Evaluating the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in managing chronic pelvic pain in endometriosis patients

INTRODUCTION: This study sought to assess the impact of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) prescribed by gynecologists in routine practice on pain, pelvic sensitization, quality of life, and catastrophization scores in patients with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain. METHODS: Thirty patients at the University Hospital of Rennes, France, diagnosed with endometriosis and experiencing chronic pelvic pain, received TENS between September 2022 and February 2023. Pain, pelvic sensitization, quality of life, catastrophization, and Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) were assessed using standardized and validated questionnaires before and after 1, 3, and 6 months of TENS device use. RESULTS: After 1 month of device use, minimal changes occurred as improvement in the perception of treatment effectiveness by patients, sleep quality, and well-being (BPI). However, after 3 months, a significant improvement was observed in all these measures, which persisted at 6 months. Specifically, pain intensity (numerical rating scale) significantly decreased (p = 0.029), pelvic sensitization decreased (p = 0.039), quality of life assessed by the EHP-5 score improved (p = 0.003), and catastrophization scores significantly decreased (p = 0.003). Patients also reported a notable improvement in their perception of treatment effectiveness, particularly in terms of its impact on work and interactions with others (BPI). CONCLUSIONS: TENS prescribed by gynecologists in routine practice may be effective in reducing pain, pelvic sensitization, and improving quality of life and catastrophization scores in patients with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain. These findings are very useful in daily practice, especially for patients waiting for pain management physicians.