Acupuncture for Female With Non-cyclic Chronic Pelvic Pain
Acupuncture for Female With Non-cyclic Chronic Pelvic Pain
Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is one of the common symptoms of women at childbearing age. The aim
 of this study is to assess the efficacy of acupuncture for female with non-cyclic chronic
 pelvic pain. A three-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) using acupuncture, sham
 acupuncture and waiting list with a total sample of 150 will be conducted.
Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a persistent pain in pelvis, anterior abdominal wall, lower
 back, or buttocks lasting at least six months. According to a WHO epidemiological study, the
 worldwide prevalence rate of CPP in childbearing age women was 2.1%-24%. At present, nearly
 55% of the patients had unclear etiology, and there is no universally accepted diagnosis,
 evaluation and treatment. CPP is often associated with gynecological and non gynecological
 diseases, including endometriosis, abdominal visceral adhesion, myofascial pain and
 dysfunction, irritable bowel syndrome and interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. CPP
 are also accompanied by psychological and physiological dysfunction, the most common is
 depression and anxiety, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients.

 Acupuncture may have effect on non-cyclic CPP in female, however, there is a lack of evidence
 of effectiveness of acupuncture. A multi-center randomized three-armed controlled trial will
 be conducted. The aim of this study is assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for
 female patients with non-cyclic CPP.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Meet the diagnostic criteria of non-cyclic CPP.

 -  Age 18 to 50 years.

 -  Have moderate to severe pain in pelvis, anterior abdominal wall, lower back, or
 buttocks lasting at least six months.

 -  The mean degree of pelvic pain in the past week rated by Visual Analogue Scale is ≥40
 scores.

 -  Sign informed consent and participate in the study voluntarily.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Have endometriosis (including adenomyosis), ovarian cyst (larger than 3cm),
 hysteromyoma (larger than 3cm), severe pelvic adhesion, pelvic malignant tumor
 (relevant examination must be within the last 6 months).

 -  Have acute pelvic/urinary tract infection.

 -  Have pain after pelvic surgery.

 -  Have recurrent gastrointestinal or bladder diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome,
 interstitial cystitis / bladder pain syndrome, etc.

 -  During pregnancy or in lactation or have a pregnancy plan within 8 months.

 -  Have heart, lung, liver, kidney, mental disorders or cognitive dysfunction.

 -  Have acupuncture treatment in recent 3 months.