RSS feedAcupuncture for overactive bladder
We are one of a small number of centres in the UK offering medical acupuncture for the overactive bladder as a treatment for the overactive bladder and chronic pelvic pain.
This service is provided by consultant urologist Jeremy Ockrim and performed by our bladder specialist Julie Jenks, an advanced nurse practitioner who specialises in treatment and support for people living with bladder problems. Julie is a qualified Medical Acupuncturist with experience of treating more than 60 patients.
“Overactive bladder and chronic pelvic pain are miserable conditions, which are very debilitating for those affected. Medical acupuncture has helped many people whose previous treatment had failed.”
Julie Jenks, Advanced Nurse Practitioner and Medical Acupuncturist, Harley Street Urology
How does acupuncture help bladder problems?
Acupuncture can be effective for the common problem of the overactive bladder (frequency and urgency) and for chronic pelvic pain.
When treating the overactive bladder, acupuncture works as a form of neuromodulation. This is a medical term which is used to describe treatment based on stimulating specific nerves in order to treat a problem.
Bladder overactivity occurs when faulty nerves send unwanted messages to the brain, relayed to the bladder, causing it to empty too frequently and too quickly. Acupuncture involves gentle stimulation of these nerves in order to interrupt this ‘faulty circuit.’
Acupuncture improves symptoms for about 50 per cent of patients. For patients who partially respond to acupuncture, we offer more intensive (electrical) stimulation called percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (pTNS) and Sacral Neuromodulation Stimulators (SNS).
We take a stepped approach to treatment, using conservative approaches before moving to more invasive procedures. Acupuncture is helpful as it is non-invasive and side-effects are very rare. Around half of all patients experience benefit, while the remaining patients can easily move to different treatments.
The acupuncture we use is medically based, founded upon principles of established medical knowledge, although there is often a psychological benefit too.
“Patients have been living with sometimes painful, often embarrassing bladder conditions, in many instances for several years. As well as the medical benefits, patients find acupuncture relaxing and calming and there is an associated psychological benefit too.”
Julie Jenks, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Harley Street Urology
What does acupuncture for bladder problems involve?
When you come to Harley Street Urology for the first time, you will first be seen by our consultant urologist Jeremy Ockrim who will discuss your symptoms and undertake an assessment. This is important to rule out any other possible problems, such as a urinary tract infection which may be the cause of your urgency or urge incontinence.
If other potential causes are ruled out, and you wish to have acupuncture treatment, you will be referred to our advanced nurse practitioner, Julie Jenks. She will start by discussing your daily intake of fluid to see whether simple lifestyle changes can be made to help reduce urgency.
For those who have tried lifestyle changes but they have not been effective, acupuncture can be considered. It is suitable for almost everybody, unless you have a pacemaker and if you take Warfarin, it is important to check that your condition is well controlled.
Once you are ready to start acupuncture, you will be asked to attend clinic once a week for six weeks for sessions lasting between 30 minutes and one hour. For most patients, treatment involves placing needles in the legs, abdomen and hands and for chronic pain patients, the back also.
Acupuncture is not painful. The needles used are much smaller than the hypodermic needles used for injections. There is a slight sensation as the needles goes in and a localised, minor ache while the needle is in place.
Patients will not feel any affect for the first one to three weeks. By weeks four and five, many patients report better control over their bladder. At week six, you have a week off and then at week eight, meet Julie Jenks to decide whether you need further treatment. Some patients will continue with further treatment, typically every two weeks. Others may have gained sufficient control to stop treatment, but may return occasionally for ‘top-up’ treatment.
Related links
▸ Read more about Harley Street Urology's step-by-step incontinence treatment approach.
▸ Find out more about the types, causes and symptoms of an overactive bladder
▸ Please contact us if you would like to find out more about medical acupuncture for overactive bladder or chronic pelvic pain.
