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PelviStim: Accessible Neuromodulation Method for Pelvic Floor Disorders
- Program: Biomedical Engineering
- Course: EN.580.X12 BME Design Team
- Year: 2026
Project Description:
Over 116 million Americans suffer from pelvic floor disorders (PFDs), which significantly reduce quality of life. Current treatments range from medications with side effects to costly, invasive surgeries. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) of the tibial nerve has been shown to reduce PFD symptoms without these risks, but existing devices remain inaccessible: custom units cost over $500 with disposable pads, bulky designs create usage stigma, and reliable placement typically requires a pelvic health specialist.
PelviStim addresses these gaps with a wearable tibial nerve stimulator paired with a companion app. Reusable rubber electrodes eliminate recurring pad costs, app-guided placement leverages existing anatomical landmarks so untrained users can self-administer, and in-app tracking supports symptom monitoring and preset parameters. Usability testing (n=5) showed all users could begin stimulation in under 15 minutes with ≤3 fixed errors.

