Women's Experience of Living with Vulvodynia Pain: Why They Participated in a Randomized Controlled Trial of Acupuncture

J Integr Complement Med. 2023 Jan;29(1):50-54. doi: 10.1089/jicm.2022.0647. Epub 2022 Sep 21.

Abstract

Introduction: Vulvodynia is vulvar pain lasting at least 3-months without clear identifiable cause that may have other associated factors. The aim, to explore motivations of women participating in a double-blind randomized controlled trial of acupuncture for vulvodynia. Methods: Responses to the question: "Tell me about why you decided to participate in this study" were analyzed using conceptual content analysis to identify patterns in motivation for study participation. Results: Four patterns emerged: 1) desire to address uncontrolled pain, 2) desire for understanding, 3) wish to contribute to knowledge generation, and 4) need to remove cost barriers. Conclusion: Motivations indicate vulvodynia-specific aspects of acceptability of acupuncture. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT03364127.

Keywords: acupuncture; complementary integrative health; vulvar pain; vulvodynia.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Acupuncture Therapy*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Motivation
  • Pain
  • Vulvodynia* / therapy

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT03364127