Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Electroacupuncture as a Treatment for Refractory Overactive Bladder

This study explores a potential new treatment for overactive bladder (OAB) in adult women called electroacupuncture. OAB can cause symptoms like needing to go to the toilet urgently, often, or many times at night. This can really affect daily life. Researchers want to see if electroacupuncture works as well as an existing treatment called PTNS, which is sometimes offered on the NHS. They also want to find out if it's a treatment that women find easy to accept and access. A third group will receive a 'sham' (pretend) electroacupuncture to help truly understand the treatment's effects. The study takes place over 12 weeks, with weekly sessions and follow-up checks, and aims to find a simple, effective way to help women manage OAB.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

Start

20 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

20 Jun 2027

Over Active Bladder Urinary Incontinence (UI)Nocturia

What is this study about?

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common condition where you might suddenly feel a strong urge to pee, need to go often, or wake up frequently at night to use the toilet. For some people, it can also lead to accidental leaks. It can really impact daily life, making it hard to feel comfortable or go out. While there are treatments, like tablets, they can sometimes have side effects such as dry mouth or constipation, which can be particularly tricky for older people.

Because of these challenges, doctors are always looking for new and gentler ways to help. One such approach is called neuromodulation, which involves using mild electrical signals to help the bladder work better. Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) is one type that's already used, but it can mean a lot of clinic visits, which isn't always easy for everyone.

This study is looking into electroacupuncture (EA), which is a bit like acupuncture but with a very mild electrical current through the needles. It's thought to work in a similar way to PTNS, helping to calm the bladder. It's been used in traditional medicine for a long time, and researchers want to see if it could be a good, simpler option for women with OAB here in the UK. They want to know if it helps symptoms, and if it's a treatment that women find comfortable and easy to stick with.

Key takeaways

This study is for adult women with overactive bladder who haven't found relief from other treatments.
It compares electroacupuncture with PTNS and a 'sham' treatment.
The aim is to find out if electroacupuncture is effective and easy to use.
Participation involves 12 weekly treatment sessions and answering questions.
The study takes place at the Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust.

Who may be eligible?

This study is particularly looking for adult women, aged 18 or older, who have been diagnosed with overactive bladder. To be considered, your OAB symptoms should have been present for at least three months and haven't gotten better with first-line treatments you've already tried.

To make sure the study results are clear, you'd need to agree not to start any new bladder treatments during the study period. You also need to be able to understand and sign a consent form, showing you agree to take part.

There are certain situations where you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you are pregnant, have certain bleeding problems, a severe fear of needles, or a pacemaker. If you have active infections, certain nerve conditions affecting bladder control, a history of incontinence surgery, or have had acupuncture for OAB recently, you might not be suitable. The team will carefully check all these details with you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you an adult woman (18 or older)?
Have you had overactive bladder symptoms for at least 3 months that haven't responded to previous treatments?
Are you able to avoid starting new bladder treatments during the study?
Do you not have a pacemaker or severe needle phobia?
Are you not pregnant or planning to be during the study?
Have you not had severe infections, recent bladder surgery, or certain nerve conditions?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be placed into one of three groups by chance: one group will receive electroacupuncture, another will receive PTNS, and the third will receive 'sham' (pretend) acupuncture. You won't know which group you're in, and neither will the healthcare professional giving the treatment, where possible. You will then have one treatment session every week for 12 weeks.

Throughout the study, you'll be asked to keep symptom diaries, fill out questionnaires about how your OAB affects your daily life, and share your thoughts on how acceptable the treatment is. After your 12 weeks of treatment are finished, you'll have follow-up assessments to see how you're doing. The study will take place at Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part could offer the benefit of potentially improving your overactive bladder symptoms with a new or established treatment. The 'sham' group helps us understand if the treatments themselves are truly working beyond the placebo effect. While treatments are generally safe, there's always a small risk of minor side effects, like discomfort from needles or slight bleeding, but these are usually mild. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Chelsea and Westminster hospital NHS foundation Trust
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is electroacupuncture?

It's like traditional acupuncture, where tiny needles are placed at specific points, but with a very mild electrical current passed through them. It's thought to help calm the bladder.

What is PTNS?

PTNS stands for Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation. It's another treatment where a small needle is placed near the ankle, and a mild electrical current stimulates a nerve there to help bladder control.

What does 'sham acupuncture' mean?

This means you'd receive a treatment that looks and feels like acupuncture but isn't the real thing. It helps researchers understand if the real treatment truly works or if some improvements are due to expectation.

How long will the study treatments last?

If you join, you will have one treatment session per week for 12 weeks, followed by some check-ups afterwards.

Will I know which treatment I'm getting?

No, you won't know which group you're in (electroacupuncture, PTNS, or sham). This helps to make the study results as fair and unbiased as possible.

How to find out more

Elmas Court

elmas.court@nhs.net +447538355975 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.