CompletedNot Applicable

Acupuncture for Vasectomy Pre-procedural Anxiety and Pain Control in the Primary Care Setting

United States46 participantsStarted 2019-06-01

Plain-language summary

This study compares auricular (ear) acupuncture and body acupuncture (Koffman protocol) versus clinic standardized pre-vasectomy medications to determine which has better outcomes at improving pre-procedural anxiety and procedural pain relief and medication usage in adult male patients following vasectomy.

Who can participate

Age range

25 Years

Sex

MALE

See this in plain English?

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

\*\*Patients must be able to get care at Nellis Air Force Base (a military installation) in order to participate in this study\*\* Inclusion Criteria: * Male active duty members and DoD beneficiaries aged 25 years or older * Scheduled for a vasectomy Exclusion Criteria: * Repeat vasectomy * Chronic pain medication/benzodiazepine use * Current pain contract/pain management * Current anxiolytic medication * History of needle shock * Diagnosis of anxiety * Needle phobia * Blood/injury phobia * History of vasovagal reflex response

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

Change in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) -- Medication Arm

Timeframe: Day 0 (2x)

Change in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) -- Acupuncture Arm

Timeframe: Day 0 (2x)

Change in Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS)

Timeframe: Day: 0 (pre-procedure), 0 (post-procedure),1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03938415

SponsorMatthew Snyder

Sponsor typeFED

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-04-11

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Acupuncture trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

25 Years

Sex

MALE

See this in plain English?

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

What they're measuring

Change in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) -- Medication Arm

Timeframe: Day 0 (2x)

Change in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) -- Acupuncture Arm

Timeframe: Day 0 (2x)

Change in Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS)

Timeframe: Day: 0 (pre-procedure), 0 (post-procedure),1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14