N/A
N=56
Dyspareunia and Central Sensitization
Endometriosis · Central Sensitisation · Dyspareunia
Bottom Line
View on ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03216330 ↗Enrolled (actual)
56
Serious AEs
0.0%
Results posted
Apr 2026
Primary outcome: Primary: Deep Dyspareunia Score — 3.08 scores on a scale
Study Design & Population
- Study type
- Observational
- Phase
- N/A
- Interventions
- No Intervention (Other)
- Age
- Adult · 18+ yrs
- Sex
- Female
- Sponsor
- BC Women's Hospital & Health Centre
- Primary completion
- Apr 2019
Outcome Measures
| Outcome | Result | p-value |
|---|---|---|
| PRIMARY Deep Dyspareunia Score |
3.08 | — |
| SECONDARY Superficial Dyspareunia Score |
2.34 | — |
| SECONDARY Chronic Pelvic Pain Score |
2.68 | — |
Summary
Background: Endometriosis affects 10% of reproductive aged females, and can have a negative impact on sexual quality of life. Endometriosis can cause pelvic pain with deep penetration during intercourse, as well as other sexual and non-sexual pains. This study will allow us to determine if an increase in sexual pain is related to central sensitization.
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine if there is an association between the severity of sexual pain and central sensitization in women with endometriosis.
Measurement tools: Data will be collected from the Clinic's Data Registry, an online questionnaire, a quantitative sensory test (QST) to measure pain-pressure threshold (PPT) as a marker of central sensitization, and daily entry to an online survey.
Primary Hypothesis: Central sensitization (measured by lower pain-pressure threshold) will be associated with an increased severity of deep dyspareunia, as well as a tenderness of the bladder/pelvic floor and depression, in women with endometriosis.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- Case:
- Consented to participate in the Data Registry (H16-00264) prior to their physician appointment at the BC Women's Health Centre.
- New or re-referred to the BC Women's Health Centre for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis.
- Endometriosis (previously surgically diagnosed, or current endometrioma, or current nodule)
- Willing and committed to indicating pain scores and menstrual data on a REDCap survey every day for 6 weeks after the test date.
- At least 18 years old
- Control:
- Reproductive aged female with no suspected or diagnosed endometriosis.
- Have not experienced any sexual pain scores over 4/10 on a 11-point numeric rating scale, as determined on an online questionnaire prior to test day.
- At least 18 years old
Exclusion Criteria
- Case and Control:
- Fibromyalgia.
- Severe and enduring psychological illness(es) affecting cognition (e.g., bipolar disorder, schizophrenia etc.).
- Currently pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Have a peripheral or central neurological disorder.
- Have diabetes mellitus or neuropathic pain.
- Do not speak English.
- Have had previous physical trauma (ex. Surgery) to the test site(s) (deltoid muscle in the shoulder, and first dorsal interosseous muscle).
Data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03216330). Outcome figures and adverse-event rates are extracted automatically from the registry's posted results and are provided for clinician reference, not as a substitute for the primary publication.