Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen. 1998 Mar; 118(9): 1370-2.

[Can acupuncture prevent cystitis in women?]

Aune A, Alraek T, Huo L, Baerheim A.

Bryggen Medisinske Senter, Bergen.

67 adult women with a history of recurrent lower urinary tract infection (UTI) were randomized for acupuncture treatment, sham acupuncture, or no treatment. The incidence rate of UTI over the following six months was noted. In the acupuncture group a total of 85% was free of cystitis during the six-month observational period, as compared to 58% in the sham group (p < 0.05), and 36% in the control group (p < 0.01). Compared to the acupuncture group, twice as many incidents of cytitis occurred in the sham group, and three times as many in the control group (p < 0.05). Acupuncture seems a worthwhile alternative in the prevention of frequently recurring cystitis in women.