Investigation of Non-Invasive Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) Therapy for Female Patients With Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS)

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy for female adults with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS). IC/BPS is a chronic condition characterized by bladder and pelvic pain along with urinary symptoms, which significantly impact quality of life. The study addresses challenges due to the complex causes and symptom variability of IC/BPS and explores PEMF as a non-drug, non-invasive treatment option that may reduce pain and urinary symptoms over time. Participants will use a PEMF device at home consisting of a full body mat and a smaller pelvic pad. Treatment involves lying on the mat with the pad over the pelvic area and applying PEMF therapy twice daily for 8-minute sessions over 4 weeks. Study groups include active treatment with or without maintenance therapy and a sham device group that mimics the active device but emits no electromagnetic field. After the initial treatment, participants complete questionnaires at 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks post-enrollment while either discontinuing or continuing maintenance treatment. Participants will complete assessments including pain evaluation using the Brief Pain Inventory Short Form and symptom questionnaires at baseline and at each follow-up visit. Researchers will monitor changes in pelvic pain and urinary symptoms over the 16-week period. Safety and adherence are tracked through device use and electronic questionnaires. The total participation lasts about four months, with data collected at baseline, after treatment, and during follow-up.

Investigation of PEMF Therapy for Female Patients With IC/BPS