VR headsets could take the fear out of pap smears
NCT ID NCT07462039
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether watching a 360° relaxing nature video through a VR headset during a Pap smear can lower pain and anxiety. Sixty women aged 18–65 will be randomly assigned to either the VR group or standard care. Researchers will measure pain and anxiety levels to see if VR makes the experience more comfortable.
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 (360° relaxing nature video via VR headset)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a simple, drug-free way to make Pap smears more comfortable and encourage more women to get screened.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study with only 60 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The VR experience might not reduce pain or anxiety for all women.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ANXIETY are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
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.
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Tape to tame Post-Surgery face swelling?
- Can a virtual meadow or a Mind's eye stream calm hospital anxiety?
- Virtual reality may distract patients from pain and fear during anesthesia
- Can patients safely dispense their own pain medicine after surgery?
- Can a VR headset calm nerves before surgery?
- Nature as therapy? a new trial tests outdoor outings for anxious kids