Effect of herb-partitioned moxibustion on pain and quality of life in women with endometriosis: a protocol for a randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of herb-partitioned moxibustion (HPM) on pain and quality of life in women with endometriosis. METHODS: Thirty-six patients will be randomly assigned to a treatment group or a wait-list control group. The treatment group will receive 12 sessions of HPM in the lower abdomen and lumbosacral region for 3 months. Wait-list participants will not receive any specific treatments until the trial is completed. RESULTS: The primary outcome measure is pain intensity assessed by a Visual Analogue Scale at baseline, months 1, 2, and 3 in the treatment period, and months 4, 5, and 6 in the follow-up period. Secondary outcome measures include quality of life assessed by the Short Form 36 Health Survey, change in CA125, change in cyst diameter (assessed by ultrasound examination), and rescue medication dosage. CONCLUSION: This study will provide evidence to confirm if HPM may be used as a therapeutic option for treating endometriosis.