Vulvodynia Clinical Trials 2023

What Are Vulvodynia Clinical Trials?

Vulvodynia is a condition in which women experience unexplained and persistent vulva pain. This is the genital area which includes the surrounding skin of the vaginal opening. So far, the exact cause of Vulvodynia is not identified. Also, the location, severity, and constancy of the pain triggered by Vulvodynia varies from suffers. Vulvodynia can happen to females of all age groups. It can become a serious and long-term problem leading to lower sex drive, which can further impact your relationship. It can cause other complications as well, such as:

• Anxiety 
• Depression
• Sexual dysfunction
• Lack of sleep

Vulvodynia clinical trials focus on finding the exact cause, the best solutions, and safe treatments to minimize pain and alleviate the condition.

Why Is Vulvodynia Being Studied Through Clinical Trials?

Studies show that nearly 16 percent of women in the US experience Vulvodynia in their lifetime. Moreover, around 7 percent to 8 percent of women experience symptoms of Vulvodynia by the age of forty. Symptoms include persistent pain. The pain is usually a burning and throbbing sensation triggered by sex or when using a tampon. The condition is likely to worsen when sitting. It is often limited to the vulva area but can sometimes spread to the entire genital area.

Therefore, Vulvodynia clinical trials are conducted to determine its impact on women and their personal lives. Through research and trials, analysts can find better therapies and treatments to help ease women from persistent pain and ensure they enjoy quality living.

What Are the Types of Treatments Available for Vulvodynia?

There are many treatments available for Vulvodynia. For example, a randomized clinical trial showed the efficacy of CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and SPT (supportive psychotherapy) in women. 

It was a 10-week treatment and a one-year follow-up assessment. CBT resulted in more significant improvement in the severity of pain and sexual function compared to SPT. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on teaching patients self-management and pain-relevant coping mechanisms. It yielded greater satisfaction and excellent outcomes in patients.

Other treatments include oral medication like tricyclic antidepressants and antihistamines to reduce itching. The use of Lidocaine ointment also helps relieve pain but temporarily.

What Are Some Recent Breakthrough Clinical Trials for Vulvodynia?

Many clinical trials have been performed over the years to learn more about Vulvodynia and ways to treat it. Some of the breakthrough trials include:

2008: Use of Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation-The clinical trial was conducted to determine the efficacy and safety of trans nerve stimulation and biofeedback physical therapy for Vulvodynia. 145 Patients got biofeedback and trans electrical nerve therapy weekly with FES (functional electrical stimulation). They completed a total of 10 applications. The results were satisfactory. The patients experienced an improvement in pain by 75.8 percent.

2023: Therapy With Local Anesthetics to Treat Vulvodynia. This research investigated the efficacy of TLA (therapy with local anesthetics) in females suffering from severe Vulvodynia. The results showed a reduction in pain among patients for four to six months.  

Who Are Some of the Key Opinion Leaders/Researchers/Institutions Conducting Vulvodynia Clinical Trial Research?

National Vulvodynia Association

NVA is a leading and top-rated non-profit dedicated to improving women's quality of life and health with Vulvodynia through education and ongoing support. It also invests in research to find effective treatments and cures. 

Musolf Karen L. Musolf

She is the M.D., Assistant Professor, and Vulvodynia Clinic director. She is experienced and well-known for her research on women's health conditions like chronic vaginitis and Vulvodynia.