Virtual reality to reduce pain and anxiety during first-trimester procedural abortion
Official title: Virtual Reality as an Adjunctive Agent for the Management of Pain and Anxiety During First Trimester Procedural Abortion: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by University of Pittsburgh · NCT07288047 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether wearing a VR headset that shows a meditative nature video during a first-trimester procedural abortion reduces pain and anxiety and increases satisfaction compared with usual care.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 72 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Pittsburgh Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | October 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | October 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | May 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07288047 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18 or older undergoing a first-trimester (under 14 weeks) procedural abortion who can read English and are willing to provide informed consent and follow the protocol are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of vertigo or epilepsy, claustrophobia, significant hearing or vision loss, implanted medical devices, those requiring misoprostol, or prior unsuccessful abortion attempts in this pregnancy may be excluded and are unlikely to receive benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial will enroll 72 patients undergoing first-trimester procedural abortion and randomize them to usual care versus usual care plus a VR headset displaying a meditative nature video. Usual care includes oral pain medication, local cervical anesthesia, and verbal reassurance, and all participants will complete surveys before the procedure, immediately after, and one week later to measure pain, anxiety, and satisfaction. The intervention is noninvasive and low risk and is being tested as an adjunct to routine pain and anxiety management. The trial excludes patients with vertigo, epilepsy, claustrophobia, significant sensory impairments, implanted medical devices, or those requiring misoprostol for cervical preparation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding VR could provide a low-risk, nonpharmacologic way to lower pain and anxiety and improve patient satisfaction during early procedural abortion.
How similar studies have gone: VR has shown promise for reducing pain and anxiety in other medical and obstetric contexts, but using VR specifically during first-trimester procedural abortion is novel and has not been previously studied.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients at Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania who have decided to undergo and are eligible for a procedural abortion. * 18 years old or older * \<14 weeks gestation on day of abortion * Able to comprehend written English * Willing to comply with the study protocol * Willing and able to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * History of vertigo * History of epilepsy * Claustrophobia * Significant hearing or visual impairments (such as deafness or blindness) * Require hearing aids * Have an implanted medical device, such as cardiac pacemaker or defibrillator * Require misoprostol for cervical preparation * Prior unsuccessful attempt at abortion during this pregnancy
Where it's running
-
Center for Family Planning Research, Magee-Womens Hospital
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting -
Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Study Coordinator
- Email: fpr@upmc.edu
- Phone: 412-641-5496
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.