{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,30]],"date-time":"2026-09-30T04:23:43Z","timestamp":1790742223623,"version":"4.1.0"},"reference-count":32,"publisher":"Oxford University Press (OUP)","issue":"11","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2017,9,29]],"date-time":"2017-09-29T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1506643200000},"content-version":"vor","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/journals\/pages\/open_access\/funder_policies\/chorus\/standard_publication_model"},{"start":{"date-parts":[[2017,9,29]],"date-time":"2017-09-29T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1506643200000},"content-version":"tdm","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/www.elsevier.com\/tdm\/userlicense\/1.0\/"}],"funder":[{"DOI":"10.13039\/100008910","name":"National Vulvodynia Association","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","id":[{"id":"10.13039\/100008910","id-type":"DOI","asserted-by":"publisher"}]}],"content-domain":{"domain":["jsm.jsexmed.org","elsevier.com","sciencedirect.com"],"crossmark-restriction":true},"short-container-title":[],"published-print":{"date-parts":[[2017,11,1]]},"abstract":"<jats:title>Abstract<\/jats:title>\n               <jats:sec>\n                  <jats:title>Background<\/jats:title>\n                  <jats:p>Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is an emerging medical technology in which non-thermal laser irradiation is applied to treat pain. Because LLLT has been found effective in treating various pain syndromes without known side effects, we conducted a study evaluating the effect of LLLT on provoked vestibulodynia (PVD), a complex sexual pain disorder characterized by pain confined to the vulvar vestibule in response to contact or pressure.<\/jats:p>\n               <\/jats:sec>\n               <jats:sec>\n                  <jats:title>Aim<\/jats:title>\n                  <jats:p>To investigate the effectiveness of LLLT for PVD in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded trial.<\/jats:p>\n               <\/jats:sec>\n               <jats:sec>\n                  <jats:title>Methods<\/jats:title>\n                  <jats:p>Patients with PVD were randomly assigned to receive treatment with LLLT or sham treatment. Patients were treated twice weekly for 6 weeks, for a total of 12 LLLT or placebo sessions. Patients who showed improvement after LLLT were followed for 1 year by clinical pain report and Q-tip examination.<\/jats:p>\n               <\/jats:sec>\n               <jats:sec>\n                  <jats:title>Outcomes<\/jats:title>\n                  <jats:p>Change in pain scores obtained in response to the Q-tip test, clinical pain report, visual analog scale score, pain with tampon insertion, daily pain intensity, intercourse pain intensity, frequency of intercourse, and a battery of quality-of-life measures.<\/jats:p>\n               <\/jats:sec>\n               <jats:sec>\n                  <jats:title>Results<\/jats:title>\n                  <jats:p>Thirty-four patients with PVD participated, 18 received LLLT and 16 received placebo. In the clinical pain report at study completion, 14 of 18 patients (78%) receiving LLLT reported improvement compared with 7 of 16 (44%) in the placebo group (P\u00a0= .042). This effect was not apparent in other outcome measurements. None of the patients reported side effects during the study. At 1-year follow-up, eight patients (57%) reported lasting improvement.<\/jats:p>\n               <\/jats:sec>\n               <jats:sec>\n                  <jats:title>Clinical Implications<\/jats:title>\n                  <jats:p>Larger studies with various treatment protocols are needed to define which patients can benefit from LLLT therapy.<\/jats:p>\n               <\/jats:sec>\n               <jats:sec>\n                  <jats:title>Strengths and Limitations<\/jats:title>\n                  <jats:p>Strengths include a placebo-controlled, double-blinded design, measurement of a large number of multidimensional end points, and a follow-up period of 1 year. Limitations include the small number of patients recruited, no improvement in measurable parameters, a high improvement rate in the placebo group, the absence of use of validated questionnaires, and the lack of evaluation of psychological and interpersonal factors that might have influenced the results.<\/jats:p>\n               <\/jats:sec>\n               <jats:sec>\n                  <jats:title>Conclusions<\/jats:title>\n                  <jats:p>Given the results of this pilot study, LLLT cannot currently be recommended as a treatment for PVD. Further studies with a larger population, various treatment protocols, and evaluation of LLLT in different subgroups of PVD are needed to define which patients can benefit from this therapy.<\/jats:p>\n               <\/jats:sec>","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jsxm.2017.09.004","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2017,9,30]],"date-time":"2017-09-30T01:00:32Z","timestamp":1506733232000},"page":"1403-1411","update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/elsevier_cm_policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":35,"title":["Low-Level Laser Therapy for the Treatment of Provoked Vestibulodynia\u2014A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Trial"],"prefix":"10.1093","volume":"14","author":[{"given":"Ahinoam","family":"Lev-Sagie","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology \u00a0 , Jerusalem, , Israel"},{"name":"Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center \u00a0 , Jerusalem, , Israel"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Asia","family":"Kopitman","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Physical Therapy \u00a0 , Jerusalem, , Israel"},{"name":"Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center \u00a0 , Jerusalem, , Israel"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Amnon","family":"Brzezinski","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology \u00a0 , Jerusalem, , Israel"},{"name":"Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center \u00a0 , Jerusalem, , Israel"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]}],"member":"286","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2017,9,29]]},"reference":[{"key":"2023011111043393000_bib1","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"745","DOI":"10.1097\/AOG.0000000000001359","article-title":"2015 ISSVD, ISSWSH and IPPS consensus terminology and classification of persistent vulvar pain and vulvodynia","volume":"127","author":"Bornstein","year":"2016","journal-title":"Obstet Gynecol"},{"key":"2023011111043393000_bib2","first-page":"110","article-title":"Vulvar vestibulitis syndrome","volume":"32","author":"Friedrich","year":"1987","journal-title":"J\u00a0Reprod Med"},{"key":"2023011111043393000_bib3","first-page":"447","article-title":"Vulvodynia: a state-of-the-art consensus on definitions, diagnosis and management","volume":"51","author":"Bachmann","year":"2006","journal-title":"J\u00a0Reprod Med"},{"key":"2023011111043393000_bib4","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"299","DOI":"10.1097\/OGX.0b013e3182277fb7","article-title":"Vulvodynia interventions\u2014systemic review and evidence grading","volume":"66","author":"Andrews","year":"2011","journal-title":"Obstet Gynceol Surv"},{"key":"2023011111043393000_bib5","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1629","DOI":"10.1067\/mob.2003.395","article-title":"Quality of life and sexual function after evaluation and treatment at a referral center for vulvovaginal disorders","volume":"188","author":"Jensen","year":"2003","journal-title":"Am J Obstet Gynecol"},{"key":"2023011111043393000_bib6","first-page":"489","article-title":"Long-term results of an individualized, multifaceted, and multidisciplinary therapeutic approach to provoked vestibulodynia","volume":"8","author":"Spoelstra","year":"2011","journal-title":"J\u00a0Sex Med"},{"key":"2023011111043393000_bib7","first-page":"409","article-title":"Vulvar dysesthesia (vulvodynia). A follow-up study","volume":"48","author":"Reed","year":"2003","journal-title":"J\u00a0Reprod Med"},{"key":"2023011111043393000_bib8","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"516","DOI":"10.1007\/s10439-011-0454-7","article-title":"The nuts and bolts of low-level laser (light) therapy","volume":"40","author":"Chung","year":"2012","journal-title":"Ann Biomed Eng"},{"key":"2023011111043393000_bib9","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"158","DOI":"10.1089\/pho.2006.24.158","article-title":"Low-level laser therapy in acute pain: a systematic review of possible mechanisms of action and clinical effects in randomized placebo-controlled trials","volume":"24","author":"Bjordal","year":"2006","journal-title":"Photomed Laser Surg"},{"key":"2023011111043393000_bib10","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"721","DOI":"10.1016\/S0140-6736(10)60296-6","article-title":"Low-level laser therapy for neck pain","volume":"375","author":"Verhagen","year":"2010","journal-title":"Lancet"},{"key":"2023011111043393000_bib11","first-page":"486","article-title":"Management of chronic tendon injuries","volume":"87","author":"Childress","year":"2013","journal-title":"Am Fam Phys"},{"key":"2023011111043393000_bib12","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"76","DOI":"10.1136\/bjsm.2005.020842","article-title":"A\u00a0randomised, placebo controlled trial of low level laser therapy for activated Achilles tendinitis with microdialysis measurement of peritendinous prostaglandin E2 concentrations","volume":"40","author":"Bjordal","year":"2006","journal-title":"Br J Sports Med"},{"key":"2023011111043393000_bib13","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"283","DOI":"10.1152\/japplphysiol.01318.2005","article-title":"Effect of low-level laser (Ga-Al-As 655 nm) on skeletal muscle fatigue induced by electrical stimulation in rats","volume":"101","author":"Lopes-Martins","year":"2006","journal-title":"J\u00a0Appl Physiol (1985)"},{"key":"2023011111043393000_bib14","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"857","DOI":"10.1007\/s10103-008-0633-4","article-title":"Effect of 830 nm low-level laser therapy applied before high-intensity exercises on skeletal muscle recovery in athletes","volume":"24","author":"Leal Junior","year":"2009","journal-title":"Lasers Med Sci"},{"key":"2023011111043393000_bib15","first-page":"236","article-title":"Neurotransmitter release changes induced by low power 830 nm diode laser irradiation on the neuromuscular junctions of the mouse","volume":"35","author":"Nicolau","year":"2004","journal-title":"Lasers\u00a0Surg Med"},{"key":"2023011111043393000_bib16","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"227","DOI":"10.1113\/expphysiol.1994.sp003755","article-title":"Effects of low intensity infrared laser irradiation upon conduction in the human median nerve in\u00a0vivo","volume":"79","author":"Baxter","year":"1994","journal-title":"Exp Physiol"},{"key":"2023011111043393000_bib17","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"28","DOI":"10.1111\/j.1529-8027.2007.00114.x","article-title":"830 nm laser irradiation induces varicosity formation, reduces mitochondrial membrane potential and blocks fast axonal flow in small and medium diameter rat dorsal root ganglion neurons: implications for the analgesic effects of 830 nm laser","volume":"12","author":"Chow","year":"2007","journal-title":"J\u00a0Peripher Nerv Syst"},{"key":"2023011111043393000_bib18","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"65","DOI":"10.1016\/0304-3940(93)90141-7","article-title":"Diode laser irradiation selectively diminishes slow component of axonal volleys to dorsal roots from the saphenous nerve in the rat","volume":"161","author":"Tsuchiya","year":"1993","journal-title":"Neurosci Lett"},{"key":"2023011111043393000_bib19","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"369","DOI":"10.1016\/0361-9230(94)90031-0","article-title":"Laser irradiation abates neuronal responses to nociceptive stimulation of rat-paw skin","volume":"34","author":"Tsuchiya","year":"1994","journal-title":"Brain Res Bull"},{"key":"2023011111043393000_bib20","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"450","DOI":"10.1002\/lsm.20950","article-title":"Effect of pulsing in low-level light therapy","volume":"42","author":"Hashmi","year":"2010","journal-title":"Lasers Surg Med"},{"key":"2023011111043393000_bib21","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"614001","DOI":"10.1117\/12.646294","article-title":"Mechanisms of low level light therapy","volume":"6140","author":"Hamblin","year":"2006","journal-title":"Proc SPIE"},{"key":"2023011111043393000_bib22","first-page":"226","article-title":"Association between quantitative sensory testing, treatment choice, and subsequent pain reduction in vulvar vestibulitis syndrome","volume":"5","author":"Granot","year":"2004","journal-title":"J\u00a0Pain"},{"key":"2023011111043393000_bib23","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"825","DOI":"10.1097\/AOG.0b013e31819bda7c","article-title":"The tampon test for vulvodynia treatment outcomes research: reliability, construct validity, and responsiveness","volume":"113","author":"Foster","year":"2009","journal-title":"Obstet Gynecol"},{"key":"2023011111043393000_bib24","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"583","DOI":"10.1097\/AOG.0b013e3181e9e0ab","article-title":"Oral desipramine and topical lidocaine for vulvodynia","volume":"116","author":"Foster","year":"2010","journal-title":"Obstet Gynecol"},{"key":"2023011111043393000_bib25","first-page":"1403","article-title":"Topical nifedipine for the treatment of localized provoked vulvodynia: a placebo-controlled study","volume":"11","author":"Bornstein","year":"2010","journal-title":"J\u00a0Pain"},{"key":"2023011111043393000_bib26","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1165","DOI":"10.1111\/j.1471-0528.2008.01803.x","article-title":"Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation to treat vestibulodynia: a randomised controlled trial","volume":"115","author":"Murina","year":"2008","journal-title":"BJOG"},{"key":"2023011111043393000_bib27","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"53","DOI":"10.1136\/sti.77.1.53","article-title":"Cromolyn cream for recalcitrant idiopathic vulvar vestibulitis: results of a placebo controlled study","volume":"77","author":"Nyirjesy","year":"2001","journal-title":"Sex Transm Infect"},{"key":"2023011111043393000_bib28","first-page":"2523","article-title":"Botulinum toxin type A-a novel treatment for provoked vestibulodynia? Results from a randomized, placebo controlled, double blinded study","volume":"6","author":"Petersen","year":"2009","journal-title":"J\u00a0Sex Med"},{"key":"2023011111043393000_bib29","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"276","DOI":"10.1089\/jwh.2015.5397","article-title":"Remission, relapse, and persistence of vulvodynia: a longitudinal population-based study","volume":"25","author":"Reed","year":"2016","journal-title":"J\u00a0Womens Health (Larchmt)"},{"key":"2023011111043393000_bib30","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"306","DOI":"10.3389\/fphys.2014.00306","article-title":"Low-level laser therapy as a treatment for chronic pain","volume":"5","author":"Kingsley","year":"2014","journal-title":"Front Physiol"},{"key":"2023011111043393000_bib31","first-page":"63","article-title":"Effects of 830 nm gallium aluminium garsenide diode laser radiation on rat saphenous nerve sodium-potassium-adenosine triphosphatase activity: a possible pain attenuation mechanism examined","volume":"1","author":"Kcikokmmo","year":"1989","journal-title":"Laser Ther"},{"key":"2023011111043393000_bib32","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"812","DOI":"10.1097\/01.ogx.0000290350.14036.d6","article-title":"Vulvodynia: new thoughts on a devastating condition","volume":"62","author":"Gunter","year":"2007","journal-title":"Obstet Gynecol Surv"}],"container-title":["The Journal of Sexual Medicine"],"original-title":[],"language":"en","link":[{"URL":"https:\/\/api.elsevier.com\/content\/article\/PII:S1743609517314145?httpAccept=text\/xml","content-type":"text\/xml","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"text-mining"},{"URL":"https:\/\/api.elsevier.com\/content\/article\/PII:S1743609517314145?httpAccept=text\/plain","content-type":"text\/plain","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"text-mining"},{"URL":"https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/jsm\/article-pdf\/14\/11\/1403\/48525328\/jsm_14_11_1403.pdf","content-type":"application\/pdf","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"syndication"},{"URL":"https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/jsm\/article-pdf\/14\/11\/1403\/48525328\/jsm_14_11_1403.pdf","content-type":"unspecified","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"similarity-checking"}],"deposited":{"date-parts":[[2023,1,11]],"date-time":"2023-01-11T14:38:50Z","timestamp":1673447930000},"score":1,"resource":{"primary":{"URL":"https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/jsm\/article\/14\/11\/1403\/6973378"}},"subtitle":[],"short-title":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2017,9,29]]},"references-count":32,"journal-issue":{"issue":"11","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2017,9,29]]},"published-print":{"date-parts":[[2017,11,1]]}},"URL":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.jsxm.2017.09.004","relation":{},"ISSN":["1743-6109","1743-6095"],"issn-type":[{"value":"1743-6109","type":"electronic"},{"value":"1743-6095","type":"print"}],"subject":[],"published-other":{"date-parts":[[2017,11]]},"published":{"date-parts":[[2017,9,29]]},"assertion":[{"value":"Elsevier","name":"publisher","label":"This article is maintained by"},{"value":"Low-Level Laser Therapy for the Treatment of Provoked Vestibulodynia\u2014A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Trial","name":"articletitle","label":"Article Title"},{"value":"The Journal of Sexual Medicine","name":"journaltitle","label":"Journal Title"},{"value":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.jsxm.2017.09.004","name":"articlelink","label":"CrossRef DOI link to publisher maintained version"},{"value":"article","name":"content_type","label":"Content Type"},{"value":"\u00a9 2017 International Society for Sexual Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.","name":"copyright","label":"Copyright"}]}}