Understanding the Connection Between Childhood Abuse and Gynecologic Health
Official title: Child Abuse and Risk of Gynecologic Disease in a North American Cohort
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-11175971 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how experiences of childhood abuse might be connected to common gynecologic conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, and PCOS in women.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 23, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $210,565 |
| NIH project number | 5R21HD114017-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11175971 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research focuses on understanding past experiences and health outcomes in female-identified participants from a North American cohort.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not experiencing gynecologic conditions or childhood abuse may not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Many women experience debilitating gynecologic conditions such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which can cause pain, infertility, and heavy bleeding. We know that childhood sexual abuse is unfortunately common, and emerging evidence suggests it might affect long-term health, including gynecologic health. This project aims to understand this connection better by looking at data from a large group of women. By understanding how early life experiences might influence these conditions, we hope to find new ways to support women's health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better prevention strategies and more informed care for women who have experienced childhood abuse and are at risk for or have gynecologic conditions.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been limited study in this specific area, previous work by the principal investigators and emerging research suggest a link between early life abuse and gynecologic conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wise, Lauren a — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Wise, Lauren a
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.