Study Comparing Warm Meridians and Pain Relief Patches for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Sequelae and Chronic Pelvic Pain in Women Aged 18 to 50

What this Trial Is About

Chronic Pelvic Pain is a common gynecological symptom characterized by persistent, non-periodic pain in the pelvic area and surrounding tissues. It often occurs as a result of pelvic inflammatory disease that was not treated properly or in time. This research aims to compare the effects of warm meridians and relieve pain plasters in easing symptoms related to the sequelae of pelvic inflammatory disease and chronic pelvic pain, specifically in women with the cold dampness stasis type. The study also evaluates the safety of both improved and traditional patches to support their use in community hospitals. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups an improved warm meridians and relieve pain plaster group, a traditional warm meridians and relieve pain plaster group, or a placebo plaster group. Each group applies their assigned acupoint patch to the navel starting from the 1st to 3rd day after menstrual bleeding stops. The patch is worn for 6 to 8 hours before bedtime daily, with one day off, for 10 times per menstrual cycle, completing two consecutive cycles of treatment. The patches contain different herbal mixtures or placebo substances designed to assess therapeutic effects. During the study, participants undergo evaluations at baseline, after two menstrual cycles of treatment about 8 weeks, and during a follow-up period of about 12 weeks. Assessments include pain improvement using a visual analogue scale, traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores, physical signs, pelvic imaging for masses and fluid, and quality of life questionnaires. Researchers also record any recurrence of abdominal pain and adverse events. The total study duration allows careful monitoring of symptom changes and safety in women aged 18 to 50 years with chronic pelvic pain linked to pelvic inflammatory disease.

Clinical Trial of Acupoint Application in Improving the Sequelae of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and Chronic Pelvic Pain