Can Acupuncture Help with UTIs and Incontinence? (Yes! Here’s How)

Let’s talk about something most of us don’t talk about enough:

UTIs and incontinence.

If you’ve ever had a urinary tract infection, you know how uncomfortable, disruptive, and downright exhausting it can be. And if you deal with urinary leakage—whether it’s a little during a sneeze or constant urgency—it can chip away at your confidence and quality of life.

As an acupuncturist specializing in women’s health, I’ve seen how much these issues can affect daily routines, relationships, and overall well-being. I’ve also seen how powerful acupuncture can be in helping the body heal and restore balance—especially when conventional options (like antibiotics or pelvic floor therapy) aren’t enough on their own.

So if you’re wondering whether acupuncture can help, the answer is: absolutely.

Let me explain how.

1. We look at the whole picture—not just your bladder.

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the bladder and kidneys are deeply connected—not just anatomically, but energetically. We believe they work together to regulate urination, store energy, and support reproductive and hormonal health.

When there's imbalance in this system (often due to stress, childbirth, aging, or hormonal changes), you might start to see symptoms like:

• Frequent UTIs

• Burning or pain when urinating

• Feeling like you have to go all the time

• Leaking with movement, laughter, or exercise

Acupuncture helps by gently rebalancing the nervous system and improving blood flow to the pelvic area, which can reduce symptoms and support long-term healing.
🧠 Research backs this up: Studies show acupuncture can modulate the autonomic nervous system and help regulate bladder function (Lee et al., 2013).

2. It reduces inflammation and boosts immunity.

When you get a UTI, your body is fighting off bacteria—but sometimes, repeated infections can weaken your system over time.

Acupuncture has been shown to reduce inflammation and support immune function, which can help your body clear infections more effectively and prevent them from coming back (Zijlstra et al., 2003).

It also helps calm the “heat” and “dampness” in the body that we often see in UTIs from a TCM perspective—think swelling, burning, urgency, and cloudy urine.

3. It can support hormonal balance—especially during big transitions.

Many women start experiencing urinary issues during perimenopause, postpartum recovery, or post-surgery—times when estrogen levels shift, tissues become more sensitive, and the pelvic floor needs extra care.

Acupuncture has been shown to help regulate hormones and ease menopausal symptoms like dryness and urgency (Kim et al., 2009).

In my practice, I often combine acupuncture with gentle pelvic support and lifestyle guidance to address both the physical symptoms and the underlying root causes.

4. It helps with bladder control and urgency.

For those dealing with urge incontinence or stress incontinence (that’s the “I can’t make it in time” vs. “I leaked when I sneezed” types), acupuncture can make a real difference.

Research shows that acupuncture can improve bladder capacity and reduce incontinence episodes—sometimes as effectively as medication, but without the side effects (Emmons & Otto, 2005).

What does treatment look like?

When you come in, we’ll talk about everything—your history with UTIs or incontinence, your cycle, stress levels, hormones, digestion, sleep… even your emotions. (Yes, your bladder is connected to how safe and supported you feel.)

Then, we’ll design a custom treatment plan that might include:

• Acupuncture

• Herbal formulas to support urinary health

• Nutrition and hydration tips

• Gentle pelvic floor support

• Moxibustion or cupping if needed

Some patients notice a difference within a few sessions. For chronic or recurring cases, we usually work together weekly for a few months.

You deserve to feel comfortable in your body.

If you're struggling with recurrent UTIs or bladder issues, know this:
You’re not alone. And you’re not broken.

There is a gentle, effective, holistic path forward—and acupuncture may be the piece you’ve been missing.

✨ If you're curious, I offer a free 15-minute consultation—no pressure, just space to explore your options.