Efficacy of Dry Cupping on Urinary Incontinence in Women: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract
Introduction
Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common condition that affects people of all ages worldwide and can lead to social isolation, low self-esteem, and depression if left untreated. The present randomized controlled clinical trial aimed to compare the efficacy of dry cupping and tolterodine in controlling UI in women.
Methods
The study included a total of 73 women, 36 in the dry cupping group and 37 in the tolterodine group. During the six weeks intervention, the tolterodine group received 2mg of tolterodine twice daily, while the dry cupping group underwent two sessions of dry cupping in the right and left lower quadrant area every week. The severity of UI and the quality of life of patients were evaluated using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire—Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and the Incontinence Quality of Life (IQOL) questionnaire at the beginning of the study, at weeks 3, 6, and 4 weeks after the end of the intervention (week 10).
Results
The results showed that UI symptoms improved significantly in the dry cupping group compared to the tolterodine group. According to ICIQ-SF, The effect of dry cupping on the total score (mean difference: -6.72, 95 % CI: -9.26 to -4.17), the frequency of urine leakage (mean difference: -1.52, 95 % CI: -2.18 to -0.85), and the quality of life (mean difference: -3.68, 95 % CI: -4.96 to -2.40) were significant throughout the study and the follow-up period, at week 10. No adverse event were reported.
Conclusion
Based on the results of the present study and considering the adverse events of the tolterodine use, dry cupping can be suggested as a therapeutic modality for women suffering from UI.
Keyword: Dry cupping, urinary incontinence, quality of life, Traditional Persian Medicine, Iranian Traditional Medicine
Clinical trial registration ID: IRCT58677