Current Studies

The BC Centre for Vulvar Health is active in several research studies. If interested in more information please contact us at BCCVH@vch.ca

‍VIVID (1.0, 2.0 and 3.0) Study
‍Vaginismus (fear of painful vaginal penetration) is common and affected individuals experience difficulties with vaginal intercourse and gynaecological exams, as well as diminished sexual desire, sexual dissatisfaction, and poor sexual self-efficacy. Unfortunately, available psychological treatments are not very effective. However, exposure therapy (insertion of vaginal dilators in the presence of a clinician), is highly effective, but unavailable in Canada. To fill this gap, we are exploring the potential of virtual reality exposure for the treatment of Vaginismus. VIVID 2.0 has completed and we are in the process of launching VIVID 3.0. Click on link for more information. https://brottolab.med.ubc.ca/studies/vivid/

Evaluating Barriers to SD/GPP Care
The purpose of this study is to identify the barriers faced by healthcare providers in assessing and managing female sexual dysfunction and genito-pelvic pain. The findings will inform the creation of digital clinical tools to support providers in delivering care. They will also be compiled into a report with recommendations for provincial Ministries of Health on strengthening system-level support for sexual heath services, particularly among allied health care workers and nurse practitioners. Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management

EVOLVE Study
Lichen sclerosus is a relatively common skin disorder that causes white patches of skin to develop. It can occur anywhere on the body, but often involves the skin surrounding the genitalia and anus. The purpose of this research study is to assess patient outcomes from watching pre-recorded educational videos prior to their initial appointment with the gynecologist.

HOLD Trial
The Phase Lab is seeking couples living in British Columbia or Alberta to take part in a new treatment study for low sexual desire, called the Helping with Outcomes for Low Desire Randomized Clinical Trial. HOLD Trial | Psychology, Health, and Sexuality Laboratory

SHIPS: Sexual Health Implications of PGAD/GPD Study
Persistent genital arousal disorder/genito-pelvic dysesthesia (PGAD/GPD) is a condition characterized by sensations of unwanted genital arousal. Together with the UBC Sexuality and Well-being Lab, the Phase Lab is conducting SHIPS to study how PGAD/GPD is related to psychological factors like anxiety and depression. SHIPS: Sexual Health Implications of PGAD/GPD Study | Psychology, Health, and Sexuality Laboratory

VLS Couples Study
Currently recruiting individuals diagnosed with vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) and their partners to participate in a research study to learn more about risk and protective factors for sexual, relationship, and psychological health for VLS.  VLS Couples Study | Psychology, Health, and Sexuality Laboratory

Collaborators

UBC Sexual Health Research Lab

‍UBC Sexual Health Research focuses on clinical and behavioural research in women’s sexual health, including sexual difficulties, discrepancies, and distress. Their research aims to develop and test psychological interventions for the management of genital pain and low sexual desire causing significant personal distress. They also examine different aspects of sexual orientation, including asexuality. Dr. Lori Brotto and colleagues have published landmark studies differentiating asexuality from sexual dysfunction. This and their current line of research are aimed at exploring the neural and biological correlates of asexuality as a unique sexual orientation. Sexuality is an integral aspect of well-being and strongly influences relationship happiness. However, too often individual, relational, environmental, political, cultural, and medical factors get in the way of healthy sexuality. Their driving goal is to identify and mitigate these forces so as to cultivate each woman’s own human sexual potential.https://brottolab.med.ubc.ca/

‍SWell Lab

‍The Sexuality and Well-being lab (SWell Lab) is a research laboratory in the Psychology Department at the University of British Columbia. They are a group of psychological scientists who conduct multi-method research to identify risk and protective factors contributing to individuals’ and couples’ sexual health and well-being.https://swelllab.psych.ubc.ca/

‍Queen’s SexLab

‍SexLab is devoted to sexual health research, with the goal of contributing scientific knowledge to further our understanding of sexual health. They are an inclusive, collaborative, and sex positive group with a keen interest in clinical practice and knowledge translation. They work with patient partners and gender/sex minority consultants to ensure relevance of the research questions and inclusiveness of language used in their studies. Lab members also represent a variety of minority and underrepresented identities and statuses, and they contribute to each research study. Representation is essential since the majority of psychological research is dominated by sexual and gender/sex (and other) majorities. Sexual Health Research Lab

‍Phase Lab

The Psychology, Health, and Sexuality (Phase) Laboratory is a research laboratory in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at UBC. Under the direction of Dr. Katrina Bouchard (Assistant Professor & Registered Psychologist), the team aims to enhance the assessment and treatment of sexual health concerns, with a focus on women, gender diverse people with vulvas, and their partners. Home Page | Psychology, Health, and Sexuality Laboratory