Acupuncture for treating bladder pain syndrome in women
Official title: Acupuncture as First-line Therapy for Patients With Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome
Run by University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center · NCT06366269 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if acupuncture, along with some behavior changes, can help women with bladder pain syndrome feel better when other treatments haven't worked.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 89 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 34 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cleveland, Ohio) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 21, 2025 |
| Main results expected | October 2026 |
| Study ends | October 2026 |
| Registry record updated | January 8, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06366269 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are women who meet the criteria for interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome and have not previously undergone treatments such as acupuncture or pelvic floor physical therapy.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of recurrent urinary tract infections or those who have previously received specific bladder treatments may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture combined with behavioral management in treating women suffering from bladder pain syndrome, also known as interstitial cystitis, who have not received prior treatments. Participants will engage in six weeks of behavioral management and attend weekly acupuncture sessions, followed by physical therapy. The primary focus is to determine if acupuncture can significantly improve pain symptoms as measured by the Interstitial Cystitis Index. Surveys will be completed to assess changes in bladder pain symptoms throughout the study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a new, effective treatment option for women suffering from bladder pain syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: While acupuncture has been explored in various contexts, this specific combination of acupuncture and behavioral management for bladder pain syndrome is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Meets American Urologic Association (AUA) criteria for interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS): "An unpleasant sensation (pain, pressure, discomfort) perceived to be related to the urinary bladder, associated with lower urinary tract symptoms of more than 6 weeks duration, in the absence of other identifiable cause" * Negative urine culture * Has completed cystoscopic evaluation for IC/BPS Exclusion Criteria: * History of recurrent urinary tract infection (2 or more culture-positive in 6 months or 3 or more in 12 months) * History of overactive bladder * History of bleeding disorder or are currently on chronic anti-coagulation * Post-void residual \>100mL * Has previously undergone any of the following treatments for any indication: acupuncture, pelvic floor physical therapy, pre-tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS), sacral neuromodulation, or intradetrusor Botox * Prior bladder augmentation * Currently undergoing or will undergo treatment for a urologic or gynecologic malignancy * Currently pregnant (if applicable, based on self-report) * Implanted pacemaker or defibrillator (AICD) or any metallic implants below umbilicus (eg hip or knee replacements) * Non-English speaking and reading
Where it's running
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University Hospitals
Cleveland, Ohio, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: David Sheyn, MD — University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Jessica Abou Zeki
- Email: Jessica.AbouZeki@UHhospitals.org
- Phone: 216-286-0603
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Evaluating a catheter-free method for bladder medication delivery
This study is testing a new way to deliver bladder medication without a catheter to see if it’s more comfortable and safer for people with conditions like interstitial cystitis and recurrent urinary tract infections.
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Treatment of bladder pain using VNX001
This study is testing a new treatment called VNX001 to see if it can help people with moderate to severe bladder pain feel better.
-
Assessing pain types in treating bladder pain syndrome
This study is trying to see how different types of bladder pain affect how well people with bladder pain syndrome respond to pelvic floor physical therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
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Evaluating VNX001 for bladder pain relief in patients with interstitial cystitis
This study is testing if a new treatment called VNX001 can help relieve bladder pain in people with interstitial cystitis better than its individual ingredients or a placebo.
-
PEMF therapy for women with bladder pain syndrome
This study is testing if a new non-invasive treatment using pulsed electromagnetic fields can help women with bladder pain syndrome feel less pain and improve their urinary symptoms.
-
A program to ease pelvic pain through cognitive behavioral therapy
This study is testing a short program of cognitive behavioral therapy to see if it can help people with chronic pelvic pain feel better compared to regular patient education.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.