In a nutshell
This study investigated the effectiveness of acupuncture for urinary incontinence (UI) in middle-aged and elderly women. Researchers suggested that acupuncture can improve the clinical outcomes of UI in these women.
Some background
UI consists of an involuntary leakage of urine. It affects women of all ages but mostly middle-aged and elderly women. Only 25% of these women seek help and less than half receive treatment. This condition affects the quality of life of these women and can result in mental disorders such as depression and anxiety.
The standard treatment for UI is manly surgery. However, acupuncture can also be recommended. This therapy consists of inserting fine needles in the skin at specific points that relate to different organs such as the bladder. Treating these points with acupuncture repairs the control abilities of the body. Prior studies showed that acupuncture improves the symptoms of UI. However, its effectiveness on middle-aged and elderly women with UI is still not clear.
Methods & findings
This study reviewed 8 other studies and included information about 607 females aged 40 or older with UI. Of these, 306 received acupuncture and 301 a control treatment.
Patients who received acupuncture had 5.5 times better clinical effectiveness compared to the control group. These patients also had a reduction in urine leakage as seen in the number of pads used and in incontinence symptoms based on standard questionnaires.
The bottom line
This study concluded that acupuncture could help female patients with UI improve their symptoms.
The fine print
Most of the studies were small. This might limit the results. Further, larger studies are needed.
Published By :
European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology
Date :
Feb 01, 2021
