This study will test whether gentle electrical stimulation to nerves near the uterus can reduce pelvic pain after uterine fibroid embolization. The investigators hypothesize that participants receiving active TUNES stimulation will experience lower pain levels and improved early recovery compared to those receiving sham stimulation or standard care.
Female, 28-52 years of age
Scheduled to undergo uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) at Weill Cornell Medicine
Able to provide informed consent
Willing to comply with all study procedures and follow-up
Known or suspected pregnancy
Active pelvic infection
History of pelvic inflammatory disease within the past 6 months
Implanted electrical device (e.g., pacemaker, neurostimulator)
Parallel
TUNES (Transmucosal Uterosacral Electrical Stimulation)
DeviceThe TUNES device delivers low-amplitude transvaginal electrical stimulation (0-10 mA, 80-120 Hz, 100-200 µs pulse width) through stainless steel electrodes embedded in a modified menstrual disc. The device targets sensory nerves near the uterosacral ligaments and Frankenhauser plexus involved in pelvic pain signaling. It is powered by an FDA-cleared portable TENS unit (TENS 7000®). The stimulation is administered in 20-minute sessions each hour for up to 12 hours following uterine fibroid embolization (UFE).
Sham TUNES Device
DeviceA non-functioning version of the TUNES device that is identical in appearance, placement, and handling but delivers no electrical stimulation. It is used to maintain blinding and control for placebo effects.
Mean number of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) activations within 12 hours after uterine fibroid embolization
The mean number of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump activations (button presses) within the first 12 hours after uterine fibroid embolization will be recorded. This measure reflects the frequency of patient-initiated pain medication use and serves as a quantitative indicator of post-procedural pain intensity. The mean number of activations will be compared across the active TUNES, sham TUNES, and control arms.
Mean stimulation intensity over time during TUNES therapy
For participants in the active and sham TUNES arms, the average stimulation intensity (measured in mA) will be recorded hourly during the 0-12 hour period following UFE. This measure assesses tolerance, comfort, and consistency of device use throughout this post-UFE window.
Mean visual analog scale (VAS) pain score within 23 hours after uterine fibroid embolization
Pain intensity will be measured using a standard 0-10 visual analog scale (VAS), where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst pain imaginable. VAS scores will be collected periodically during the first 23 hours post-UFE. The mean VAS score will be compared across the active TUNES, sham TUNES, and control arms to evaluate potential differences in perceived pain.
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