Perioperative Virtual Reality Intervention for Pain and Anxiety During Vasectomies

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA · Jul 3, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether using virtual reality (VR) can help reduce pain, anxiety, and stress for men having a vasectomy—a common procedure for male birth control—done with local anesthesia (numbing medicine). During the vasectomy, some men still feel uncomfortable or anxious, so researchers want to see if wearing a VR headset with a calming, guided meditation program (called TRIPP) can make the experience better compared to the usual care without VR.

Men who are 18 or older, speak English, and have chosen to have a vasectomy at the Men’s Health Clinic may be eligible to join. Participants will be randomly placed into two groups: one will use the VR headset during the procedure, and the other will have the vasectomy as usual. Everyone will fill out short questionnaires before, during, and after the procedure to share how they feel. Those using VR will also have a chance to give feedback about their experience. This study aims to find out if VR can be a helpful tool to make vasectomies less stressful and more comfortable for future patients.

Gender

MALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 18 years of age or older.
• • Can speak and read English.
• • Have elected for a vasectomy.
• • Are scheduled to undergo their vasectomy under local anesthesia at the Men's Health Clinic
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Those who are not competent to provide informed consent (e.g., due to cognitive impairment).
• • Those who are unable to participate in a VR intervention (e.g., due to visual or auditory impairment).