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Dry Needling for Provoked Vestibulodynia

Provoked Vestibulodynia

This is a randomized and controlled study investigating the feasibility and acceptability of a dry needling treatment for women suffering from provoked vestibulodynia. Following their enrollment in the study, participants will undergo a gynecological examination for confirmation of their diagnoses of provoked vestibulodynia. Women diagnosed with provoked vestibulodynia will be randomized into the dry needling group or the sham-needle group. The dry needling group will receive 6 sessions of real dry needling for 6 consecutive weeks. The sham group will receive 6 sessions of sham needling for 6 consecutive weeks, using a validated sham-needle. Outcomes measures will be assessed at baseline and at post-treatment and will include: feasibility and acceptability variables, pain intensity and quality, pain during palpation and pressure pain threshold, psychosexual variables, perceived improvement and satisfaction after the treatment as well as pelvic floor muscle stiffness and function.

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Participation Requirements

  • Sex:

    FEMALE

  • Eligible Ages:

    18 to 45

Participation Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of provoked vestibulodynia according to a standardised gynaecologic exam
* Moderate to severe pain (≥ 5/10) in at least 90% of sexual intercourses or attempted sexual intercourse for at least 3 months

Exclusion Criteria:

* Other causes of vulvo-vaginal pain (e.g., spontaneous vulvovaginal pain not related to sexual intercourse/contact, dermatological condition, herpes, vulvo-vaginal atrophy)
* Post-menopausal state
* Actual or past pregnancy in the last year
* Urogynecological conditions (e.g., pelvic organs prolapse (POP) ≥ 3, urinary/vaginal infection active or in the last 3 months)
* Previous vulvar, vaginal or pelvic surgery (e.g., vestibulectomy, corrective pelvic organs prolapse surgery)
* Prior use of dry needling or acupuncture treatments
* Fear of needles or any contraindication to needling therapies
* Changes of medication that could influence pain perception (e.g., analgesic, antidepressant) in the last 3 months
* Other medical conditions that could interfere with the study

Study Location

Research Center of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke
Research Center of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke
Sherbrooke, Quebec
Canada

Contact Study Team

Study Sponsored By
Université de Sherbrooke
Participants Required
More Information
Study ID: NCT05797480