Can acupuncture help with UTI?

Interstitial cystitis (IC), or bladder pain syndrome (BPS), is a chronic bladder condition marked by pain and pressure lasting over six weeks without a clear cause. Symptoms vary from mild discomfort to severe pain, often worsening with a full bladder and certain triggers like foods or menstrual periods. Pain during intercourse is common, and some may experience pain in areas like the urethra, lower abdomen, or pelvic region. Though not an infection, IC/BPS symptoms can mimic bladder infections. Despite its prevalence, it remains poorly understood.

Acupuncture has shown promise in treating bladder pain related to IC and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women. A study in Norway explored acupuncture's effects on women aged 18 to 60 with recurrent UTIs. Participants received acupuncture twice weekly for four weeks. Post-treatment, 73% of women remained UTI-free for six months. The acupuncture group had significantly fewer episodes and a 50% reduction in residual urine, suggesting acupuncture's potential in preventing recurrent UTIs.

These findings highlight acupuncture as a non-pharmaceutical option for managing recurrent UTIs, reducing reliance on antibiotics. Further research is needed to understand its mechanisms and validate results in larger populations. Nonetheless, these insights offer hope for alternative treatments to antibiotic prophylaxis.

In conclusion, IC/BPS is a persistent condition with no clear cause, and acupuncture may be an effective treatment for recurrent lower UTIs, reducing episode frequency and residual urine levels.