Psychosocial factors in Vulvodynia
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An exploration of psychosocial Factors in women with Vulvodynia- a prospective longitudinal study
IRAS ID
270122
Contact name
Claudia Chisari
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 9 months, 30 days
Research summary
Vulvodynia is a gynaecological condition characterised by persistent and severe vulvar pain (<3 months), referred to as sharp, burning and cutting (knife-like). This condition is experienced by up to 28% of women in the general population.
Vulvodynia represents the most common form of painful sex. Spontaneous pain can also happen during daily activities such as walking and sitting. As a result, Vulvodynia significantly affects women’s quality of life, mental and physical health.
To date, medical treatments have only achieved small reductions of pain and sexual dysfunction. The small reductions of pain with the medical treatments suggest that it would be more helpful to understand Vulvodynia by examining the role of psychological and social factors.
The main objective of this study is to explore of the role of psychological and social factors in relation to pain, sexual function, sexual satisfaction and emotional functioning in women with Vulvodynia.
Specifically:
1) to conduct a survey to determine if a range of psychological and social factors (e.g. psychological flexibility model, perceived injustice, unmitigated sexual communion and body-exposure anxiety) are associated with pain, pain-related interference, sexual functioning, sexual satisfaction and emotional functioning in women with Vulvodynia.
The study consists of a survey where participants complete a battery of self-report questionnaire at two time points (baseline and 3 months from baseline).
The current study will be conducted at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and will include adult women (18 years or older at study entry) with a diagnosis of Vulvodynia.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/YH/0030
Date of REC Opinion
26 Feb 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion