Current endometriosis treatments may not always provide symptom relief. Previous research has shown promising results on the effect of acupuncture for reducing endometriosis-related pain, however, they lack the evidence on follow-up and use different methods than the one utilised in this research study. 

Researchers at Western Sydney University are running a clinical trial to explore whether three months of Traditional Chinese Medicine-style acupuncture can help reduce endometriosis-related symptoms, including pain. The study aims to compare two different types of acupuncture in addition to usual care (i.e. participants can adhere to their medication regime). This trial is designed to address previous research shortcomings and generate high-quality evidence to better understand the potential benefits of acupuncture.

Endometriosis and Acupuncture_WSU

 

Who can participate?

You may be eligible to participate if you are:

  • Aged between 18 and 45 years,
  • Currently live in Sydney,
  • Have a confirmed diagnosis of endometriosis via laparoscopy, laparotomy with or without histological confirmation, specialised transvaginal ultrasound scans (TVUSS), or ovarian endometrioma detected by imaging (MRI, ultrasound) in the past five years,
  • Affected with pelvic pain significant enough to seek medical attention,
  • Did not have an endometriosis-related surgery in the last three months,
  • Did not have acupuncture treatments within the last three months,
  • Did not change any daily endometriosis-specific medication, such as hormonal treatment, within the last three months (pain medication for pain flare-ups is exempted from this),
  • Do not have a phobia of needles,
  • Do not intend to become pregnant within the next seven months.

What does the research involve?

After an initial assessment of eligibility and consent to participate, participants will enter a one-month screening period when they will be asked to:

  • Complete a series of questionnaires on a mobile phone, tablet or computer on their endometriosis symptoms and their impact on life and wellbeing prior to starting the acupuncture treatments.
  • Visit a local pathology centre to have a blood test.

In the 12 weeks intervention period, participants will:

  • Receive 12 free acupuncture treatments once a week for 12 weeks.
  • Are required to complete a weekly questionnaire on their endometriosis symptoms on a mobile phone, tablet or computer.

Once the acupuncture treatments are completed, participants will be asked to:

  • Have another blood test.
  • Complete questionnaires similar to those completed before undergoing the treatment and complete questions on treatment satisfaction. 

After treatment completion, the team will follow up with the participants for three months. This is to assess any changes in symptoms that continue after treatment completion. Participants will be asked to: 

  • Continue completing a weekly questionnaire on endometriosis symptoms on a mobile phone, tablet or computer.

  • Complete a final set of questionnaires on their endometriosis symptoms and wellbeing once at the end of the follow-up period.

    You may be invited to participate in an interview of 30-60 minutes on your experience of receiving acupuncture in this clinical trial. This interview is completely voluntary, and the research team will provide further information at the time. 

In total, it is expected that the study will take about: 

  • 9-10 hours in total for the acupuncture treatments, requiring the participant’s physical presence at NICM Health Research Institute.
  • Approximately 4 hours in total spread across 7 months to fill in questionnaires.
  • 30 minutes for the two blood tests, and
  • Approximately 30-60 minutes for the voluntary interview. 

How do I get involved?

If you are interested, please click on the link below to complete the online screening survey.

Click here