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A Necessary Multi-Parametric Evaluation of Vulvodynia

Eligibility RequirementsWoman in field

1. You are between 21-75 years old.

2.You have been diagnosed by your doctor with vulvodynia and/or experience pain in the vaginal region upon contact (e.e. tampon use, intercourse or pelvic exam).

3. You have experienced genital pain with or without contact for at least 3 months.

Study Overview/Your Involvement

  • Three (3) appointments at UNC.
  • A modified gynecological exam.
  • Evaluation of sensory function.
  • Compensation up to $200 for your participation.

Background: As many as 14 million women ages 18-64 have vulvovaginal pain. Up to 60% may see three or more doctors before receiving a diagnosis. Vulvodynia is thought to result from inflamed or irritated vulvar skin, but the current diagnosis does not account for muscle pain. It is also common for women with vulvodynia to have intense pain and emotional distress.

The purpose of this study will look at the combination of pain from skin and muscle as well as emotional distress to help us better define vulvodynia.

1. To explore your thoughts and feelings about pain and about your life in two ways. 1) survey questions about your personality, mood, pain coping strategies, and the like; and 2) tests of different physical sensations (pressure, heat and cold, and buzz-like vibration and electrical pulses) applied to your thumbnail, forearm and vulvar skin and muscles.

2. To develop a better classification system for vulvodynia to improve your doctor’s ability to diagnose and treat women who have vulvodynia.

I’m interested in participating. What now?

You can fill out the registry on the previous page or call the study coordinator, toll-free, at 1-866-857-9394 to learn more about the study,