Alternative treatments

Some people like to add a more natural, complementary therapy to their main treatment plan.

Who is it for?

  • Those who want a more ‘natural’ treatment
  • Those that want to avoid taking medication or undergoing surgery

What does it involve?

Acupuncture may help with some incontinence symptoms. In one study, women who underwent acupuncture treatments once a week for four weeks found a significant improvements in their urinary continence symptoms compared to women who underwent a placebo treatment.

alternative treatments

Hypnosis can help to control conditions that have an emotional or psychological aspect to them. For some types of incontinence, a course of hypnosis from a professional, or some exercises in ‘self-hypnosis’, have been found to relieve symptoms.

Yoga is a popular form of exercise for increasing flexibility and reducing stress. Just like pelvic floor exercises, certain yoga poses can help improve the strength of your bladder and bowel. In particular, you might hear of the phrase ‘Mula Bandha’, which means ‘locking the root’. This type of yoga practice can strengthen the perineum, a muscle which is important in preventing leaks. If you are new to yoga, it is important to take a class with a trained professional to ensure that you are doing the moves correctly.

Herbal therapies and Food Supplements can help with overall health and wellbeing, and some people find that they help with incontinence symptoms. Herbs may be available as:

  • Dried extracts (capsules, powders or teas)
  • Glycerites (glycerine extracts)
  • Tinctures (alcohol extracts)

One study found that St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) could potentially help with urinary incontinence. However this has not been tested on humans, and there are a number of concerns about the side-effects of this herb. St. John’s wort should never be taken without the advice of a healthcare professional.

How can I find out more?

Depending on where you live, some alternative treatments may be available free of charge through your national health system. However others, such as homeopathic medicines; are usually practised privately, or are available from pharmacies. Whatever the case, you should always discuss your choice of alternative treatments with your main healthcare professional. They will be able to advise which treatments could complement your overall treatment plan.

References

Bladder Control Problems (Urinary Incontinence) [Internet]. 2018 [cited 18 August 2020]. Available from: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-control-problems/treatment.

Capasso R, Borrelli F, Capasso F, et al. Inhibitory effect of the antidepressant St. John’s wort (hypericum perforatum) on rat bladder contractility in vitro. Urology . 2004;64(1):168-172.

Chughtai B, Kavaler E, Lee R, Te A, Kaplan SA, Lowe F. Use of herbal supplements for overactive bladder. Rev Urol. 2013;15(3):93-96.

Emmons SL, Otto L. Acupuncture for overactive bladder: a randomized controlled trial. Obstet Gynecol . 2005;106(1):138-143.

European Guidelines on Urinary Incontinence [Internet]. 2018 [cited 18 August 2020]. Available from: https://wfip.org/european-guidelines-on-urinary-incontinence/.

Freeman, RM, Baxby K. Hypnotherapy for incontinence caused by the unstable detrusor. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed). 1982;284(6332):1831-1834. doi:10.1136/bmj.284.6332.1831

Huang AJ, Jenny HE, Chesney MA, Schembri M, Subak LL. A group-based yoga therapy intervention for urinary incontinence in women: a pilot randomized trial. Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg. 2014;20(3):147-154.

Smith PP, McCrery RJ, Appell RA. Current trends in the evaluation and management of female urinary incontinence. CMAJ . 2006;175(10):1233-1240.

Tenfelde S, Janusek LW. Yoga: abiobehavioral approach to reduce symptom distress in women with urge urinary incontinence. J Altern Complement Med . 2014;20(10):737-742.

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What does it involve?

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