Can virtual reality help women overcome vaginismus?
NCT ID NCT06923306
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This study is testing whether virtual reality exposure therapy can help people with vaginismus, a condition where the pelvic floor muscles tighten involuntarily, making vaginal penetration painful or impossible. The idea is that gradually facing feared situations in a safe virtual environment might reduce the fear response. Twenty participants will try the therapy, and researchers will measure how easy it is to insert a small tampon-like device before and after treatment.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- virtual reality exposure therapy
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a new, non-invasive treatment option for vaginismus that helps reduce fear and pain during penetration.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small early study with only 20 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The therapy may not work for all, and benefits might be modest.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Diamond Health Care Centre
Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z1M9, Canada
-
UBC Sexual Health Lab, Vancouver Hospital
Vancouver, British Columbia, V5M 1M9, Canada
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