Acupuncture for Vasectomy Pre-procedural Anxiety and Pain Control in the Primary Care Setting

Last updated: April 11, 2025
Sponsor: Matthew Snyder
Overall Status: Completed

Phase

N/A

Condition

Birth Control

Contraception

Treatment

Standardized pre-procedure medications

Acupuncture

Clinical Study ID

NCT03938415
FWH20190062H
  • Ages > 25
  • Male

Study Summary

This study compares auricular (ear) acupuncture and body acupuncture (Koffman protocol) versus clinic standardized pre-vasectomy medications to determine which has better outcomes at improving pre-procedural anxiety and procedural pain relief and medication usage in adult male patients following vasectomy.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Patients must be able to get care at Nellis Air Force Base (a military installation) in order to participate in this study

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Male active duty members and DoD beneficiaries aged 25 years or older

  • Scheduled for a vasectomy

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Repeat vasectomy

  • Chronic pain medication/benzodiazepine use

  • Current pain contract/pain management

  • Current anxiolytic medication

  • History of needle shock

  • Diagnosis of anxiety

  • Needle phobia

  • Blood/injury phobia

  • History of vasovagal reflex response

Study Design

Total Participants: 46
Treatment Group(s): 2
Primary Treatment: Standardized pre-procedure medications
Phase:
Study Start date:
June 01, 2019
Estimated Completion Date:
April 11, 2025

Study Description

The investigators will compare auricular (ear) and body acupuncture (Koffman protocol) versus clinic standardized pre-vasectomy medications to determine which has better outcomes at improving pre-procedural anxiety and procedural pain relief and medication usage in adult male patients following vasectomy. In this efficacy trial, the investigators hypothesize that acupuncture will provide therapeutic anxiety and pain relief during and after vasectomy. The investigators will measure anxiety immediately before and prior to the procedure and before and after the intervention via a standardized anxiety scale (comparative). The investigators will also measure pain control immediately after the procedure using Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS). At the post op check (2-4 days after procedure) subjects will fill out a patient satisfaction survey. During the recovery period over 2 weeks, a medication usage diary will be kept by the subject including the time when the patient returns to full duties.

Connect with a study center

  • Mike O'Callaghan Military Medical Center

    Las Vegas, Nevada 89191
    United States

    Site Not Available

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