NCT06369922 · University of Rochester
TENS Analgesia During Outpatient Urethral Bulking for Stress Urinary Incontinence.
(TENSUB)
What this study is about
This will be a where neither patients nor doctors know which treatment is given randomly assigned control trial in women with stress urinary incontinence who are undergoing an outpatient transurethral bulking procedure for stress urinary incontinence.
View original scientific description
This will be a double-blind randomized control trial in women with stress urinary incontinence who are undergoing an outpatient transurethral bulking procedure for stress urinary incontinence. Subjects will be identified by the University of Rochester urologists and urogynecologists participating in the study who currently oversee stress incontinence care. Subjects will be randomized into two groups. One group will be undergoing the cystoscopy with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for analgesia, and the second group will have the cystoscopy with placebo TENS.
Interventions
PROCEDURE
TENS
This device will then be used for deep transcutaneous nerve stimulation at the T10-L1 and S2-S4 levels. The device will be placed and activated 5 minutes before the procedure. and the device will remain active during the procedure and will be turned off as soon as the procedure is complete (the procedure typically takes 5-15 minutes). The TENS units have pre-program settings, improving convenience, reproducibility, and reliability. Study staff will be instructed to perform TENS using an "Acupuncture" mode on the provided TENS units. The amplitude will be adjusted to a comfortable sensation that does not cause pain using adhesive electrodes. One TENS unit is able to support 4 TENS electrodes. The TENS electrodes (8 cm x 5 cm) will be placed on bilateral paraspinal muscles. The intensity of the stimulation (Hz) will be adjusted to the subjective comfort of the subject.
PROCEDURE
Control TENS
This device will then be used for deep transcutaneous nerve stimulation at the T10-L1 and S2-S4 levels. The device will be placed and activated 5 minutes before the procedure. and the device will remain active during the procedure and will be turned off as soon as the procedure is complete (the procedure typically takes 5-15 minutes). The TENS units have pre-program settings, improving convenience, reproducibility, and reliability. Study staff will be instructed to perform TENS using an "Acupuncture" mode on the provided TENS units. The amplitude will be adjusted to a comfortable sensation that does not cause pain using adhesive electrodes. One TENS unit is able to support 4 TENS electrodes. The TENS electrodes (8 cm x 5 cm) will be placed on bilateral paraspinal muscles. The intensity of the stimulation (Hz) will be adjusted to the subjective comfort of the subject.
Primary outcome measures
Mean pain measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Time frame: Before procedure
The VAS for pain consists of a 100-mm-long horizontal line where 0-mm equals no pain and 100-mm equals worst possible pain.
Mean pain measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Time frame: Approximately 2-5 minutes into the procedure
The VAS for pain consists of a 100-mm-long horizontal line where 0-mm equals no pain and 100-mm equals worst possible pain.
Mean pain measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Time frame: within 10 minutes after procedure
The VAS for pain consists of a 100-mm-long horizontal line where 0-mm equals no pain and 100-mm equals worst possible pain.
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
- • Women, Age ≥18 years
- Diagnosis of SUI
- Scheduled to undergo transurethral bulking in the office
- Able to read/write English
Exclusion criteria
- • Cutaneous damage such as ulcers or broken skin on target treatment area
- Currently implanted cardiac pacemaker or defibrillator
- Pre-procedural use of opioids for pain management, less than 8 hours from last dose
- Participants with altered sensation below the umbilicus
Where
- Rochester, New York
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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 May 13, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations