Past Research

Working with the BGRU, we have conducted research into:

• Chronic pelvic pain
• Asherman’s syndrome
• Pudendal neuralgia
• MRI findings of pudendal neuralgia
• Botulinum toxin type A for the treatment of chronic pelvic pain
• Conservative treatment of pudendal neuralgia
• Outcomes of pudendal nerve block
• Multicultural projects: attitudes and experience of menopause among Macedonian, Greek, Chinese, Arabic, and Indian menopausal women living in South Eastern Sydney and the Illawarra area
• Non-hormonal treatments for menopausal symptoms
• Dose-ranging studies for herbal products
• Role of CAMS in treating menopausal symptoms in women from different ethnic groups
• Studies of devices being developed for contraception, urinary dysfunction & prolapse
• Pelvic floor physiotherapy pre and post gynaecological surgery
• Management of intercourse pain following treatment for breast cancer
• Low libio in premenopausal women – new medication

Quality of life after sacral neuromodulation for pelvic pain

This study was to determine how the surgical insertion of a sacral neuro-modulation device has helped people with chronic pelvic pain in their everyday lives. 6 males and 46 females were contacted and the survey was completed by 43 people (26 to 77 yrs). The most common complaint was pelvic pain with 40 people reporting this. Bladder issues, bowel issues and sexual dysfunction were the other complaints asked about and were fairly evenly reported.

10 people had the device removed for reasons stated as infection, allergy, ineffective and one person reported a worsening of their pain. Overall 33 people reported an improvement in their quality of life, 5 said there was no change and 2 reported worsened quality of life. 31 said they would have it done again, 4 said they regretted having the procedure and 5 said that they did not regret it, but had found no benefit. 

30 people reported their pain was better than before the neuromodulator, with 9 reporting improvement in bladder function, 12 in bowel function and 8 in sexual function. Open-access published article can be viewed here.

Treatment of hot flushes in women during or after breast cancer

The study aim is to assess the effectiveness and safety of a new medication to treat frequent hot flushes and night sweats in women who have a history of or current breast cancer. Recruitment is now complete and is now in the data analysis phase.

Investigational treatment for endometriosis-associated pain

WHRIA has completed recruitment for a clinical trial of Endometriosis –Associated Pain. This is a world-wide study and is now in the data analysis phase. 

Quality of life after pudendal nerve release surgery for pudendal nerve entrapment

The purpose of this study was to determine the outcomes after pudendal nerve release for pudendal nerve entrapment, looking at daily function as well as pain reduction. 

Menopause symptom control

The research team has carried out tests of hormonal and non-hormonal therapies for the control of hot flushes, night sweats and sleep disturbance. We have also been engaged in a long-term study into the control of hot flushes to enhance quality of life following breast cancer treatment.

New frontiers in contraception

We have conducted studies into the efficacy and tolerability of new contraceptive devices and techniques, and trialled a new oral contraceptive pill. One of the contraceptive devices we developed and tested on 86 women over five years has been given FDA approval in the US.

Osteoporosis and bone health

Over a five-year longitudinal project (1000 women screened, 100 recruited) we studied the effect of hormone therapy on the occurrence of spinal fracture among post-menopausal women with osteoporosis. We have also done research into the efficacy of various drugs designed to prevent menopausal bone loss.

Sexual desire, disorders and dysfunction

We have conducted several testosterone patch studies, a vaginal oestrogen study and a study of the effects of a non-hormonal therapy on vaginal dryness and painful sexual intercourse.

Pelvic pain, bleeding disorders and endometriosis

We are currently conducting pioneering research into the treatment of pelvic pain, uterine fibroids and endometriosis – including the development of an endometrial cell test, and a study of the efficacy of long-term use of botulinum toxin in relieving pelvic floor muscle spasm.

Metabolic and mood disorders

We have run studies of diabetes and weight loss, lipid-lowering agents, and the efficacy of complementary therapies in reducing anxiety.

If you’d like a full list of our research publications, please see our Research Team.

Pioneering treatments

WHRIA has been at the forefront of the development of a number of new, innovative methods for treating different aspects of women’s health.

EASE Trial

We trialled a new female sterilisation method that uses the Adiana trans-cervical device. EASE is a multi-centre, prospective evaluation of the Adiana System for trans-cervical sterilization using electro-thermal energy, in women aged 18-45.

Miniaturo™ Trial

We tested the safety and preliminary efficacy of the Miniaturo™-I system for the treatment of patients with urinary urge incontinence.

VizAblate Study

We conducted a preliminary safety and efficacy study into the VizAblate system for the treatment of uterine fibroid tumors.

Lignocaine gel study

With this study, we defined the pharmacokinetic properties of lignocaine gel applied topically for minor gynaecological procedures.

Sex

Painful sex. Low libido in premenopausal women.