Urology · Pelvic Health · Clinical Monograph
Treating Urinary Incontinence
Regain control of your bladder
§ Abstract
Urinary incontinence refers to the involuntary loss of urine, which can range from occasional minor leaks to complete loss of bladder control. It is common at every age, but more so in women and older adults, and it reaches well past the bathroom: it affects social, emotional and physical well-being, and can lead to social isolation, decreased participation in activities, and an increased risk of falls and urinary tract infections.
I.
Causes
Conventional medicine understands urinary incontinence as a symptom rather than a disease, and it can have various underlying causes. Some of the most common include:
Weak pelvic floor muscles
These muscles support the bladder, uterus and bowel. Weakness in them can lead to urine leakage.
Overactive bladder
A condition where the bladder contracts too often, causing an urgent need to urinate and sometimes resulting in leakage.
Urinary tract infections
These infections can cause temporary incontinence due to irritation of the bladder.
Neurological disorders
Conditions that affect the nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease, can lead to incontinence.
Medications
Certain medications — diuretics, sedatives and muscle relaxants among them — can cause urinary incontinence as a side effect.
Prostate problems
In men, an enlarged prostate gland or prostate surgery can cause urinary incontinence.
Menopause
The decrease in estrogen levels during menopause can lead to weakened pelvic muscles and cause urinary incontinence in women.
How the Cause Is Investigated
- Urinalysis
- Bladder diary
- Pelvic ultrasound
- Urodynamic testing
- Cystoscopy
II.
Conventional Treatment and Side-effects
The conventional treatment for urinary incontinence may depend on the underlying cause of the condition. Here are some common options:
01
Behavioural therapies
Bladder training, pelvic muscle exercises (also known as Kegel exercises), and biofeedback.
02
Medications
Some medications may be prescribed to help reduce symptoms. Examples include anticholinergics, alpha blockers, and topical estrogen.
03
Medical devices
Devices such as pessaries or urethral inserts may be recommended to help support the bladder or urethra.
04
Surgery
In some cases surgery may be necessary. Examples include bladder neck suspension, sling procedures, and an artificial urinary sphincter.
On Effectiveness
These treatments can be effective for some individuals, but their effectiveness may vary depending on the underlying cause and individual factors. Behavioural therapies such as bladder training and pelvic floor muscle exercises have been shown to be effective in treating stress and urge incontinence; medications such as anticholinergics and alpha-adrenergic agonists can also reduce symptoms of urge incontinence.
III.
TCM View
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, urinary incontinence may be attributed to a sinking of Qi — Qi being the vital energy that flows through the body’s meridians, or energy pathways, and which is responsible for maintaining overall health and well-being.
When Qi sinks, it means it is not flowing properly through the meridians and is accumulating in the lower part of the body, particularly the lower abdomen and pelvis. This can cause a variety of symptoms, including urinary incontinence.
What Can Cause Qi to Sink
- Aging
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Trauma
- Chronic illness
- Emotional stress
Which Organs
In TCM, urinary incontinence caused by sinking Qi is often seen as a result of weakened or imbalanced organ function — particularly in the kidneys, spleen, and lungs.
IV.
TCM Treatment
TCM treatment for urinary incontinence aims to restore balance to the body’s energy and strengthen the kidneys and bladder. This may involve a combination of the following.
Acupuncture
A key component of TCM, involving the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to regulate the flow of energy, or qi, and promote healing. For urinary incontinence, acupuncture can be used to stimulate the bladder and promote healthy urinary function. It may also help reduce stress and anxiety, which can contribute to the condition.
Herbal Medicine
Practitioners may recommend specific herbal formulas to address the underlying imbalances that contribute to urinary incontinence. These formulas are typically made up of several herbs working together to achieve a specific therapeutic effect, strengthening the bladder and urinary system.
Dietary Changes
TCM emphasises the importance of diet in maintaining overall health. Here that may mean reducing spicy or greasy foods, increasing foods that promote urinary health, and avoiding foods and drinks that irritate the bladder — caffeine and alcohol among them.
Lifestyle Modifications
Exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles, such as Kegel exercises, as well as stress-reducing techniques such as meditation and deep breathing.
V.
Research on TCM Treatment
There have been several studies on the effectiveness of TCM in treating urinary incontinence, with some showing promising outcomes. Here are a few examples.
1Randomised Controlled Trial · 2016
Compared TCM against conventional pelvic floor muscle training in women with stress urinary incontinence. Both treatments were effective, but TCM had a significantly higher cure rate.
75%
TCM
45%
Pelvic floor training
Ma YX, Ma L, Li ZH, et al. Clinical observation of traditional Chinese medicine for treating stress urinary incontinence in women. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 2016;36(6):777–782.
2Randomised Controlled Trial · 2014
Compared electroacupuncture against pelvic floor muscle training in women with stress urinary incontinence. Both were effective, but electroacupuncture had a significantly higher cure rate.
82.8%
Electroacupuncture
57.1%
Pelvic floor training
Zhou K, Ma Y, Brogan M, et al. A randomized controlled trial of electroacupuncture versus pelvic floor muscle training for moderate and severe stress urinary incontinence. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 2014;34(6):732–739.
3Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis · 2015
Looked at acupuncture for urinary incontinence in women across 16 randomised controlled trials, and found acupuncture more effective than sham acupuncture or no treatment for both stress and urge urinary incontinence.
Liu Z, Liu Y, Xu H, He L, Chen Y, Fu L. Acupuncture for urinary incontinence in women: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2015;2015:1239–1250.
VI.
@ Huatuo Clinic
Huatuo Clinic is dedicated to providing high-quality TCM care for a wide range of health conditions, including urinary incontinence. Our team of experienced and highly trained TCM doctors and acupuncturists have a deep understanding of the root causes of urinary incontinence, and are committed to providing personalised care to each of our patients.
We take a holistic approach. Our practitioners use a variety of TCM techniques — acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary and lifestyle modifications — to address the underlying imbalances in the body that contribute to the condition.
We understand that urinary incontinence can have a significant impact on quality of life. Our practitioners work closely with each patient to develop a customised treatment plan tailored to their unique needs, with the goal of improving their overall health and wellbeing.
Book With Us
If you or a loved one are struggling with urinary incontinence, we encourage you to contact us for a consultation with one of our experienced TCM doctors — care that addresses the root cause of your symptoms and empowers you to take control of your health.