Using virtual reality headsets to reduce pain during pregnancy termination

The Use of Virtual Reality Headset in Controlling Pain During Pregnancy Termination; a Randomized Control Trial

Not applicable Interventional St. Luke's Hospital, Pennsylvania · NCT06029582

This study tests if using virtual reality headsets can help women feel less pain during a surgical pregnancy termination.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorSt. Luke's Hospital, Pennsylvania Academic / other
Locations1 site (Allentown, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT06029582 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of virtual reality headsets (VRHS) in alleviating pain for women undergoing surgical pregnancy termination. Participants will be randomly assigned to either use a VR headset or a placebo headset during the procedure. Pain levels will be assessed through surveys administered before and after the surgery. The study aims to provide insights into how VR technology can help manage pain and anxiety in this sensitive medical context.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women over the age of 18 who are undergoing a surgical termination of pregnancy in the first or second trimester.

Not a fit: Patients under the age of 18 or those with significant medical comorbidities may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce pain and anxiety for women undergoing surgical pregnancy termination.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown moderate success in using virtual reality for pain management in other medical fields, suggesting potential for this novel application.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* all healthy patients undergoing a first or second trimester pregnancy termination

Exclusion Criteria:

* pregnancy patients requesting a termination under the age of 18

Where this trial is running

Allentown, Pennsylvania

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Pregnancy Termination
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.