Using non-invasive electromagnetic therapy to treat bladder pain in women

Investigation of Non-Invasive Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) Therapy for Female Patients with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS)

['FUNDING_R01'] · WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-10817858

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

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorWAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded)
Locations1 site (WINSTON-SALEM, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10817858 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adult females diagnosed with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome who experience significant pain.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

WINSTON-SALEM, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.