Pelvic Care Blog
Our blog is dedicated to supporting acupuncturists who specialize or hope to specialize in pelvic health. We hope you enjoy our musings and offerings.
Electroacupuncture for Post‑Prostatectomy Urinary Incontinence: What Acupuncturists Should Know
Urinary incontinence (UI) is one of the most common and distressing side effects following radical prostatectomy. For many men, leakage persists for months and significantly affects quality of life, intimacy, and emotional wellbeing. A recent randomized clinical trial published in JAMA Network Open provides compelling evidence that electroacupuncture (EA) may significantly accelerate early recovery of urinary continence after prostate surgery.
This article summarizes the study in clinically relevant language for acupuncturists and explores research methods, results, TCM interpretation, pelvic health relevance, and practical treatment takeaways.
Is Lumbosacral Electroacupuncture Effective for Stress Urinary Incontinence?
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common and often under-discussed condition that can greatly impact quality of life. As a pelvic health and women’s health specialist, I’m always interested in research that explores evidence-based, non-invasive approaches to support those experiencing SUI. Two studies—Xu et al. (2016) and Liu et al. (2017)—investigated the effectiveness of lumbosacral electroacupuncture (EA) for the treatment of SUI. Here’s a look at what they found and how it may apply in clinical practice.
Acupuncture and Primary Dysmenorrhea
Primary dysmenorrhea—painful menstrual cramps without underlying pathology—is one of the most common gynecological complaints among women of reproductive age. While nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) remain the standard first-line treatment, many individuals seek alternative therapies such as acupuncture for symptom relief with fewer side effects. This literature review explores the efficacy of acupuncture in the management of primary dysmenorrhea, comparing outcomes with NSAIDs, sham acupuncture, and no treatment. While research in English is somewhat limited, three relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were reviewed for this discussion.
Exploring the Pessary: A Non-Surgical Option for Pelvic Support
At The Pelvic Acu, we believe that understanding both Eastern and Western approaches to pelvic health makes us stronger practitioners and better advocates for our clients. That’s why we’ve created another free mini-course, this time focused on the pessary—a non-surgical medical device that can provide support for those experiencing pelvic organ prolapse or incontinence.
Featured on MyDAO Labs: Bridging Traditional Chinese Medicine & Women’s Hormone Health
We’re thrilled to share that The Pelvic Acu was recently featured on the MyDAO Labs blog, where Dr. Krystal Couture explores how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can help balance hormones and support women throughout their menstrual cycle.
In the article, Dr. Krystal breaks down the four phases of the cycle—menstruation, follicular, ovulation, and luteal—and shows how the shifting rhythms of Yin and Yang energy can guide everything from the foods we eat to the way we move and rest.
Pelvic Floor & Postpartum Healing: Insights from Dr. Krystal Couture’s AAC Webinar
The Pelvic Acu returns to the TO THE POINT podcast from the American Acupuncture Council. In this episode, Dr. Couture dove deep into one of the most important (and too often overlooked) areas of women’s health: Pelvic Floor and Postpartum Care.
Empowering Women’s Health: Dr. Krystal Couture’s Chinese Medicine Wisdom on A League of Our Own
On “A League of Our Own,” host Ashley Blum sat down with Dr. Krystal Couture to explore how Chinese medicine and acupuncture support women at every turn of life’s great cycle. Here’s a closer look at their conversation—and why these time‑honored practices deserve a place in modern women’s health care.
Hormones, Chinese Medicine and Menstruation!
In Chinese Medicine, menstruation is regarded as a vital component of women's health, reflecting the unique balance of Qi, Blood, and Yin. The harmony of these vital fluids indicates the health of the body. The menstrual cycle is considered a dynamic evolution influenced by the interplay of these essential fluids and energies.
