Impact of virtual reality with or without hypnosis before oocyte retrieval: A randomised study

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Psychology
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Anxiety negatively impacts in-vitro-fertilisation (IVF) success rates.
• Hypnosis and virtual reality (VR) are known to reduce emotional distress.
• VR offers an immersive distraction technique, while hypnosis provides guided relaxation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of VR with and without hypnosis on anxiety levels before oocyte retrieval (OR).
• To evaluate the effect of these interventions on subsequent pregnancy rates in IVF patients.

Main Methods:

• A double-blinded study randomized 342 women undergoing OR under sedation.
• Participants received either a standard VR session (VRD group) or VR with hypnosis (VRH group).
• Anxiety was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI); ongoing pregnancy at 12 weeks was the primary endpoint.

Main Results:

• Both VRD and VRH groups showed significant reductions in anxiety from baseline.
• No statistically significant difference in anxiety reduction was observed between the VRD and VRH groups.
• Pregnancy rates were similar between the groups: 18.6% in VRD and 22.5% in VRH.

Conclusions:

• Both VR and VR with hypnosis effectively reduce anxiety in women undergoing OR.
• The specific hypnotic suggestions used in the VR session did not influence the IVF pregnancy rate.
• VR interventions show promise for anxiety management in fertility treatments, but further research is needed on pregnancy outcomes.