Research
Research Focus
The focus of my research is to identify targeted non-pharmacological and non-surgical treatment methods to improve the quality of life and ease the suffering of women experiencing chronic pelvic pain. Chronic pelvic pain, including pelvic congestion syndrome, is a life-altering condition that affects the physical, emotional, social and sexual aspects in women.
Chronic Pelvic Pain
The long-term goal of my research to identify targeted non-pharmacological and non-surgical treatment to ease the suffering of women with chronic pelvic pain. I have a specific research interest in the treatment of women with pelvic congestion syndrome, regardless of medical/surgical treatment status.
I am currently working on two funded studies. The first study aimed to characterize the pain experienced and pain phenotypes of women diagnosed with pelvic congestion syndrome. The study was being guided by the UCSF Symptom Management Model to incorporate the person, health and illness status, and environment on the symptom experience, symptom management, and outcomes impacting an individual. Initial results were published in the Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing.
The second study aims to describe the lived experience of adult women suffering from pelvic congestion syndrome. Guided by phenomenology, my goal is to evaluate the direct experiences of women from their diagnosis to quality of life.