Living with urinary incontinence is no picnic. This medical problem can disrupt sleep, affect self-esteem and more generally the quality of life of the sufferer. Acupuncture has become a popular treatment option in recent times. Is acupuncture effective in treating urinary incontinence? Uriclip answers!

L'acupuncture is one of the care methods of the traditional Chinese medicine. It consists of introducing small needles in the skinAcupuncture is based on the restoration of the body's natural balance. Acupuncture is based on the restoration of the harmonious flow of energy in the body. Some acupuncture points are located on nerve pathways, others on blood or lymphatic pathways, and still others on specific dermal or bone pathways that are well documented.

The field of action of acupuncture is wide. This method of treatment could act on :

• the common cold,
• insomnia,
• stress,
• hormonal disorders,
• depression,
• or urinary incontinence.

Indeed, the acupuncture points around the bladder and kidney are often used to treat incontinence and other urinary health problems.

Acupuncture is a complementary individual medicine other conventional medical techniques or treatments. If you suffer from urinary incontinence, you should talk to your doctor and/or urologist as soon as possible before trying other medicines.

Some research suggests that acupuncture is a form of treatment effective in cases of male urinary incontinence. Indeed, studies have shown that acupuncture offers short-term benefits. However, more research is needed before conclusive statements can be made about the effectiveness of this traditional Chinese medicine on bladder weakness.

In 2017, a study was conducted by a team of researchers from the Chinese Academy of Medicine and Guang'an Men Hospital in Beijing. This study raised high hopes in the fight against urinary incontinenceincluding for thestress incontinence. The results of their trial on over 400 patients are very encouraging. This therapy would reduce the volume of bladder leakage by more than 50%. However, it should be noted that this study was only carried out on women. To date, and to our knowledge, no study on the treatment of urinary incontinence with acupuncture or electro-acupuncture has been carried out on men.

The body is traversed by the IQ, i.e. thevital energyThis energy flows through the meridians. This energy flows through the meridians. These specific channels create a harmonious energy flow throughout the body. It thus connects the different organs. According to this view, diseases occur when the circulation of the QI is disrupted.

Acupuncture is then used to try to release blocked energy through needles stimulating points corresponding to the symptoms experienced. Electroacupuncture uses a additional electrical impulse to intensify the stimulation of traditional needles.

The trial was conducted on 504 patients with stress urinary incontinence. The team of Chinese researchers evaluated the impact of electro-acupuncture applied to the lumbosacral region (i.e. the area between the last lumbar vertebrae and the sacrum). The participants, aged between 40 and 75, received 18 electro-acupuncture sessions over a period of 6 consecutive weeks.

Women experienced an average decrease in bladder leakage volume of 53.8%. In addition, the frequency of urine loss was also significantly reduced (up to 30 weeks after treatment).

Electroacupuncture therefore offers encouraging results. The other major advantage of this method is that it is easy to access and there are few risks or side effects. Some noted some bruising and fatigue from the fast pace of the sessions, but about 85% of patients reported a real benefit of this therapy.

However, further studies are needed to prove the effectiveness of electro-acupuncture on urinary incontinence.

Acupuncture or electro-acupuncture are only treatment options to consider when suffering from urinary incontinence. In addition to medication, surgery or perineal rehabilitationThe Uriclip® penis clip is a patented medical device for male urinary incontinence. Easy to use and very effective, the Uriclip® is also light and comfortable. The device is invisible under clothing and even allows for unrestricted bathing. In addition, the Uriclip® is manufactured and assembled in France. A practical and non-invasive solution for men suffering from urinary incontinence.