Implementing Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for Vaginismus: From Efficacy to Clinical Integration (VIVID 3)
Starting soon · Not applicable
Conditions studied: Vaginismus, Difficulties With Vaginal Penetration
In brief
Vaginismus, a condition characterized by involuntary tightening of the pelvic floor muscles due to strong fear of vaginal insertion, impact ≥6% of the female population and can make vaginal intercourse and medical exams difficult. This project explores virtual reality exposure (VRE) as a new treatment approach. Building on our two previous studies showing that VRE is feasible and effective in helping patients to gradually face feared sexual encounters in a virtual environment, we aim to implement our VRE protocol at the BC Centre for Vulvar Health (BCCVH). We will assess barriers/facilitators to implementation, clinician uptake, and patients' outcomes and engagement.
Key facts
- Study ID
- NCT07747298
- Run by
- University of British Columbia
- People needed
- 167
- Starts
- 2026-09-01
- Expected to finish
- 2028-09-01
- Last updated by the study team
- 2026-08-05
Who can join
Age: 19 and older. Sex: female. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.
You may qualify if…
- Diagnosis of vaginismus defined by a "marked fear or anxiety about vulvovaginal or pelvic pain in anticipation of, during, or because of vaginal penetration" (criterion from the DSM-5 definition of Genito-Pelvic Pain Penetration Disorder)
- Aged >19 y, of any sexual orientation
- Fluent in English (psychoeducational materials and questionnaires delivered in English)
- Normal or corrected-to-normal vision (to view the VR scenes during exposure)
- Able to travel to Vancouver
You may not qualify if…
- Presence of: unprovoked vaginal pain
- Vulvar skin condition (i.e., lichen sclerosus)
- Epilepsy characterized by photosensitive seizures.
- Note: provoked vulvar pain is not an exclusion criterion because at least 40% of people with vaginismus report pain with attempted penetration.
Where it is running
- Gordon and Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre — Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov
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