Aromatherapy to Reduce Pain and Anxiety During Cervical Colposcopy

Aromatherapy With Lavender Oil to Reduce Pain and Anxiety During Cervical Colposcopy: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

The purpose of this study is to determine whether aromatherapy with lavender oil compared to placebo lowers anxiety levels in women during colposcopy.

Aromatherapy is a modality that might reduce anxiety. Women experience high levels of anxiety and negative emotional responses at all stages of cervical cancer screening. High levels of anxiety before and during colposcopy can be bad. If lavender oil aromatherapy reduces anxiety, then simple use of this modality may improve experiences during colposcopy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Tricare Insurance Beneficiary (military insurance) receiving care at Nellis AFB
• All women at least 18 yrs of age undergoing colposcopy who have not previously participated in this protocol.

Exclusion Criteria:

• age <18 years
• pregnancy
• breastfeeding
• asthma
• poor sense of smell
• allergy to one of the essential oils
• consumption of any analgesic
• short-term anxiolytic (i.e. benzodiazepines) or chronic anxiolytic medications (i.e. SSRI)