This study is testing a new program to help women who have had pelvic radiation therapy to use vaginal dilators more regularly. Vaginal dilators are important tools that can help prevent or treat vaginal narrowing (called vaginal stenosis), which can happen after radiation and make medical exams or sexual activity painful or difficult. Even though dilators are recommended, many women don't use them as often as needed.
In this study, 88 participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups:
* One group will receive the new behavioral program, which includes support and strategies to help with regular dilator use.
* The other group will receive written educational materials (enhanced usual care).
The study will look at how often and how long participants use their dilators, and whether the program helps reduce symptoms like pain or emotional distress. Participants will complete surveys at the beginning of the study and again at 3, 6, and 9 months, plus short monthly check-ins.
The goal is to see if the program is helpful and easy to use, and to prepare for a larger study in the future.
Who can participate
Age range
18 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:
* female sex
* adults aged 18 years or older
* diagnosed with cancer of the anus, anal canal, anorectum, cervix, uterus, vagina, vulva, and/or bladder
* completed pelvic radiation therapy in the past year
* dilator therapy recommended by medical provider and standardized dilator received from provider
* able to speak/read English
Exclusion Criteria:
* aged less than 17 years
* under the care of a pelvic floor physical therapist at the time of study enrollment
* have a major/serious psychiatric concern (e.g., schizophrenia) as indicated by medical chart/medical provider
* inability to provide consent
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
1
Feasibility, as Measured by Session Completion and Attrition
Timeframe: 3 months post-baseline
2
Acceptability, as Measured by the Treatment Acceptability Questionnaire