Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition that causes a frequent and urgent need to urinate. It can also lead to involuntary urine leakage (urinary incontinence). OAB can be a very bothersome condition and can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.
Symptoms of OAB
- Urinary urgency: This is the most common symptom of OAB. It is a sudden, strong urge to urinate that you may feel you cannot ignore. You may feel anxious or fearful that you will not reach the bathroom in time.
- Frequent urination: You may need to urinate more often than usual, even if you haven’t drunk a lot of fluids. This may include urinating eight or more times in a day.
- Urinary incontinence: You may leak urine involuntarily, especially when you feel a strong urge to urinate.
- Nocturia: This is the need to wake up at night to urinate. You may wake up two or more times a night to urinate.
What the Research Says
There is some evidence that acupuncture may be effective for treating OAB. However, the evidence is not conclusive yet.
- A review of studies found that acupuncture seems to be as effective as medication for reducing OAB symptoms. Acupuncture with medication may be more effective than medication alone.
(Link to study 1: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9878288/) - Another review found that the evidence is uncertain about the effectiveness of acupuncture for OAB. Acupuncture may slightly improve symptoms and reduce minor adverse events compared to medication.
(Link to study 2: https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD013519.pub2/full) - A third review found that electroacupuncture (EA) may be more effective than sham EA in reducing the number of urination episodes at night. EA may also improve symptoms more than medication alone.
(Link to study 3: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5841968)
Our Perspective on Acupuncture for OAB
Acupuncture shows promise as a complementary treatment for OAB, potentially addressing both physical and emotional aspects. Here’s what we consider:
- Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction: Weak pelvic floor muscles can contribute to OAB. Acupuncture may help strengthen and improve coordination of these muscles, leading to better bladder control. As our lifestyle becomes more sedentary, pelvic floor muscle is more important than ever.
- Anxiety: Anxiety can worsen OAB symptoms by increasing urgency and frequency. Because the sensation coming from the stretched bladder wall is too loud, acupuncture’s potential relaxation effects may help manage anxiety and improve bladder control.
- Traditional acupoints: Acupuncturists target specific acupoints based on your individual condition. Some commonly used acupoints for OAB are believed to regulate bladder function, reduce urgency, and promote relaxation. For example, BL23, BL31, BL32 from the bladder meridian or SP6 from the spleen meridian can be chosen. However, it’s important to note that acupoint selection is often individualized based on the specific OAB symptoms and the underlying cause.
Considering Acupuncture for OAB?
If you’re interested in acupuncture for OAB, discuss it with your doctor. They can help you decide if it’s right for you and refer you to a qualified acupuncturist like us. Here are some additional tips:
- Find a qualified acupuncturist: Look for someone licensed and experienced in treating OAB.
- Ask about the acupuncturist’s treatment plan and what to expect during a session.
Additional Considerations
- Acupuncture is not a cure for OAB, but it may help manage symptoms.
- Acupuncture may be used alongside other OAB treatments like medication, pelvic floor muscle exercises, and lifestyle changes.
DISCLAIMER – Link to the Whole Statement
While this blog offers helpful information, it’s not a substitute for medical advice. As an individual’s health concerns are unique and require professional guidance, do not rely solely on online information for self-diagnosis or treatment. If you have health concerns, always consult a healthcare professional for personalized diagnosis and treatment.
