Single-Point Acupuncture for Treatment of Urge Incontinence in Women: A Pilot Nonrandomized Trial.

Objectives

Urinary incontinence (UI) is common in middle- and old-age. Previous studies have shown that multiple-point and multiple-frequency acupuncture are efficacious treatment modalities for UI. This study investigated the efficacy of single-point acupuncture for the treatment of UI in women. Materials and

Methods

Twelve female subjects, ages 40-75, participated in the trial. Acupuncture at CV 2 was performed. Before needle insertion, each subject completed the Revised Urinary Incontinence Scale (RUIS). After treatment, subjects were contacted at 2 and 8 weeks to assess treatment effects using the RUIS questionnaire again.

Results

Statistically significant improvements were seen with respect to symptoms of urgency, stress incontinence, impact of urine leakage, quantity of urine leakage, and the total score at 2 weeks postintervention. A statistically significant increase in impact of urine leakage was found at the 8-week follow-up, compared to the 2-week results.

Conclusions

In this pilot trial, single-point acupuncture was associated with significant but short-term improvements in UI symptoms. Future trials should include a control group and an increased sample size for a more-rigorous examination of this potential adjunctive treatment for UI.