Pain-related learning and memory processes in women with endometriosis

What is the background to the study? 

The study aims to obtain new scientific research findings by comparing patients with endometriosis and healthy volunteers.

Who can participate? 

Women between the ages of 18 and 40 can participate. We are looking for both healthy women who use hormonal contraception and women with confirmed endometriosis who are undergoing hormone therapy. How does the study work? Participation in the study consists of two appointments. After receiving information and giving your consent, you will be asked to fill out questionnaires.

During the second appointment, an MRI scan of the head will be performed to provide insights into the structure and functioning of the brain. This will be followed by a blood sample to determine inflammation parameters and hormone status. Since abdominal pain differs from other types of pain, this study uses a pain model with rectal stretch stimuli via a balloon catheter to obtain results that are as realistic as possible. These pain stimuli are matched with unpleasant sounds. Images of shapes are shown on a monitor for this purpose. During the measurement, you will be asked several times to evaluate the various stimuli and answer questions about your emotional experience and mood.

What benefits can be expected from this study? 

We hope to gain insights, particularly regarding the mechanisms of learning processes in connection with pain that can lead to altered perception and processing of pain stimuli. In the long term, this may contribute to understanding altered perception and evaluation processes in patients with endometriosis. 

Expense allowance

Each participant will receive an expense allowance of €200 for taking part in the study. 

You can find the flyer for our study here 

Have we sparked your interest? Then please send us an email with the subject line "Endometriosis" to studienteilnahme@medpsych.rub.de

Contact

Thomas Penack
Abteilung für Medizinische Psychologie und Medizinische Soziologie
Ruhr-Universität Bochum
Universitätsstr. 105
44789 Bochum

studienteilnahmemedpsych.rub "«@&.de(Subject: „Endometriose“)