See Dr. Goldstein on ABC's 20/20 discussing sexual pain Dr. Andrew Goldstein, the Director of the Centers for Vulvovaginal Disorders, was recently interviewed by Dr. Tim Johnson for ABC News' 20/20 on a story about sexual pain. Click on the link above to see the entire segment.
A NEW CLINICAL TRIAL- CUTANEOUS LYSATE FOR VESTIBULODYNIA (VULVAR VESTIBULITIS)
We are currently conducting a clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a new medication for the treatment of vestibulodynia. This cream contains a mixture of proteins obtained from fetal skin cells that promote tissue healing. This cream does not contain steroids or other immunosuppressants. Please note that this trial is only being performed at the three offices of Centers for Vulvovaginal Disorders and that the results of the trial will not be know until it is completed. A travel stipend up to $300 may be available for participants. if you are interested in participating, e-mail Dr. Goldstein at DRG.CVVD@gmail.com.
Genomics and Proteomics of Lichen Sclerosus We are currently conducting a clinical study in women with lichen sclerosus to learn which genes are turned on and which genes are turned off in skin affected by LS as compared to normal skin in order to understand LS, and further to develop effective drugs to treat the condition. This study is only being conducted at the Washington DC office of the Centers for Vulvovaginal Disorders. Click here to read the informed consent to see if you are eligible.
Research Studies
The physicians at the Centers for Vulvovaginal Disorders are strongly committed to research. They have been recipients of grants from The National Vulvodynia Association and the Catherine Birch McCormick Foundation. Please look below to see our current research opportunities.
Vestibulodynia is characterized by a severe, burning/sharp pain that occurs in response to pressure localized to the opening of the vagina called the vulvar vestibule. Dyspareunia (i.e., painful intercourse) is the defining symptom of vestibulodynia. Painful intercourse can be present from the first intercourse attempt (i.e., primary vestibulodynia) or it may develop after a period of pain-free intercourse (i.e., secondary vestibulodynia). It has been shown clearly by several authors that oral contraceptive pill use significantly increases the risk of developing vestibulodynia. In addition, it has been well described that oral contraceptive pills cause changes in blood levels of hormones (estradiol, free testosterone, and progesterone.) It has been shown that oral contraceptive pills cause changes in hormonal receptors as well as an altered tissue structure in the vulvar vestibular mucosa. The study investigators, and other authors, have hypothesized that these changes may cause thinning of the vulvar vestibule thereby causing vestibulodynia. This study is designed to see if replacing estrogen and testosterone in the vestibular tissue relieves the symptoms of vestibulodynia.
