Exploring nerve stimulation therapy for bladder pain syndrome in women
Official title: Evaluation of Pulsed Radiofrequency Ablation of the Superior Hypogastric Plexus for Treatment of Bladder Pain Syndrome: A Case Series
Run by Walter Reed National Military Medical Center · NCT06204874 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a new nerve stimulation therapy can help women with bladder pain syndrome feel less pain compared to a placebo treatment.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 5 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Bethesda, Maryland) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | April 30, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06204874 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are women aged 18 and older diagnosed with bladder pain syndrome.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with active pelvic malignancies, current neurostimulation devices, or certain medical conditions 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 investigates the effectiveness of electrical energy directed at the superior hypogastric plexus to alleviate symptoms of bladder pain syndrome (BPS) in women over 18. Participants will undergo a procedure involving pulsed radiofrequency ablation or a sham treatment, with evaluations conducted at the Walter Reed Chronic Pain clinic. The study aims to determine if this nerve stimulation approach can significantly reduce pain compared to a placebo over a six-month period. The trial is designed to address the lack of universally effective treatments for BPS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could provide significant pain relief for women suffering from bladder pain syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have suggested that nerve stimulation therapies may alleviate symptoms of bladder pain syndrome, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Female sex * Age greater than or equal to 18 * Diagnosis of Bladder Pain Syndrome as evidenced by score greater than or equal to six on O'Leary-Sant Voiding and Pain Indices * DEERS-eligible health care beneficiaries Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with current enabled implantable neurostimulation (i.e. transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation unit, Interstim) * Current active pelvic or gynecologic malignancy * Coagulation disorder * Local infection at injection site * Sepsis * Decompensated cardiac or hemodynamic disorders * Neurogenic bladder and patients with spinal cord injury * Current pregnancy * Structural abnormalities of the spine that prevent performance of the procedure * Intravesical onabotulinumtoxin A injection within the last 3 months
Where it's running
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Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Eli Medvescek, MD — Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Eli Medvescek, MD
- Email: eli.d.medvescek.mil@health.mil
- Phone: 520-780-6888
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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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.