Acupuncture for the Treatment of Vulvodynia

Acupuncture for the Treatment of Vulvodynia

A randomized controlled pilot study was conducted to evaluate the effect of an acupuncture protocol for the treatment of vulvodynia.

Hypotheses:

1. Acupuncture reduces vulvar pain and dyspareunia in women with vulvodynia.
2. Acupuncture increases sexual function in women with vulvodynia.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Previously diagnosed with either generalized vulvodynia, localized vestibulodynia, or both
• Provoked vulvodynia
• Unprovoked vulvodynia
• Women between 18 years of age and menopause

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy
• Menopause
• Interstitial cystitis
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Untreated vaginitis
• Cervicitis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Diagnosed with other pelvic pathology causing pain
• Concomitantly receiving physical therapy
• Concomitantly receiving biofeedback,
• Concomitantly receiving massage
• Concomitantly receiving additional acupuncture.