Research Update: Exploring Electro-Acupuncture for Pelvic Pain
Study Update: Progress in Our Electro-Acupuncture Research for Pelvic Pain
I’m delighted to provide a further update on our clinical research exploring whether electro-acupuncture can help alleviate pelvic pain in women with suspected endometriosis or persistent gynaecological pain.
This project is being led by myself in partnership with the Gynaecology Department at St. Olavs Hospital in Trondheim, Norway. The aim is to investigate how acupuncture may support women living with chronic pelvic pain, particularly during the period before surgical assessment or further medical intervention.
An Important Step Forward: Completion of the First Cohort
The first phase of the study has now been completed, with 14 women finishing the treatment protocol.
All participants enrolled in this initial cohort experience moderate to significant pelvic pain and are currently awaiting additional investigation or surgery. Completing this stage confirms that the treatment schedule is practical, manageable for participants, and well tolerated overall.
Reaching this milestone allows us to move confidently into the next phase of recruitment.
Understanding Electro-Acupuncture
Electro-acupuncture builds on traditional acupuncture techniques.
Fine, sterile needles are inserted at carefully selected points on the body. A low-level electrical stimulation is then applied through the needles. The sensation is typically described as gentle — often compared to a light pulsing or subtle buzzing feeling.
All sessions are carefully supervised to prioritise comfort, safety, and participant wellbeing.
What Participation Looks Like
Women allocated to the treatment group receive:
- Nine electro-acupuncture sessions across three weeks
- Each appointment lasts approximately 30 minutes
- Treatment takes place while participants are awaiting further medical investigation or surgery
Participants also complete structured questionnaires before and after the treatment phase. These help us assess changes in pain intensity, daily functioning, and overall quality of life.
Early Observations
While full data analysis is still underway, initial impressions from the first cohort are positive:
- Session attendance has been high
- Engagement with questionnaires and follow-up has been strong
- The treatment protocol has been safely delivered and well tolerated
As always, individual responses differ, and any conclusions about effectiveness will be based on careful statistical and qualitative analysis.
Why This Work Is Needed
Chronic pelvic pain and suspected endometriosis can significantly affect physical health, work life, relationships, sleep, and emotional wellbeing.
Although many women seek acupuncture privately, high-quality research within hospital environments remains limited. This study seeks to build clearer evidence about whether electro-acupuncture may offer supportive benefits alongside conventional medical care.
The Next Phase
With the first group complete, the research now progresses into its next stage.
- Recruitment for Cohort 2 is currently underway
- Treatment for this group will begin after Easter
- Participants will continue to be monitored over time
The study will analyse both:
- Quantitative outcomes, including pain scores and quality-of-life measures
- Qualitative findings, exploring women’s personal experiences of treatment
We anticipate sharing initial findings later this year with patients, healthcare professionals, and the wider medical community.
