Using electrical stimulation to relieve chronic pain from endometriosis
Official title: High Frequency, High Intensity Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Endometriosis-related Chronic Pain - a Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Göteborg University · NCT05152264 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether using electrical stimulation can help relieve chronic pain in people with endometriosis better than regular pain medications.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Göteborg University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Gothenburg) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 12, 2021 |
| Main results expected | December 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2028 |
| Registry record updated | May 23, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05152264 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are women aged 18 and older with verified endometriosis and chronic pain lasting more than three months.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with pacemakers, impaired sensation in the painful area, or serious psychiatric illnesses 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 study evaluates the effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) as an additional treatment for patients suffering from chronic pain related to endometriosis. Participants experiencing frequent and intense pain will be randomized to receive either TENS or conventional analgesic treatment for 8 weeks, while an external control group will consist of patients with less frequent pain. All participants will ultimately receive TENS treatment for a total of 16 weeks to assess both acute and long-term effects. The study aims to provide insights into optimal TENS application for pain relief in this patient population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a safer and more effective pain management option for patients with endometriosis-related chronic pain.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited knowledge on TENS for this specific condition, similar approaches have shown promise in managing chronic pain in other contexts.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥18 years * Consents to participation in the study * Verified endometriosis (by laparoscopy or ultrasound). * Chronic endometriosis-related pain (\> 3 months), available for TENS treatment * Functioning, stable endometriosis-specific hormonal drug therapy. The endometriosis-specific drug therapy must be unchanged for the last 3 months and no gynecological surgical procedures for the treatment of endometriosis are planned during the next 7 months (during study participation). The endometriosis-specific drug therapy does not refer to analgesic therapy for symptom relief of endometriosis-related pain. Exclusion Criteria: * Patient with inability to understand and use written and spoken Swedish * Patient with pacemaker and/or ICD or other electronic implants * Patient with impaired sensation over the painful area * Malignant disease with an expected survival \<12 months * Alcohol or substance abuse * Serious untreated psychiatric illness and/or psychological condition that is the primary determinant of the patient's condition * Participating in another intervention study with possible impact on current study outcome measures * Patient who is using \>90 morphine equivalents/day * Patient who is electro-acupuncture * Pregnancy
Where it's running
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Pain Centre, Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine Östra, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland
Gothenburg, Sweden Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Paulin Andéll, MD — Göteborgs Universitet/Västra Götalands Regionen
- Study coordinator: Paulin Andréll, MD, PhD
- Email: paulin.andrell@gu.se
- Phone: +46-31-3438259
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Evaluating physical therapy for endometriosis pain management
This study is testing if a mix of education about pain and specific exercises can help women with endometriosis feel less pain and improve their quality of life.
-
GenSci048 for moderate to severe endometriosis pain
This study will test if GenSci048 reduces moderate to severe endometriosis pain in premenopausal women.
-
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Pain from Endometriosis
This study is testing if Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can help women with endometriosis who have been in pain for a long time feel better while they wait for surgery.
-
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.
-
Exploring the connection between the jaw joint and pelvis in women with certain health issues
This study is testing if a special therapy can help women with prolapse and endometriosis-related pain by looking at how the jaw joint and pelvis are connected.
-
Using a smartphone app to track pain and mood changes
This study is testing a smartphone app to track pain and mood changes in people with chronic pain and healthy individuals to see how these factors affect pain over time.
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.