Actively Recruiting
Virtual Reality Exposure for Vaginismus: A Replicated Single-Case Design
Led by University of British Columbia · Updated on 2025-09-25
20
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
95 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of British Columbia
Lead Sponsor
C
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Vaginismus is a sexual dysfunction characterized by involuntary tightening of the pelvic floor muscles, preventing vaginal intercourse. It is defined by an intense fear of vaginal penetration, leading to persistent difficulties with vaginal intercourse and gynaecological exams. Psychological factors play a significant role in vaginismus. If the pelvic floor muscle tightening represents a defensive reflex, then treatment using a gradual exposure to feared stimuli using virtual reality may lead to an extinction of the phobic response, and to amelioration of vaginismus. If effective, the use of virtual reality technology can directly improve clinical care offered to those suffering from vaginismus.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Virtual Reality Exposure for Vaginismus: A Replicated Single-Case Design
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Individuals who have a vagina, including cisgender women, transgender women with gender-affirming surgery, and transgender men without bottom surgery
- Diagnosis of vaginismus with self-reported involuntary vaginal muscle tightness causing persistent interference with vaginal penetration lasting more than 6 months
- Age over 19 years
- Any sexual orientation
- Fluent in English to understand psychoeducational materials and questionnaires
- Normal or corrected-to-normal vision to view VR scenes
- Able to travel to Vancouver for study participation
You will not qualify if you...
- Presence of unprovoked vaginal pain
- Having a vulvar skin condition such as lichen sclerosus
- Having an imperforate hymen
- Epilepsy characterized by photosensitive seizures
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
UBC Sexual Health Lab, Vancouver Hospital
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V5M 1M9
Actively Recruiting
2
Diamond Health Care Centre
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V5Z1M9
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
L
Lauren Selden
CONTACT
K
Kelsey Lynch, MA
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
1
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