity; with repeat injections, reduction in bladder inflammation has been reported. Other conditions where botulinum toxin A seems to hold promise include chronic prostatitis and inflammatory bladder diseases such as radiation cystitis. The most common adverse effect after botulinum toxin injection is dysuria, or discomfort upon urination. Some might develop an inability to void urine after the treatment, though experience to date suggests a very small number of patients would experience this adverse effect.