Integrating Naturopathy in the Management of Urinary Incontinence

Case Report
A 64 years old obese female pre-diagnosed with stress and urge urinary incontinence came to our
wellness and life style clinic in the month of May 2018, with intensified events of urine leakage
many times in a day. She expressed embarrassment in socialization and limited activity level.
Physical examination didn’t rule out any abnormalities. Her obstetrics and gynecological history
revealed the removal of uterus 17 years ago. Her medical history explains daily uses of beta3
agonist (Mirabegron, 50mg) BID. She was also on multi vitamins on and off. She was advised to
undergo for naturopathy treatments, apart from her ongoing medications for 14 days.
Additionally, the patient was instructed to follow only vegetarian diet with restricted fluid intake.
She was also guided towards weight management and was encouraged to perform yogasanas
and Pranayama. She was counseled on importance of positive thinking.
Evaluation
A detailed case history was taken with the consent of patient. Blood pressure, heart rate
measurement, height and weight and other vital data were recorded. Assessments were based on
the International Consultation on incontinence Modular Questionnaires – Urinary Incontinence
Short form 1 and frequency volume chart on the time of admission and discharge. International
Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaires – Urinary Incontinence Short form
subsists of 3 scored items and 1 unscored item, allocating assessment of urinary incontinence,
frequency and perceived cause of urinary incontinence and its impact on quality of life. None of

her present medication was modified during 14 days of treatment period. Pre and post treatment
measures are compiled in Table 2. On discharge, she was advised to continue some of the
naturopathy treatments and acupressure points on foot. She was asked to come for follow up
after 30 days, Where she reported reduction in her medicine in a period of month in consultation
with her medical physician and maintaining comfort with her daily activities.

Undergoing naturopathy treatment in outpatient department for 14 days, there was significant
reduction in the symptoms of incontinence in our patient. She reduced 1.8 kg of weight over the
period of 14 days, with an equivalent reduction in body mass index by 0.7. The uses of sanitary
pads reduced from 4 to 3 from 4th day of treatment and later it reduced to the 1 on 14th day of
treatment. She expressed increased confidence and comfort in her social interactions.
The effective reduction in weight loss of our patient may be attributed to the practice of
naturopathy and complete vegetarian diet. Change in body mass index may also show the
changes in other physiological changes which are not monitored, that could have changed due to
changes in diet and naturopathy treatments. This is a limitation of this case report, and it is
suggested to take this into understanding for further studies that might be conducted.

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