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Overactive bladder

Botox vs InterStim vs Altaviva: how to choose

By Advanced Urology · November 10, 2026

Botox, InterStim, or Altaviva: how do you choose?

Fast answer

All three treat overactive bladder when pills aren't enough. Bladder Botox takes two to three minutes as a procedure in our surgery centers.

How it works

It lasts about six months, then is repeated. For a while afterward, some people need to use a catheter. InterStim is an implant near the tailbone that you test first with a trial, and it can also help bowel leakage. Altaviva is a small implant near the ankle, placed in a short procedure. Your symptoms, lifestyle, and preferences guide the choice.

When to make an appointment

If pills haven't controlled your urgency or leaks, schedule a visit to compare these options.

Caring for Kennesaw

We welcome Kennesaw patients to our Marietta Clinic & Surgery Center, 1371 Church Street Extension NW. Outpatient procedures are done in that Marietta building, and patients go home afterward.

Request an appointment at Advanced Urology.

Call (678) 344-8900 Book a visit online

Explore the full article from Advanced Urology

Advanced Urology: about Overactive bladder

Starting the conversation in Marietta

Kennesaw residents see our urologists for overactive bladder at our Marietta Clinic & Surgery Center. We'll ask which medicines you've tried and what side effects they caused, check your urine and how well your bladder empties, and ask you to describe a typical day and night.

How our urologists compare the three

Botox goes into the bladder muscle via a scope, without any incisions. InterStim acts on the sacral nerves, beginning with a test period to show how much it helps. Altaviva is a small tibial nerve implant placed near the ankle. Each asks something different of you, from repeat visits to a device you charge or don't, and we'll explain those differences honestly.

Call promptly if

You have trouble emptying your bladder
Fever or burning appears
Leaks suddenly become much worse

For Kennesaw neighbors

Families from Kennesaw, Acworth and the Town Center area can reach us at (678) 344-8900. We welcome new patients and will search for the soonest available visit.

Pelvic floor training and fluid timing still help alongside any of these treatments.

Common questions

Can I try more than one?

Yes. Many people try bladder Botox first and move to InterStim or Altaviva if the effect wears off too quickly, or go the other way. Trying one does not rule out the others.

Videos from Advanced Urology

Fran's Altaviva Success Story What the video covers: A patient story about the Altaviva device, based on the video title. Watch on YouTube

#003 - Rewiring Bladder Control: How InterStim Transforms Overactive Bladder What the video covers: A podcast episode about InterStim and how it is used for overactive bladder, based on the episode title. Watch on YouTube

Videos play here from Advanced Urology’s YouTube channel, using YouTube’s privacy-enhanced mode.

Where can I go from here?

Start with the condition page, then call or book online whenever you are ready.

Our overactive bladder page: symptoms, how we evaluate it and the treatments we offer.
Marietta Clinic & Surgery Center, 1371 Church Street Extension NW, Marietta.
Local guidance for your area.
Clinicians who see this concern: Chirag Dave, MD, Jason Lomboy, MD, Andy Ostrowski, MD.
More on overactive bladder and night-time urination (10 articles), or what happens at a first visit.

Questions after reading this? Our offices in Marietta, Canton, Dallas and Jasper share one phone line and one caring team.

Call (678) 344-8900 Book online