Improving Engagement With Vaginal Dilator Therapy After Pelvic Radiation: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Duke University
Summary
This study is testing a new program to help women who have had pelvic radiation therapy to use vaginal dilators more regularly. Vaginal dilators are important tools that can help prevent or treat vaginal narrowing (called vaginal stenosis), which can happen after radiation and make medical exams or sexual activity painful or difficult. Even though dilators are recommended, many women don't use them as often as needed. In this study, 88 participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: * One group will receive the new behavioral program, which includes support and strategies to help with regular dilator use. * The other group will receive written educational materials (enhanced usual care). The study will look at how often and how long participants use their dilators, and whether the program helps reduce symptoms like pain or emotional distress. Participants will complete surveys at the beginning of the study and again at 3, 6, and 9 months, plus short monthly check-ins. The goal is to see if the program is helpful and easy to use, and to prepare for a larger study in the future.
Description
This study is testing a new behavioral program to help women who have had pelvic radiation therapy use vaginal dilators more regularly. Vaginal dilators are important tools that help prevent or treat vaginal stenosis-a condition where the vagina becomes shorter or narrower after radiation. This can make medical exams and sexual activity painful or difficult. Although dilators are commonly recommended, many women struggle to use them consistently. The new program is designed to support women in overcoming common challenges to using dilators, such as pain, emotional distress, and lack of inform…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- Female
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * female sex * adults aged 18 years or older * diagnosed with cancer of the anus, anal canal, anorectum, cervix, uterus, vagina, vulva, and/or bladder * completed pelvic radiation therapy in the past year * dilator therapy recommended by medical provider and standardized dilator received from provider * able to speak/read English Exclusion Criteria: * aged less than 17 years * under the care of a pelvic floor physical therapist at the time of study enrollment * have a major/serious psychiatric concern (e.g., schizophrenia) as indicated by medical chart/medical provider *…
Interventions
- BehavioralImproving Engagement with Vaginal Dilator Therapy after Pelvic Radiation
The intervention includes coping strategies from cognitive behavioral therapy (e.g., progressive muscle relaxation) and acceptance and commitment therapy (e.g., mindfulness), as well as psychoeducation (e.g., how to use dilators), to enhance engagement with vaginal dilator therapy.
Location
- Duke University Medical CenterDurham, North Carolina