Using non-invasive electromagnetic therapy to treat bladder pain in women
Official title: Investigation of Non-Invasive Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) Therapy for Female Patients with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS)
Funded at Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-10817858 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether a gentle, non-invasive treatment called pulsed electromagnetic field therapy can help reduce pain for women with interstitial cystitis or bladder pain syndrome, and we're inviting 60 women to see if it really makes a difference compared to a placebo.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $297,600 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK128233-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10817858 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adult females diagnosed with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome who experience significant pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of non-invasive pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy to manage pain in women suffering from interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). The study aims to gather preliminary data on the safety and effectiveness of this therapy by recruiting 60 adult female patients with varying phenotypes of IC/BPS. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the PEMF treatment or a placebo, allowing researchers to assess the impact on pain reduction. The trial is designed to provide insights into how this innovative therapy may help alleviate chronic pain associated with this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, non-invasive treatment option for women suffering from chronic bladder pain.
How similar studies have gone: While PEMF therapy is a relatively novel approach for this specific condition, similar non-invasive therapies have shown promise in other pain management studies.
Where this research is happening
-
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Winston-Salem, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Walker, Stephen — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Walker, Stephen
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding spinal cord cell roles in bladder pain and function
A study to map which spinal cord cells process bladder sensations and how they contribute to bladder pain and voiding problems in IC/BPS.
-
How bladder support cells control the lining and bladder pain
Researchers are exploring whether special support cells in the bladder control nerve overgrowth and damage to the bladder lining in people with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS).
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Personalized treatments for bladder pain (interstitial cystitis)
A treatment approach aiming at the underlying causes of bladder pain for people with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome.
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Spinal cord cell types that drive bladder pain in interstitial cystitis (IC/BPS)
Researchers will use precise lab tools to find which spinal cord cells cause bladder pain and troublesome urination in people with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS).
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Understanding and treating bladder pain syndrome
This study is looking at interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) to find out more about different types of patients based on their symptoms, so we can create better, personalized treatments that really help with their pain and urinary issues.
-
Understanding how spinal cord cells affect bladder pain and function
This study is looking at how different types of cells in the spinal cord help process bladder pain and function in people with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, with the hope of finding better treatments for those who suffer from this condition.
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.