Quality, Value, and Efficacy of Alternative Medicine in the Treatment of Overactive Bladder

Purpose of Review: In this review, we examine new research on the efficacy of complementary and alternative medicine treatments for overactive bladder since 2015. The therapy included are vitamins and herbal medications, acupuncture, and hypnotherapy. Recent Findings: Conflicting evidence exists regarding the effectiveness of vitamin D and C and urine alkalinization in improving urinary symptoms. Herbal medications and supplements are used worldwide and have shown possible efficacy in improving patients’ symptoms and quality of life. There is some evidence supporting the use of different forms of acupuncture in the treatment of overactive bladder symptoms. Hypnotherapy also might be effective in the treatment of overactive bladder especially in patients with high susceptibility to hypnosis. Summary: While there is some evidence indicating the possible benefits of complementary and alternative medicine treatments on overactive bladder, the literature is relatively limited with heterogeneous patient populations and treatment protocols. Further research is necessary to assess the true efficacy of these alternative therapeutic options.