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.
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 60 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Mar 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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May 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 to 65 years
- Sex
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Female participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
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: * Women aged 18-65 years * Scheduled for a Pap smear procedure * Able to communicate in Turkish * Able to understand and complete the study questionnaires * Willing to provide written informed consent * No visual or hearing impairment preventing the use of a VR headset Exclusion Criteria: * History of severe motion sickness or vertigo * Diagnosed psychiatric disorder affecting anxiety assessment * Use of anxiolytic or sedative medication within 24 hours prior to the procedure * Presence of acute pelvic pain or active vaginal infection * Previous participation in this study * Any condition preventing safe use of a VR headset
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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 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.
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