PEMF therapy for women with bladder pain syndrome

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

NA · Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NCT05149573

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.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment75 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexFemale
SponsorWake Forest University Health Sciences (other)
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Winston-Salem, North Carolina)
Trial IDNCT05149573 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the safety and effectiveness of low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy as a non-invasive treatment for female patients suffering from Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS). Participants will receive a PEMF device to assess its impact on reducing bladder and pelvic pain, as well as other urinary symptoms associated with IC/BPS. The study will collect data at various intervals, including baseline, 4 weeks, and up to 16 weeks post-enrollment, to evaluate the therapy's effectiveness over time. The research aims to address the chronic and often debilitating symptoms of IC/BPS, which can significantly impair quality of life.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are female adults with a clinical diagnosis of IC/BPS and a pain score of 6 or higher on a numeric rating scale.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of certain cancers, neurological disorders, or those currently pregnant may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could provide a non-drug option for managing chronic bladder pain and improve the quality of life for patients with IC/BPS.

How similar studies have performed: While PEMF therapy is a relatively novel approach for treating IC/BPS, similar non-invasive therapies have shown promise in other conditions, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Previously established clinical diagnosis of IC/PS
* Current numeric rating scale (NRS) score of ≥ 6
* History of cystoscopy with hydrodistension with bladder capacity determination under anesthesia
* No cognitive deficits

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of bladder, ovarian, vaginal cancer
* History of urethral diverticulum
* History of radiation cystitis
* History of spinal cord injury or spina bifida
* History of Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, or stroke
* Current placement of a pacemaker or metal prosthesis
* Active urinary tract infection
* BMI \> 40
* Residual urine of \> 100cc
* Current pregnant

Where this trial is running

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Interstitial Cystitis, Chronic Interstitial Cystitis, Bladder Pain Syndrome, interstitial cystitis, bladder pain syndrome, painful bladder syndrome, painful bladder, bladder pain

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.