9. 15-Minute Consult: New Research in Vestibulodynia with Dr. Jill Krapf

If you experience severe, sharp burning at the vaginal opening, you know how frustrating the journey to a clear diagnosis can be. In this episode, world-renowned pelvic pain expert Dr. Jill Krapf [https://www.vulvodynia.com/about] joins Dr. Rachel Pope to share a massive milestone in neuroinflammatory vulvar pain research: a gold-standard, 3-month clinical trial testing a brand-new topical Ketotifen cream. Ketotifen is a mast cell stabilizer historically used for allergies, but it has never before been formulated into a topical cream for pelvic pain. This breakthrough treatment directly targets the "neuroinflammatory zone," calming hyper-reactive mast cells and hypersensitive nerve endings. Key Takeaways: * The Clinical Protocol: To track improvement, the trial uses two precise baseline tests: a specialized Q-Tip pressure monitor at the vestibule (requiring a 5/10 pain score to qualify) and a gentle dilator insertion test. Patient comfort is the absolute priority; tests stop immediately if pain thresholds are hit. * A Pure Passion Project: Funding for localized vulvar pain is notoriously low. Backed by a small grant from the National Vulvodynia Association (NVA) [https://www.nva.org/], this trial is a true labor of love by Dr. Krapf, Dr. Andrew Goldstein, and Dr. Chailee Moss to provide a non-surgical alternative for patients. * How to Get Screened: Active trials are currently recruiting. Reach out directly to the site closest to you: The Centers for Vulvovaginal Disorders Research Details & Locations: * Duration: Approximately 3 months (only 4 short in-person study visits). * Locations: Tampa (FL), Washington D.C., and New York City. Tampa, (FL): * Lichen Scelorus research: researchjkmd@gmail.com Vulvodynia Research: * Washington, DC- research.cvvd@gmail.com * New York City, NY- research.cvvd@gmail.com Exclusion Criteria: Individuals with active pudendal neuralgia or a diagnosed vulvar dermatosis (such as Lichen Sclerosus or Lichen Planus) are unfortunately excluded. How to Get Screened: If you are interested in participating or traveling to one of the three sites, check the screening contacts listed. Even if you can't participate, sharing this study on social platforms helps show investors and pharmaceutical companies that women's health research is highly valued and desperately needs funding!