Vulvodynia Intervention: the Effect of Multimodal Treatment for Provoked Vulvodynia

Launched by KARLSTAD UNIVERSITY · May 12, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new treatment approach for women suffering from provoked vulvodynia, which is a condition that causes chronic pain in the vulvar area. The goal is to see if a combination of different treatments—called multimodal treatment—can help reduce pain and improve overall sexual and emotional well-being. Over four months, participants will engage in 11 sessions that include both online meetings and some in-person visits. These sessions will involve different healthcare professionals and may even include partners in two of the sessions.

To be eligible for this trial, women must be between 18 and 40 years old and diagnosed with provoked vulvodynia. They should not have severe psychological issues, be pregnant, or have given birth in the past year. Participants can expect to undergo a gynecological examination and psychological assessment at the start, followed by the treatment sessions. They will also fill out questionnaires about their pain and relationships and may participate in an interview about their experiences. This trial is currently recruiting participants, and it aims to gather valuable feedback from patients and healthcare providers on how well the treatment works and how it can be improved.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Biological sex: Female 18-40 years old Provoked vulvodynia
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Severe psychological issues that should be prioritized before vulvodynia treatment (e.g., substance abuse, psychosis)
• • Ongoing pregnancy
• • Childbirth within the last year
• • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to sexual trauma
• • Insufficient mastery of the Swedish language
• • No experience of vaginal sex, as vaginismus might be suspected, which requires different treatment