Table 1 Eligibility criteria
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
|---|---|---|
Inclusion criteria | Inclusion criteria | Exclusion criteria |
Participants with PVD | Participants with PVD | Participants with PVD |
- Pain during intercourse which a) is subjectively distressing, b) occurs on 80% of intercourse attempts, and c) has lasted for at least 1Â year | - Significant pain in one or more locations of the vestibule during the gynecological examination, which is operationalized as a minimum patient pain rating of 4 on a scale of 0 to 10 | - Vulvar pain not clearly linked to intercourse or pressure applied to the vestibule |
- Pain limited to intercourse and other activities involving pressure to the vestibule | - Diagnosis of PVD | - Presence of one of the following: a) active infection, b) vaginismus (as defined by DSM-IV), e) dermatologic lesion, f) pregnancy or planning a pregnancy, g) known allergy to lidocaine, and h) menopause. |
- Sexually active as a couple in the last 3Â months (not limited to but must include some attempted vaginal penetration) | - Receiving treatment for PVD | |
- Cohabiting and/or been a couple for at least 6Â months and have at least 4 in-person contacts per week | Participants with PVD and Partners | |
- Aged 18–45 years | - Presence of major medical and/or psychiatric illness in either partner | |
Participants with PVD and Partners | - Receiving couple therapy | |
- Read and write in English and/or French, with regular access to internet and email | - Presence of severe relational distress and/or high level of physical conflict | |
- Age: 18Â years or older |