Somatocognitive Therapy in Treatment of Provoked Vestibulodynia - a Feasibility Study

Somatocognitive Therapy in Treatment of Provoked Vestibulodynia - Process of Change and User Experience

This study examines feasibility of R&D activities in the planned randomized controlled trial where effectiveness of somatocognitive therapy intervention will be compared to treatment as usual in provoked vestibulodynia.

Provoked vestibulodynia is a multifactorial, persistent pain condition, affecting young women. It represents the most common cause of pain during sexual intercourse. Existing treatment approaches are predominantly based on clinical experience, observational studies, or reports of expert committees. Although, physiotherapy is one of the most commonly recommended treatments, high quality randomized controlled trials are needed to assess its effectiveness.

This is a phase I, feasibility study with the purpose of testing R&D activities for a planned full size RCT. Additionally, patients experiences with the somatocognitive therapy intervention, assessment measures and condition itself will be collected using qualitative interviews. The results will be applied to adjust time-line of the treatment, outcome measures and therapeutic approach before commencing full scale RCT.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Confirmed provoked vestibulodynia diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria:

• vulvar pain is not clearly linked to intercourse or pressure applied to vestibule or usage of tampon
• active infection or dermatologic lesion in the vulvar region