New hope for women with vestibulodynia: cream and pill combo under study

NCT ID NCT03844412

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Duke University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested two treatments for vestibulodynia, a chronic pain condition affecting the vulvar area. 209 women received either a lidocaine/estradiol cream, the antidepressant nortriptyline, both, or a placebo. The goal was to see which approach best reduces pain and improves daily life.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: lidocaine/estradiol cream and nortriptyline
What this could lead to: If successful, this could point toward more effective pain management options for women with vestibulodynia, improving their quality of life.
What could go wrong: This is a Phase 2 trial, so results are still early. The treatments may not work better than placebo, and side effects like skin irritation or drowsiness are possible.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Back Pain Chronic Pain endometriosis fibromyalgia headache disorder interstitial cystitis irritable bowel syndrome migraine disorder myalgic encephalomeyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome Pelvic Pain temporomandibular joint disorder Tension-Type Headache vulvodynia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

BACK PAIN CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME ENDOMETRIOSIS FIBROMYALGIA SYNDROME INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME MIGRAINES TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDER TENSION HEADACHE VESTIBULODYNIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of California, Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California, 90095, United States
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27278, United States

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