The Efficacy of Lavender Essential Oil for Anxiety and Pain Reduction during Single-Rod Contraceptive Implantation

Thunyaporn  Dachray; Densak  Pongrojpaw; Dittakarn  Boriboonhirunsarn; Kitrawee  Jiraratsatit; Athita  Chanthasenanont; Komsun  Suwannarurk

doi:10.18502/tim.v10i4.20729

Thunyaporn Dachray Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand
Densak Pongrojpaw Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand
Dittakarn Boriboonhirunsarn Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Kitrawee Jiraratsatit Faculty of Public Health, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand
Athita Chanthasenanont Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand
Komsun Suwannarurk Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/tim.v10i4.20729

Keywords: Lavender; Single-rod contraceptive implantation; Pain; Anxiety

Abstract

Lavender essential oil aromatherapy has been explored for its potential to alleviate anxiety and pain during medical procedures. This randomized controlled trial investigated its efficacy in reducing anxiety and pain levels during single-rod contraceptive implantation. Conducted at the Gynecology Clinic, Thammasat University Hospital, Thailand, between June and December 2024, the study enrolled volunteers seeking contraceptive implant services. Participants were randomly assigned to inhale either lavender essential oil or normal saline 15 minutes before the procedure, using a cotton swab with four drops of the assigned scent held 10 cm from the nose. Anxiety levels were measured using the Visual Facial Anxiety Scale (VFAS) before, during, and 15 minutes after the procedure; while pain was assessed with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) during local anesthesia administration and implant insertion. A total of 200 participants were evenly divided into the lavender and control groups, with no significant differences in baseline characteristics. Lavender aromatherapy demonstrated a significant reduction in both anxiety and pain severity. Before the procedure, a greater number of participants in the lavender group reported mild anxiety compared to the control group (45 vs. 26, p < 0.001), and severe anxiety during implantation was markedly lower (1 vs. 27, p < 0.001). Similarly, during local anesthesia, a significantly higher proportion of participants in the lavender group reported mild pain (50 vs. 34, p = 0.004); while fewer experienced severe pain (5 vs. 19). Comparable trends were observed during implantation, with fewer participants reporting moderate (12 vs. 21, p = 0.027) and severe pain (1 vs. 6). These findings highlight the sedative and calming effects of lavender aromatherapy, demonstrating its potential as a simple and non-invasive intervention for managing anxiety and pain during contraceptive implantation.