Efficacy of various forms of acupuncture for the treatment of urinary incontinence in women: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Priya Kannan*, Umar M. Bello

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

9 Citations (Scopus)
239 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Background and purpose: Evidence regarding the efficacy of various forms of acupuncture for the treatment of urinary incontinence (UI) in women is outdated and inconclusive. This review aims to determine the efficacy of different forms of acupuncture for the treatment of UI in women. 

Methods: Multiple databases were searched from inception to June 2020. Randomized controlled trials that compared various forms of acupuncture to control were included. 

Results: Ten trials were included in this review. The pooled analysis demonstrated that an increased proportion of women with stress UI (SUI) reported fewer UI episodes (1.73 [95% CI 1.46, 2.04]; p < 0.00001) in the electroacupuncture group than in the sham group. The meta-analysis also revealed a significantly increased number of women who reported the complete cure of SUI in the electroacupuncture combined with pelvic floor muscle training group than in the medication group (RR 2.67 [95% CI 1.51, 4.71]; p = 0.0007). Body and laser acupuncture caused significant decreases in the number of urge accidents (-2.70 [95% CI -4.86, -0.54]; p = 0.01) and the occurrence of urgency symptoms (-3.60[95% CI -5.34, -1.86]; p < 0.0001), compared with sham acupuncture. 

Conclusions: Based on the findings of this review, electroacupuncture may be able to improve SUI in women in clinical settings. This review also identified evidence supporting the use of body, electro,- and laser acupuncture for the treatment of urge UI; however, these results were obtained from single studies, and further research remains necessary to confirm the effects of these interventions on the treatment of urge UI in women.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)26-35
Number of pages10
JournalExplore
Volume19
Issue number1
Early online date17 Jul 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 20 Jan 2023

Keywords

  • acupuncture
  • electroacupuncture
  • laser acupuncture
  • systematic review
  • urinary incontinence

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Analysis
  • General Nursing
  • Chiropractics
  • Complementary and alternative medicine

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