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Quality, Value, and Efficacy of Alternative Medicine in the Treatment of Overactive Bladder

  • OUTCOMES IN FUNCTIONAL UROLOGY (A CAMERON, SECTION EDITOR)
  • Published:
Current Bladder Dysfunction Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

In this review, we examine new research on the efficacy of complementary and alternative medicine treatments for overactive bladder since 2015. The therapy included are vitamins and herbal medications, acupuncture, and hypnotherapy.

Recent Findings

Conflicting evidence exists regarding the effectiveness of vitamin D and C and urine alkalinization in improving urinary symptoms. Herbal medications and supplements are used worldwide and have shown possible efficacy in improving patients’ symptoms and quality of life. There is some evidence supporting the use of different forms of acupuncture in the treatment of overactive bladder symptoms. Hypnotherapy also might be effective in the treatment of overactive bladder especially in patients with high susceptibility to hypnosis.

Summary

While there is some evidence indicating the possible benefits of complementary and alternative medicine treatments on overactive bladder, the literature is relatively limited with heterogeneous patient populations and treatment protocols. Further research is necessary to assess the true efficacy of these alternative therapeutic options.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance

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  1. University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA

    Jessie Chen & Maude E. Carmel

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Chen, J., Carmel, M.E. Quality, Value, and Efficacy of Alternative Medicine in the Treatment of Overactive Bladder. Curr Bladder Dysfunct Rep 18, 139–146 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11884-023-00693-8

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