Dr Maggie Ju
Acupuncture London
Chelsea book online 02033623366
Kensington and Notting Hill 07944930253
Richmond 07944930253
Pain Relief: headaches, jaw pain, neck pain, shoulder pain back pain hip pain and groin pain knee pain vulvodynia UTI and bladder pain pelvic pain nerve pain arthritis elbow pain hand and wrist pain eye pain ear pain
Fertility and Miscarriage: infertility, miscarriage, high FSH, low AMH, short luteal phase, low progesterone, IVF support PCOS POF endometriosis
Antiaging: facial rejuvenation acne wrinkle reduction face lift skin tightening neck lines
Stress and Insomnia: stress and anxiety insomnia
Pain Free Acupuncture Treatment:
Efficient, Natural, Noninvasive, Minimal side effects
Interstitial cystitis (IC), also known as bladder pain syndrome (BPS), is a chronic condition affecting the bladder. It is characterized by persistent pain and pressure in the bladder region that lasts for more than six weeks, without any identifiable infection or clear cause. The severity of symptoms can vary, with some individuals experiencing mild discomfort while others face a constant struggle. The pain often intensifies when the bladder is full and may temporarily subside after urination. Certain foods, drinks, and menstrual periods can exacerbate the pain. Although IC/BPS is not an infection itself, its symptoms can mimic those of a bladder infection. For women with IC/BPS, pain during sexual intercourse is common. Some individuals may also experience pain in other areas, such as the urethra, lower abdomen, lower back, or the pelvic or perineal region (behind the vagina in women and behind the scrotum in men). Women may feel pain in the vulva or vagina, while men may experience pain in the scrotum, testicles, or penis. Despite its prevalence, this condition remains poorly understood.
In the quest for effective treatments, acupuncture has shown promise in relieving bladder pain associated with IC. Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) are prevalent among adult women, with approximately 6% experiencing three or more episodes per year. Women who frequently suffer from cystitis may require prophylactic antibacterial treatment. However, this approach can contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance if the infections continue to recur. Acupuncture has been explored as a potential treatment for UTIs. A recent study conducted in Norway aimed to investigate the effects of acupuncture on recurring UTIs in women.
The study involved women aged 18 to 60 who had experienced three or more episodes of urinary symptoms (such as painful urination, frequent urination, or discomfort in the lower abdomen) within the previous 12 months. At least two of these episodes had been diagnosed and treated as acute lower UTIs by a medical doctor. Acupuncture sessions were administered twice a week for four weeks. Following the treatment, 73% of women in the acupuncture group remained free of UTIs during a six-month observation period. The study also noted several episodes of acute urinary symptoms in which bacterial cultures were either not obtained or tested negative. Comparatively, the acupuncture group experienced only one-third as many episodes per person-month compared to the control group. Furthermore, the women who received acupuncture treatment exhibited a 50% reduction in residual urine after six months, while the untreated group showed no significant change in residual urine levels. These findings suggest that acupuncture may be effective in preventing recurrent lower UTIs.
The results of this study provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of acupuncture as a treatment for recurring UTIs. By reducing the frequency of episodes and decreasing residual urine levels, acupuncture offers a non-pharmaceutical approach to managing this condition. However, it is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind acupuncture's effectiveness and to validate these findings in larger, diverse populations. Nonetheless, these preliminary findings contribute to our understanding of potential alternative treatments for recurrent lower UTIs and offer hope for individuals seeking alternatives to antibiotic prophylaxis.
In conclusion, interstitial cystitis (IC) or bladder pain syndrome (BPS) is a persistent bladder condition characterized by pain and pressure lasting more than six weeks, without a clear cause or infection. Acupuncture has shown promise as a potential treatment for recurrent lower urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women. A recent study demonstrated that acupuncture sessions administered twice a week for four weeks resulted in a significant reduction in UTI episodes and residual urine levels. These findings suggest that acupuncture may offer an alternative treatment option for individuals with recurrent lower UTIs, reducing the reliance on antibiotic prophylaxis and potentially