Study of Acupuncture as Part of Multimodal Treatment for Women With Vulvodynia and Chronic Pelvic Pain

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of acupuncture as part of a combined treatment approach for women experiencing vulvodynia and chronic pelvic pain CPP, which are common and difficult gynecologic pain conditions. This randomized controlled clinical study aims to compare acupuncture with a waiting list control group to better understand its impact on pain and quality of life. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive acupuncture treatment or be placed on a waiting list. The acupuncture involves a defined protocol of body and ear acupuncture, using needles stimulated manually and left in place for 20 minutes. Body acupuncture targets specific points on the lower abdomen, back, extremities, and head, while ear acupuncture includes points related to the sympathetic system and genital area. Those in the waiting list group may continue their current standard therapy but cannot start new treatments or acupuncture during the first three months. After this period, they are offered a course of acupuncture treatments over three months. During the study, participants will be assessed at 3 and 6 months for changes in subjective pain perception and health-related quality of life using various questionnaires. Additional measures include subjective improvement and treatment satisfaction evaluated at 3 months. The study monitors outcomes related to pain and quality of life, with total participation lasting at least 6 months. Safety and patient well-being are maintained throughout the trial period.

Acupuncture in a Multidisciplinary Approach for Vulvodynia and Chronic Pelvic Pain