Comparison of two surgical techniques for vulvar pain treatment

Vestibulectomy: A Prospective Comparison of Two Surgical Techniques for the Treatment of Provoked Localized Vulvodynia (PVD)

Not applicable Interventional Oregon Health and Science University · NCT05343182

This study is testing which of two surgical methods works better to relieve vulvar pain for people with provoked localized vulvodynia.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment118 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexFemale
SponsorOregon Health and Science University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Portland, Oregon)
Trial IDNCT05343182 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study compares two surgical techniques for vestibulectomy aimed at treating provoked localized vulvodynia (PVD). It involves a prospective evaluation of patients who have experienced vulvar pain for at least three months and meet specific clinical criteria. Participants will undergo either a modified or traditional surgical technique, with outcomes assessed based on pain relief and recovery. The study aims to determine which technique offers better results for patients suffering from this condition.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are non-pregnant women aged 18 and over with a diagnosis of provoked localized vulvodynia and significant vestibular tenderness.

Not a fit: Patients with other clinical reasons for dyspareunia or those who are pregnant will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide patients with more effective surgical options for managing vulvar pain.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on surgical techniques for vulvodynia, this specific comparison of modified versus traditional vestibulectomy techniques is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Reported provoked tenderness to the vestibule for at least 3 months in non-pregnant, estrogen-replete healthy subjects aged 18 years or over meeting Friedrich's criteria for PVD44-45 and supported by the ISSVD Terminology Consensus Definition45 for vulvar pain. Subjects who are \>45years of age must have either have a maturation index52 of \< 10% parabasal cells or willingness to participate in local estrogen replacement until achieving this same clinical result.
2. Cotton swab Test30-31 mean verbal rating score of ≥4/10 in 4 of 6 defined points of the vestibule (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 o'clock) and cotton swab test verbal score ≤ 2/10 for the labia majora and minora, intra labial sulcus, and perineum
3. Ability to insert a regular Tampax® tampon
4. Baseline Tampon Test verbal pain score ≥430

f. Phone and internet access e. Willingness to engage in pelvic floor physical therapy (PT)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Pregnancy
2. Any other clinical reason for dyspareunia (endometriosis pain, chronic pelvic pain, vulvar dermatoses such as psoriasis, lichen sclerosus)
3. Unable or unwilling to complete baseline assessments
4. Prior vestibulectomy or hymen surgery
5. Prior or current use of testosterone dosed for gender affirmation

Where this trial is running

Portland, Oregon

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Vulvar PainVulvodynia
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.