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Implementing Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for Vaginismus: From Efficacy to Clinical Integration (VIVID 3)

NCT07747298 · Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 167

Last updated 2026-08-05

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

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.

Conditions

  • Vaginismus
  • Difficulties With Vaginal Penetration

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Implementation of Virtual Reality Exposure

To inform implementation, clinicians at BCCVH (n=6) will participate in individual semi-structured interviews prior to implementation to identify barriers and facilitators. Findings from these interviews will refine the implementation protocol. Following implementation, clinicians will complete questionnaires assessing implementation outcomes, including adoption, implementation, and maintenance. Participants (n=167) will receive a single VRE session in addition to standard clinical care at the BCCVH. The VRE session is designed to support treatment of vaginismus and will be delivered according to the study protocol. Participants will complete study questionnaires at baseline and follow-up.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • University of British Columbia

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Lori Brotto · The University of British Columbia

Study Design

Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Model
SINGLE_GROUP

Eligibility

Min Age
19 Years
Sex
FEMALE
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2026-09-01
Primary Completion
2028-09-01
Completion
2028-09-01

Countries

  • Canada

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07747298 on ClinicalTrials.gov