Guided-meditation virtual reality during vasectomy to reduce pain and anxiety
A Perioperative Virtual Reality Intervention for Pain and Anxiety Management During Vasectomies: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This project will test whether wearing a TRIPP guided-meditation VR headset during vasectomy helps adult men have less pain, less anxiety, and greater satisfaction than standard care.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | University of Manitoba Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Winnipeg, Manitoba) |
| Trial ID | NCT07055178 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adult men scheduled for vasectomy under local anesthesia at the Manitoba Men's Health Clinic will be randomly assigned to use a TRIPP guided-meditation VR headset during the procedure or to receive standard care without VR. Participants will complete brief questionnaires before, during, and after the procedure to measure pain, anxiety, distress, and satisfaction. The VR group will use the headset for the duration of the procedure and may provide optional feedback about their experience. Investigators will compare outcomes between groups to see if VR reduces pain and anxiety and improves patient satisfaction.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Men aged 18 or older who can read and speak English, have elected a vasectomy under local anesthesia at the Manitoba Men's Health Clinic, and are able to tolerate VR (no significant visual or auditory impairment) are appropriate candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with cognitive impairment, significant visual or hearing loss, those who require general anesthesia, or those prone to motion sickness or cybersickness may not benefit from or be able to use the VR intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, VR could make vasectomies more comfortable by reducing pain and anxiety and improving patient satisfaction.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research in other minor procedures and perioperative settings has shown that VR can reduce procedural pain and anxiety, though VR use specifically for vasectomy is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years of age or older. * Can speak and read English. * Have elected for a vasectomy. * Are scheduled to undergo their vasectomy under local anesthesia at the Men's Health Clinic Exclusion Criteria: * Those who are not competent to provide informed consent (e.g., due to cognitive impairment). * Those who are unable to participate in a VR intervention (e.g., due to visual or auditory impairment).
Where this trial is running
Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Manitoba Men's Health Clinic — Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Renée El-Gabalawy, MA, PhD, C. Psych — University of Manitoba
- Study coordinator: Renée El-Gabalawy, MA, PhD, C.Psych.
- Email: renee.el-gabalawy@umanitoba.ca
- Phone: 204-787-4083
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.