Treatment for pain during intercourse using somatocognitive therapy

Effectiveness and Cost-utility of Somatocognitive Therapy Versus Treatment as Usual for Provoked (Localized) Vestibulodynia - a Randomized Clinical Trial (ProLoVe Study)

NA · Oslo Metropolitan University · NCT04613713

This study is testing a new therapy called somatocognitive therapy to see if it can help young women with pain during intercourse feel better compared to standard treatments.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment128 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 35 Years
SexFemale
SponsorOslo Metropolitan University (other)
Locations1 site (Oslo)
Trial IDNCT04613713 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of somatocognitive therapy (SCT) compared to standard treatment for women suffering from provoked vestibulodynia (PVD), a common pain condition affecting sexual intercourse. The study will involve 128 women aged 18 to 35 who will be randomly assigned to receive either SCT or treatment as usual after a baseline assessment. The trial aims to assess not only the clinical effectiveness of SCT but also its cost-effectiveness and identify factors that may influence treatment outcomes. Participants will be recruited from a single center in Oslo, Norway, and will undergo a thorough eligibility evaluation before enrollment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are women aged 18 to 35 with a clinical diagnosis of provoked vestibulodynia.

Not a fit: Patients with active infections or dermatologic lesions in the vulvar region, or those with psychiatric conditions requiring specialized treatment, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could provide a new, effective treatment option for women suffering from provoked vestibulodynia.

How similar studies have performed: While somatocognitive therapy has been previously evaluated for chronic pelvic pain, this specific application for provoked vestibulodynia is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Clinical diagnosis of provoked vestibulodynia
* Age: 18 to 35
* Must understand Norwegian well enough to be able to complete questionnaires
* Must be able to attend treatment in Oslo, Norway

Exclusion Criteria:

* Active infection in the vulvar region
* Dermatologic lesion in the vulvar region
* Presence of diagnostically confirmed psychiatric condition that necessitate treatment by a medical specialist in psychiatry of clinical psychology

Where this trial is running

Oslo

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: Vulvodynia, Vestibulodynia, Provoked vestibulodynia, Dyspareunia, Somatocognitive therapy, Physiotherapy, Randomised clinical trial, Women's health

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.