Our NIH funded laboratory (cureperiodpain.org), has developed new methods for identifying the cause of pelvic pain conditions. We utilize fMRI, ultrasonography and EEG to determine the causes of menstrual and bladder pain. Despite the high prevalence of dysmenorrhea (40-70% of American women), the fundamental biological causes remain unknown. A critical subset of these women suffering from menstrual pain do not respond to conventional treatments (such as non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs [NSAIDS]), and may be at further risk for developing chronic bladder pain, resulting in billions of dollars in lost productivity. A more complete model of the underlying mechanisms is urgently needed to guide drug discovery in dysmenorrhea. Our research program has focused on key gaps in this model: the role of uterine and neurological factors that contribute to pain severity. Our subjects are also undergoing longitudinal trials to test the effects of treatments for menstrual pain.

1) Investigate the relationship between physiological events in the uterus and bladder (contractions, oxygenation, and perfusion) and pain in humans with interstital cystitis and dysmenorrhea.

2) Characterize the effects of treatments such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and oral contraceptives on humans with bladder pain syndrome and dysmenorrhea.

3) Determine the role of neurological factors with EEG recordings during episodes of pain

We have already obtained fMRI, Ultrasound, and EEG recordings prospectively from substantially characterized women with dysmenorrhea and painful bladder syndrome. Students will have an opportunity to analyze the role of individual factors in dysmenorrhea and painful bladder syndrome from an already obtained dataset. This project provides an opportunity for learning approaches towards merging clinical and basic research. Medical students and resident physicians in the lab will also learn many fundamental principles of pain medicine and gynecology.

R, Excel, ImageJ (Additional software will be provided by our lab as needed.)

Our department holds a weekly grand rounds. Students and residents have also submitted abstracts and attended International Association for the Science of Pain, Anesthesiology, Society for Neuroscience, Society for Gynecological Investigation, International Pelvic Pain Society, Society for Neuroscience