Group care program for treating endometriosis-related pain
Official title: Interdisciplinary Group Care for the Treatment of Endometriosis-associated Pain: the Peer Empowered Endometriosis Pain Support (PEEPS) Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Washington University School of Medicine · NCT06549985 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new group care program called PEEPS to see if it can help people aged 18 to 48 with endometriosis-related pain feel better compared to those who just get regular support.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 48 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Washington University School of Medicine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (St Louis, Missouri) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 17, 2025 |
| Main results expected | September 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | September 30, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | December 26, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06549985 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are women aged 18-48 with a confirmed diagnosis of endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain lasting six months or more.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are currently pregnant, have severe physical impairments, or a history of psychiatric disorders 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 evaluates the effectiveness of the Peer Empowered Endometriosis Pain Support (PEEPS) program, an 8-week interdisciplinary group care initiative aimed at reducing pain interference in individuals aged 18 to 48 with endometriosis-associated chronic pelvic pain. Participants will engage in group sessions that incorporate integrative care strategies, including pelvic floor physical therapy and mindfulness techniques. The study compares outcomes between those receiving PEEPS alongside usual care and those receiving educational support with usual care, assessing improvements in pain, physical function, and quality of life through surveys and feedback mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly reduce pain and improve the quality of life for patients suffering from endometriosis-related pain.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using integrative group care approaches for chronic pain management, suggesting potential success for this novel program.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-48 years * Operative confirmation of endometriosis * Chronic pelvic pain (pain perceived to originate from the pelvis, not exclusively during menses, lasting ≥6 months) * No plan to have surgery before or during the PEEPS cohort * Able to attend at least six of the eight 2-hour weekly sessions on the Washington University campus * Comfort reading and speaking English as groups and materials are in English Exclusion Criteria: * Currently pregnant * Severe physical impairment (limiting yoga participation) * History of hip or spine surgery given increased risk of harm and need for extensive activity modification * Current or history of psychiatric disorder with psychosis in order to minimize risk of adverse mental health effects to participants * Opioid use ≥ 5 days in the past 3 months, other than for the 6-week post-operative period * History of surgical removal of bilateral ovaries
Where it's running
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WashU Medicine
St Louis, Missouri, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Whitney Ross, MD — Washington University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Whitney Ross, MD
- Email: ross.w@email.wustl.edu
- Phone: 314-747-5470
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Personalized Exercise Recommendations for Chronic Pelvic Pain
This study tests if an AI-powered, personalized exercise plan can help people with chronic pelvic pain see if tailored workouts work better than standard guidance.
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Samphire Guided Care for Wellbeing at Work
This study tests a 12-week digital program with at-home neuromodulation to see if it helps women with menstrual or perimenopausal symptoms feel better at work and in daily life.
-
Electroacupuncture for pelvic pain in women with suspected endometriosis
This study tests whether a series of electroacupuncture sessions can reduce pelvic pain in women awaiting diagnostic laparoscopy for suspected endometriosis.
-
Franco-European Institute of Endometriosis long-term outcomes cohort
This cohort will follow women with confirmed pelvic endometriosis to see if different medical and surgical treatments lead to better long-term symptoms, quality of life, recurrence rates, and fertility outcomes.
-
Estradiol-linked inflammation and nerve sensitization in endometriosis pelvic pain treated with relugolix
This study will try relugolix combination therapy to see if it reduces pelvic pain, inflammation, and pain sensitivity in premenopausal women with moderate-to-severe endometriosis-related pelvic pain.
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Comparing different techniques to treat endometriosis
This study is testing different methods to treat endometriosis, like laser and heat techniques, to see which one works best for relieving pain in women who are already having surgery for the condition.
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.