Researchers at the University of Aberdeen and NHS Grampian are launching a five-year clinical trial to evaluate a specialized pain management approach for endometriosis, a chronic inflammatory condition affecting millions of women worldwide. The study, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, will assess whether a personalized endometriosis-specific pain management programme (e-PMP) can improve quality of life for patients whose symptoms remain poorly controlled despite existing treatments.
Endometriosis occurs when cells similar to those lining the womb develop in other areas of the body, including the bowel and lungs, creating inflammatory sores. The condition differs from typical period pain and can cause debilitating symptoms that impact relationships, employment, education, and mental health. Patients often experience long diagnostic delays and currently have no cure, leaving many to manage severe pain with limited effective options.
The trial will recruit pre-menopausal women who will either receive the new pain management programme alongside standard care or standard care alone over a 12-week period. The e-PMP integrates cognitive behavioural therapy-informed psychotherapy, specialist physiotherapy, guidance on relationships and communication, and medication management designed to reduce side effects. Researchers will compare outcomes between the two groups to determine whether the tailored, interdisciplinary approach offers meaningful long-term benefits.
Dr. Lucky Saraswat, lead consultant for Aberdeen Endometriosis Centre, noted that many women continue suffering even after surgery or medication. The study aims to determine whether a comprehensive pain management strategy can provide relief for those seeking alternatives to repeated surgical interventions or hormonal therapies, particularly women planning pregnancy. Beyond clinical outcomes, researchers will also evaluate the cost effectiveness of the approach, with hopes that effective results could establish e-PMP as a new treatment standard for endometriosis management.
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