CompletedPhase 1

Provoked, Localized Vulvodynia Treatment With Acupuncture and Lidocaine Pilot Study

United States19 participantsStarted 2013-11

Plain-language summary

The investigators research project is a randomized, controlled, single-blinded, feasibility pilot study. The investigators will study the feasibility of a novel treatment for women with Provoked Localized Vulvodynia (PLV) with acupuncture and 5% lidocaine cream. Lidocaine is a numbing agent and common first treatment for this disorder. Acupuncture is a treatment commonly used for other pain disorders. The investigators will compare two types of acupuncture (classical and non-classical) as a treatment for PLV, in addition to 5% lidocaine cream. Researchers want to determine if acupuncture is acceptable and convenient to women with PLV. The investigators hypothesize that classical acupuncture and 5% lidocaine cream will be better than non-classical acupuncture and 5% lidocaine cream to decrease PLV pain.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 45 Years

Sex

FEMALE

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Literate, English speaking, premenopausal, women meeting Friedrich's criteria for Provoked, localized vulvodynia * Reported introital dyspareunia longer than three months duration; * Average pain score greater than 4 on Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at enrollment with cotton swab test and Tampon Test; * Able to insert an Original Regular Tampax™ tampon. Exclusion Criteria: * Co-existing conditions leading to dyspareunia including generalized unprovoked vulvodynia, atrophic vaginitis, vulvovaginal dermatoses (e.g. lichen sclerosus), or genital infection (e.g. herpes simplex virus or yeast infection). * Pregnant or postpartum and breastfeeding; * Use of neuromodulator medications (e.g. Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), Tricyclic Antidepressants, or anti-seizure medications) started in the last six months. If taken for longer, must be on a stable dose for at least six months and still report moderate to severe pain. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are allowed; * Postmenopausal as defined by surgical or natural menopause (no menses for 12 months); * Chronic pelvic pain defined as daily, non-menstrual pain in pelvis or lower abdomen for longer than three months duration; * Must be able to refrain from other treatments for PLV including non-traditional options (e.g. other medications, physical therapy, sex therapy, acupuncture, naturopathic remedies) during the course of the study (6 months). * Use of SNRIs, lidocaine, or acu…

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Tampon Test

Timeframe: Weeks 1 and 12 study period

Trial details

NCT IDNCT01996384

SponsorOregon College of Oriental Medicine

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2016-03

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Provoked, Localized Vulvodynia trials