RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Efficacy of Dry Needling in Reducing Pain During Sexual Intercourse

This study is investigating dry needling as a possible treatment for women with a condition called provoked vestibulodynia (PVD). PVD causes sharp pain at the entrance of the vagina when there's pressure or an attempt at sexual activity. It affects many women and can be distressing, with limited effective treatments available. Dry needling involves inserting very fine needles into specific tissues, similar to acupuncture, but it focuses on muscle tension that often plays a role in this type of pain. Earlier research suggests dry needling might be helpful for PVD. This larger study aims to confirm if it can reduce pain. Participants will receive either real dry needling or a 'sham' version (where needles don't actually enter the skin) over eight weekly sessions, and their pain levels will be monitored.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Université de Sherbrooke

Enrolment target

170

Start

11 May 2026

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2029

Provoked Vestibulodynia

What is this study about?

This research is looking into a treatment called dry needling for a condition known as provoked vestibulodynia, or PVD. PVD is a type of ongoing pain around the entrance of the vagina, which can feel sharp when touched, during sex, or when something is put near it. It affects many women, can be very upsetting, and often makes sexual activity difficult.

Currently, there aren't many really effective treatments for PVD, so doctors are keen to find new options. Dry needling is similar to acupuncture in that it uses very thin needles. However, instead of traditional acupuncture points, dry needling aims to target tight or stiff muscles that are often linked to the pain in PVD. By releasing this muscle tension, the hope is that it could help reduce the pain people feel.

This study wants to find out if dry needling can genuinely reduce pain for women with PVD. Participants will be divided into two groups: one will receive the actual dry needling treatment, and the other will get a 'sham' treatment, which looks like dry needling but the needles don't actually go into the skin. This helps researchers compare the real treatment against a placebo. Both groups will have eight weekly sessions, and researchers will check how pain levels change over time, including six months after the treatment finishes. If dry needling proves to be effective and safe, it could become a simple, low-risk treatment option for women with this condition.

Key takeaways

This study explores dry needling for vaginal entrance pain (PVD).
PVD causes sharp pain during touch or sex.
Dry needling aims to relieve muscle tension related to PVD.
Participants receive either real or 'sham' dry needling over 8 weeks.
The study aims to find a new, low-risk treatment for PVD.
Your pain levels will be monitored for 6 months after treatment.

Who may be eligible?

This study is specifically for women aged between 18 and 45. To be considered, you need to have experienced pain around the entrance of your vagina during sex for at least three months, with the pain being quite noticeable (rated 5 or higher out of 10). A gynaecologist from the study team will also need to confirm that you have provoked vestibulodynia (PVD).

There are certain reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if your pain isn't only when touched (unprovoked pain), or if you have other types of pain in the pelvis or vagina, like skin conditions or painful sex that is deep inside your body, this study might not be right for you. Also, if you’ve had surgery in your pelvic area, are currently pregnant, or have been through menopause, you won't be able to take part.

You also can't participate if you've already had dry needling or acupuncture, or if you're taking medications that might significantly affect your pain perception (like certain antidepressants) and expect those medications to change during the study. Finally, any other serious health conditions that could interfere with the study's procedures would also mean you couldn't join.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a woman between 18 and 45 years old?
Do you have sharp pain at the entrance of your vagina during touch or sex?
Has this pain lasted for at least 3 months and is it noticeable (5/10 or more)?
Have you NOT had dry needling or acupuncture before?
Are you NOT pregnant or postmenopausal?
Do you NOT have other pelvic pain conditions besides PVD?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll be assigned randomly to one of two groups. One group will receive the actual dry needling treatment, and the other will receive a 'sham' dry needling treatment (which looks similar but isn't the real thing). You won't know which group you're in, and neither will the healthcare professional giving the treatment.

You will attend eight weekly sessions for your treatment. Before you start, right after your final treatment, and again six months later, you will have assessments. These assessments will involve answering questions about your pain and how it affects your daily life. There are no specific medications provided as part of the study itself, but you will need to let the research team know about any existing medications you are taking. The total duration of your active participation, including follow-up, will be around seven to eight months.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially offer you the benefit of reduced pain if the dry needling treatment is effective. There’s also the benefit of contributing to our understanding of PVD, which could help many other women in the future. Potential risks with dry needling are generally minor, similar to acupuncture, and might include some temporary bruising, soreness, or slight discomfort at the needle sites. Serious side effects are rare. You are entirely free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (4)

Centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec - Université Laval
Verified postcode
Québec, Canada· Not yet recruiting
Kinatex l'Ormière
Verified postcode
Québec, Canada· Not yet recruiting
Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke
Verified postcode
Sherbrooke, Canada· Recruiting
Cigonia
Verified postcode
Sherbrooke, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'provoked vestibulodynia' (PVD)?

It's a condition where you feel sharp pain at the entrance of your vagina when it's touched or when you try to have sex.

What is dry needling?

It's a treatment where very fine needles are inserted into muscles to relieve tension and pain, similar to acupuncture but focused on muscle points.

Will I know if I'm getting the real dry needling or the 'sham' treatment?

No, you won't. This helps researchers fairly compare the real treatment against a placebo.

How long will the study last for me?

Your involvement will be about seven to eight months, including eight weeks of treatment and a follow-up assessment six months later.

Are there any side effects from dry needling?

Possible minor side effects include temporary soreness, bruising, or slight discomfort where the needles are inserted.

How to find out more

Camille Simard, MSc

labomorin@usherbrooke.ca 1-888-463-1835 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.