Thread Embedding Acupuncture in Postmenopausal Women with Overactive Bladder: A Prospective, Single-Arm, Before-After Study

Abstract

Introduction: Overactive bladder is a major public health concern that negatively impacts a patient’s quality of life, and it is highly prevalent in menopausal women. Acupuncture has been suggested as a viable therapeutic approach. This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of thread-embedding acupuncture in postmenopausal women with overactive bladder. Methods: This was a single-centre, single-arm, open-label study conducted on 20 postmenopausal women with overactive bladder. Participants received thread-embedding acupuncture treatment once a week for 8 weeks. Patients were evaluated using a bladder diary, overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS), and King’s Health Questionnaire (KHQ) at three time points: baseline, end of treatment (week 8), and 4 weeks after treatment completion (week 12). Results: Nineteen participants completed the study. Average daily micturition frequency decreased significantly after thread-embedding acupuncture treatment (week 8: −2.55 ± 0.37, P=0.001, week 12: −2.69 ± 0.37, P=0.001). Daytime and nighttime micturition frequency and OABSS significantly decreased at week 8 and 12. However, no significant differences were observed in urgency, incontinence, or KHQ. No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusion: Considering that thread-embedding acupuncture was shown to improve daily quality of life by reducing daytime and nighttime episodes, this pilot study suggests that thread-embedding acupuncture is a feasible alternative for treating overactive bladder.