Understanding pain in patients with endometriosis and pelvic pain

The Mechanisms Underlying Endometriosis Pain

Observational Washington University School of Medicine · NCT06101303

This study looks at what causes chronic pelvic pain in people with and without endometriosis and checks how pain and hormone levels change after surgery to remove endometriosis lesions.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages12 Years to 45 Years
SexFemale
SponsorWashington University School of Medicine Academic / other
Locations1 site (St Louis, Missouri)
Trial IDNCT06101303 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to identify factors contributing to chronic pelvic pain in patients with and without endometriosis. It will assess changes in pain and hormone levels following endometriosis lesion removal surgery. Participants will complete questionnaires and undergo psychophysical assessments to evaluate their pain responses. Additionally, blood, urine, and saliva samples will be collected to explore hormonal and immune factors related to pain.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are females aged 12-45 with pelvic pain who are scheduled for laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis diagnosis and/or treatment.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, planning a hysterectomy or oophorectomy, or have co-occurring vaginismus or vulvodynia may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies for patients suffering from endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in understanding pain mechanisms in endometriosis, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria:

* Patients with pelvic pain with and without endometriosis scheduled for an operative laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis diagnosis and/or treatment
* Age 12-45
* Females

Exclusion criteria:

* Pregnancy
* Planned hysterectomy or oophorectomy
* Co-occurring vaginismus and/or vulvodynia
* For patients aged 12-17 not having a parent/legal guardian willing to sign the consent and answer surveys about their child's health

Where this trial is running

St Louis, Missouri

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.
Conditions Pelvic PainEndometriosis
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.