Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are highly effective contraceptives, yet the procedures can be associated with discomfort, anxiety and pain, which deter uptake and continuation. By providing immersive, multisensory distraction, virtual reality (VR) use during IUD procedures has demonstrated multiple benefits, including reducing pain and anxiety. We evaluated the feasibility, acceptability and service impact of using VR during IUD procedures in a sexual and reproductive health clinic in London, UK.
VR was offered to patients attending IUD clinics between 20/11/24 and 05/11/25 . Patients and healthcare staff completed feedback questionnaires assessing their experience and perceived impact of VR, procedural anxiety and pain scores, and barriers and facilitators to implementation. Consultation durations were compared between the VR (20/11/24–05/11/25) and pre-VR (1/8/24–31/10/24) periods.
Of 235 patients offered VR, 177 (75%) accepted. Among VR acceptors, 93% (165/177) would use it again, 96% (170/177) would recommend it and 86% (80/93) reported that it provided a superior experience to previous fitting(s). All staff reported that VR was helpful, improved care and increased positive feedback, and 80% (12/15) felt it helped them perform their role more effectively.
Baseline anxiety scores were higher among VR acceptors (mean=56.7/100, SD=26.8) than decliners (mean=46.2/100, SD=30.6) (p=0.02) and 87% of VR acceptors felt it reduced their anxiety. Appointment durations did not appreciably differ between pre-VR (36.5 min) versus VR (37 min) periods.
VR as a non-pharmacological adjunct in National Health Service IUD clinics was feasible and acceptable among patients and clinicians, without prolonging appointments. Patients who accepted VR reported higher baseline anxiety than decliners, and the majority perceived VR reduced anxiety and provided a superior experience.