Virtual Reality Intervention to Reduce Pain in Women Undergoing Elective Oocyte Cryopreservation

The Effectiveness of Virtual Reality for Pain Reduction in Women Undergoing Elective Oocyte Cryopreservation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled study evaluates whether exposure to relaxing virtual reality (VR) scenery prior to oocyte retrieval can reduce pain in women undergoing elective oocyte cryopreservation.

Many women experience discomfort before and after oocyte retrieval. Virtual reality has been shown to reduce pain in various medical settings by providing distraction and relaxation.

In this study, participants are randomly assigned to receive either routine care alone or routine care combined with a VR-based relaxation intervention while waiting for the procedure.

Pain is assessed using validated questionnaires and standardized scales before and after oocyte retrieval.

The results of this study may help determine whether VR can serve as a simple, safe, and non-pharmacological method to improve patient comfort during elective egg freezing.

This study is a prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial evaluating the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) in reducing pain among women undergoing elective oocyte cryopreservation.

Eligible participants awaiting oocyte retrieval are recruited at the fertility unit. All participants receive detailed information about the study and provide written informed consent prior to enrollment.

Participants are randomized into two parallel groups. The intervention group receives routine care in addition to exposure to relaxing virtual reality nature scenery using a VR headset for approximately 20 minutes prior to oocyte retrieval. The control group receives routine care without exposure to virtual reality.

Baseline assessments include demographic data, medical history, pain sensitivity questionnaire (PSQ), baseline visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, pain threshold assessment, and vital signs.

Following the procedure, pain is reassessed using the visual analog scale. Analgesic administration is documented from medical records. Additional post-procedure assessments include pain-related parameters and vital signs.

The primary outcome is post-procedure pain intensity measured using the VAS. Secondary outcomes include pain sensitivity measures, analgesic consumption, and physiological parameters.

All collected data include demographic variables, clinical parameters, baseline and post-procedure pain scores, pain-related measures, vital signs, and medication use. Data are coded and stored in a secure institutional database.

Statistical analysis compares outcomes between groups using appropriate parametric or non-parametric methods according to data distribution.

This study aims to assess whether pre-procedure virtual reality exposure can serve as a safe and effective non-pharmacological adjunct for pain reduction in women undergoing elective oocyte cryopreservation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women undergoing elective oocyte retrieval for fertility preservation.
• Age 18-45 years.
• Ability to provide informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Use of pain relief, anti-anxiety, or antidepressant medications prior to the intervention.

• Any condition for which VR use is not recommended, including:

  • History of seizures
  • Sensitivity to flashing light or motion
  • Migraine headaches
  • Predisposition to nausea or dizziness (e.g., vertigo)

• Any injury to the eyes, face, or neck limiting use of the VR device, including blindness.