New hydrogel film to ease pain during sex for women with vulvodynia
Official title: Novel Hydrogel Film to Reduce Pain Experienced during Sexual Intercourse for Women with Vulvodynia
Funded at Pelva Health Corporation · NIH-11182416 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a special gel film that could help women with vulvodynia and vestibulodynia feel less pain during sex, offering a safe and effective alternative to medications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pelva Health Corporation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Paul, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | May 20, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $328,496 |
| NIH project number | 1R43HD118859-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11182416 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with vulvodynia or vestibulodynia who experience pain during sexual intercourse.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have vulvodynia or vestibulodynia, or those who do not experience pain during sexual intercourse, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to create a non-drug hydrogel film designed to alleviate pain during sexual intercourse for women suffering from vulvodynia and vestibulodynia. The project focuses on developing a delivery system that minimizes pressure on sensitive areas, which can trigger pain. Unlike existing pharmaceutical treatments that may have side effects and lack FDA approval for this condition, this innovative approach seeks to provide immediate relief without the risks associated with medications. The hydrogel film will be clinically tested to evaluate its effectiveness in reducing pain during sexual activity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safe and effective solution for women experiencing pain during sexual intercourse, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been various approaches to treating vulvodynia, this specific hydrogel film approach is novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
-
Pelva Health Corporation
Saint Paul, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Satoski, Douglas — Pelva Health Corporation
- Study coordinator: Satoski, Douglas
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.