Background: The intrauterine device (IUD) is an effective form of contraception, but its utilization worldwide is low due to discomfort and anxiety during insertion. Virtual reality (VR) technology shows promise in reducing pain during IUD insertion.
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of VR technology exposure in relieving pain associated with IUD insertions.
Search Strategy: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from database inception to April 2024.
Selection Criteria: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the efficacy of VR in reducing pain and anxiety during IUD insertion. Main outcomes were pain and anxiety levels during IUD insertion.
Data Collection And Analysis: Effect measures were expressed as standardized mean difference [SMD] with 95% confidence interval [CI]. Study quality was assessed using Cochrane risk of bias 2(ROB2) tool.
Main Results: Four RCTs (n= 315 patients) were included. The VR group had a significantly lower pain scores during IUD insertion compared to the standard practice group (SMD= -1.69, 95% CI: [-3.20, -0.18]; P= 0.03). However, the differences in anxiety levels during IUD insertion or post-procedural women satisfaction was not statistically significant between the two study groups (P=0.51 & P= 0.30, respectively). Most included studies had a low risk of bias.
Conclusion and Relevance: VR technology demonstrated a clinically significant reduction in pain during IUD insertion compared to standard practice, while no significant differences were observed in patients' anxiety or post-insertion satisfaction between the study groups.