Effects of low intensity shockwave treatment on dyspareunia in women

Randomized Controlled Trial for Use of Low Intensity Shockwave for Patients With Dyspareunia

NA · SoftWave Tissue Regeneration Technologies · NCT05806203

This study tests if low intensity shockwave treatment can help women aged 21-65 with pain during sex feel better and improve their quality of life.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages21 Years to 65 Years
SexFemale
SponsorSoftWave Tissue Regeneration Technologies (industry)
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Wauwatosa, Wisconsin)
Trial IDNCT05806203 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of low intensity shockwave treatment for women aged 21-65 diagnosed with dyspareunia, which is characterized by pain during vaginal penetration. Participants will undergo a preliminary physical therapy evaluation and receive either active shockwave treatment or a sham treatment alongside typical physical therapy. The study is designed as a single blind, randomized controlled trial with a total of 60 participants across four clinical sites. Follow-up assessments will be conducted through questionnaires after three months to evaluate improvements in sexual activity tolerance and overall quality of life.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are cisgender females aged 21-65 with a primary diagnosis of dyspareunia who meet specific inclusion criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions such as lichen sclerosis, active infections, or those who are currently pregnant will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve sexual function and quality of life for women suffering from dyspareunia.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of shockwave therapy is gaining interest, this specific application for dyspareunia is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Primary diagnosis of dyspareunia (pain with intercourse and/or vaginal penetration)
* Cisgender female or have natal vaginal tissu
* Has not started hormonal therapy within the past 2 weeks
* Has not received pelvic floor physical therapy within the past 2 weeks
* Is able to electronically access informed consent and outcomes measures forms

Exclusion Criteria:

* Have a diagnosis of lichen sclerosis
* Have an active infection (e.g. herpes)
* Are earlier than 12 weeks post-surgery
* Are earlier than 6 weeks postpartum
* Have a history of gynecological cancer
* Have a history of pelvic radiation
* Are actively undergoing cancer treatments
* Are currently pregnant
* Currently using lidocaine or cortisone

Where this trial is running

Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Female Dyspareunia

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.