NCT06388590 · David Moss
Acupuncture for Chronic Pelvic Pain
What this study is about
The objective of this study is to determine if alternative pain management strategies, namely acupuncture, may help reduce intensity of female pelvic pain compared to other pain control modalities.
View original scientific description
The objective of this study is to determine if alternative pain management strategies, namely acupuncture, may help reduce intensity of female pelvic pain compared to other pain control modalities. This research study will focus specifically on the Dragon's protocol of acupuncture which will seek to alleviate chronic non-endometriosis pelvic pain for women both with and without a history of sexual assault. This study may support evidence for an inexpensive alternative means of treatment for patients with or without traumatic sexual history and chronic pelvic pain.
Interventions
OTHER
Dragons
The Dragons Script will be read to the subjects by the provider administering treatment. Subjects will receive their Acupuncture treatment with Dragons protocol.
OTHER
Standard of Care
Standard of care therapies including physical therapy, psychotherapy, behavioral health, typical primary care management, etc. as deemed appropriate by the primary care provider for 4 weeks prior to study intervention.
Primary outcome measures
Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS)
Time frame: Visit 1 (Week 0)
The DVPRS consists of an 11-point numerical rating scale with 0 indicating no pain and 10 indicating severe pain. It has been confirmed for reliability and validity in measuring both acute and chronic pain and is currently the standard for pain measurement throughout DoD and VA health systems. The DVPRS has demonstrated linear scale qualities allowing parametric methods to be used.
Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS)
Time frame: Visit 2 (Week 4)
The DVPRS consists of an 11-point numerical rating scale with 0 indicating no pain and 10 indicating severe pain. It has been confirmed for reliability and validity in measuring both acute and chronic pain and is currently the standard for pain measurement throughout DoD and VA health systems. The DVPRS has demonstrated linear scale qualities allowing parametric methods to be used.
Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS)
Time frame: Visit 3 (Week 5)
The DVPRS consists of an 11-point numerical rating scale with 0 indicating no pain and 10 indicating severe pain. It has been confirmed for reliability and validity in measuring both acute and chronic pain and is currently the standard for pain measurement throughout DoD and VA health systems. The DVPRS has demonstrated linear scale qualities allowing parametric methods to be used.
Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS)
Time frame: Visit 4 (Week 6)
The DVPRS consists of an 11-point numerical rating scale with 0 indicating no pain and 10 indicating severe pain. It has been confirmed for reliability and validity in measuring both acute and chronic pain and is currently the standard for pain measurement throughout DoD and VA health systems. The DVPRS has demonstrated linear scale qualities allowing parametric methods to be used.
Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS)
Time frame: Visit 5 (Week 7)
The DVPRS consists of an 11-point numerical rating scale with 0 indicating no pain and 10 indicating severe pain. It has been confirmed for reliability and validity in measuring both acute and chronic pain and is currently the standard for pain measurement throughout DoD and VA health systems. The DVPRS has demonstrated linear scale qualities allowing parametric methods to be used.
Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS)
Time frame: Visit 6 (Week 11)
The DVPRS consists of an 11-point numerical rating scale with 0 indicating no pain and 10 indicating severe pain. It has been confirmed for reliability and validity in measuring both acute and chronic pain and is currently the standard for pain measurement throughout DoD and VA health systems. The DVPRS has demonstrated linear scale qualities allowing parametric methods to be used.
Female Genitourinary Pain Index (GUPI)
Time frame: Visit 1 (Week 0)
GUPI is a validated instrument to assess the degree of symptoms in both men and women with genitourinary pain complaints. It has a range of 0 to 45 and has also demonstrated linear scale qualities allowing parametric methods to be used.
Female Genitourinary Pain Index (GUPI)
Time frame: Visit 2 (Week 4)
GUPI is a validated instrument to assess the degree of symptoms in both men and women with genitourinary pain complaints. It has a range of 0 to 45 and has also demonstrated linear scale qualities allowing parametric methods to be used.
Female Genitourinary Pain Index (GUPI)
Time frame: Visit 3 (Week 5)
GUPI is a validated instrument to assess the degree of symptoms in both men and women with genitourinary pain complaints. It has a range of 0 to 45 and has also demonstrated linear scale qualities allowing parametric methods to be used.
Female Genitourinary Pain Index (GUPI)
Time frame: Visit 4 (Week 6)
GUPI is a validated instrument to assess the degree of symptoms in both men and women with genitourinary pain complaints. It has a range of 0 to 45 and has also demonstrated linear scale qualities allowing parametric methods to be used.
Female Genitourinary Pain Index (GUPI)
Time frame: Visit 5 (Week 7)
GUPI is a validated instrument to assess the degree of symptoms in both men and women with genitourinary pain complaints. It has a range of 0 to 45 and has also demonstrated linear scale qualities allowing parametric methods to be used.
Female Genitourinary Pain Index (GUPI)
Time frame: Visit 6 (Week 11)
GUPI is a validated instrument to assess the degree of symptoms in both men and women with genitourinary pain complaints. It has a range of 0 to 45 and has also demonstrated linear scale qualities allowing parametric methods to be used.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Active Duty and DoD Female Beneficiaries (i.e. former military, spouse, dependent) aged 21-65 with chronic pelvic pain
- Have negative laparoscopic findings for endometriosis
Exclusion criteria
- Severe mental health disorders to include any disorder with psychotic features (e.g schizophrenia, bipolar, schizoaffective disorder)
- Pelvic pain as a result of severe physical trauma (excluding sexual assault) such as traumatic childbirth, pelvic fractures or any other trauma as determined by the PI or AI.
Where
- Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Apr 14, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations