In a nutshell
This study reviewed available research on acupuncture and overactive bladder symptoms. The study concluded that acupuncture may be effective to treat symptoms of an overactive bladder such as nocturia.
Some background
Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common cause of nocturia. Recently, acupuncture (the use of pins to apply pressure to specific points in the body) has been suggested as an effective tool to relieve OAB symptoms. This study reviewed and analyzed all recent research on acupuncture and its effect on urinary symptoms.
Methods & findings
The study reviewed data from ten clinical trials, including 794 patients with OAB. The trials compared the effects of acupuncture to OAB medications or to a sham (fake) procedure.
Two of the trials reviewed noted a reduced number of nighttime trips to the bathroom with acupuncture when compared to a sham procedure.
However, trials comparing treatment with OAB medications, to drug treatment plus acupuncture, showed inconsistent results. While some trials showed additional improvements with acupuncture, others noted no significant difference.
No significant side-effects to acupuncture were reported in the trials reviewed.
The bottom line
The researchers concluded that acupuncture may assist in relieving some overactive bladder symptoms, such as nocturia.
The fine print
This systematic review included only a small number of limited studies. Large controlled studies would be useful to determine the benefit of acupuncture for overactive bladder patients.
Published By :
Medicine
Date :
Feb 01, 2018
