Virtual reality may help women feel less pain and fear during abortion
NCT ID NCT07288047
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether using a virtual reality (VR) headset showing calming nature videos can reduce pain and anxiety during a first-trimester procedural abortion. Seventy-two adults will either receive usual care (pain medication and local anesthetic) or usual care plus the VR headset. Researchers will measure pain and anxiety scores before and after the procedure, and check satisfaction one week later.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Virtual reality headset (Meta Quest 3S) showing meditative nature videos
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a simple, drug-free way to ease pain and anxiety during a first-trimester abortion, improving patient comfort and satisfaction.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with only 72 people. The VR headset may not significantly reduce pain or anxiety compared to usual care alone. Some people may feel dizzy or uncomfortable using VR.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 72 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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May 2026
- Expected to finish
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Oct 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Female participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
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
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
2 sites. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Center for Family Planning Research, Magee-Womens Hospital
RECRUITINGPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States
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Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania
RECRUITINGPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States
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