Acupuncture treatment for overactive bladder in adults

Effectiveness and Safety of Acupuncture for Overactive Bladder in Adults: A Random Control Clinical Trial

Not applicable Interventional Guang'anmen Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences · NCT05158361

This study is testing if acupuncture can help adults with overactive bladder feel better by reducing their frequent and urgent need to urinate.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment110 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorGuang'anmen Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Academic / other
Locations1 site (Beijing, Beijing)
Trial IDNCT05158361 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for adults suffering from overactive bladder (OAB). Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either acupuncture or sham acupuncture to assess the treatment's impact. To ensure unbiased results, outcome assessors and statisticians will be blinded to the treatment allocation. The study aims to provide evidence on whether acupuncture can alleviate symptoms of urinary frequency and urgency associated with OAB.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults experiencing urinary frequency and urgency for over three months with specific scores on the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score.

Not a fit: Patients with other lower urinary tract disorders, neurological diseases, or those who have had pelvic floor surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could offer a non-pharmacological option for managing overactive bladder symptoms.

How similar studies have performed: While acupuncture has been explored for various conditions, this specific approach for overactive bladder is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Present symptoms of urinary frequency and urgency for more than 3 months.
* With a total score of more than 3 points on the overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) and a score of more than 2 points on question 3 of OABSS.

Exclusion Criteria:

* With other lower urinary tract disorders (e.g. urinary tract infection, bladder outlet obstruction, neurogenic bladder, interstitial cystitis, etc.)
* With previous pelvic floor surgery or a post-void residual urine volume more than 100 mL.
* With neurological disease or psychiatric illness.
* Taking medications affecting lower urinary tract function.
* With contraindications to acupuncture.
* Pregnant women.

Where this trial is running

Beijing, Beijing

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Overactive BladderAcupuncture
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.