Actively Recruiting
Aromatherapy for Mental Health Promotion in In Vitro Fertilization Patients: a Randomized Clinical Trial
Led by Federal University of Minas Gerais · Updated on 2026-04-29
120
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research aims to evaluate whether aromatherapy can improve mental health and quality of life for women experiencing infertility and awaiting In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatment. Infertility often causes emotional distress such as anxiety, stress, and depression. This randomized clinical trial will compare the effects of true lavender essential oil inhalation, synthetic lavender aroma inhalation, and routine care on mental well-being in women on the IVF waiting list. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: the intervention group will inhale five drops of true lavender essential oil twice daily using a personal nasal inhaler for 15 minutes each time over four weeks; the placebo group will inhale synthetic lavender aroma in the same manner; and the control group will receive routine care without inhalation. The intervention is designed to be accessible and easy to follow with adherence monitored through aromatherapy diaries and weekly schedules. Women in the study will be assessed at the start, at four weeks (end of intervention), and at eight weeks (four weeks after intervention) using validated scales measuring anxiety, depression, stress, quality of life, insomnia, flourishing, religiosity, pain, and general health. Participants will also complete qualitative questionnaires to capture their experiences. The study includes close monitoring to track adherence and evaluate changes in mental health and quality of life over time.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Aromatherapy for Mental Health Promotion in IVF Patients
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Female gender, age over 18 years
- Diagnosis of infertility with indication for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
- On the waiting list at Hospital das Clínicas da UFMG
- Agree not to use other mind-body or herbal complementary therapies during the study
- Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) score indicating at least mild anxiety, stress, or depression
- No aversion to inhaling essential oil or synthetic lavender essence
You will not qualify if you...
- Severe neurological, psychiatric, or clinical disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, severe depression) preventing participation
- Use of sleep medications, anxiolytics, antidepressants, or neuroleptics within 30 days before or during the study
- Known allergy to lavender products
- Pregnancy during the study period
- Use of essential oils in the last 90 days
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 4 weeks
Participants inhale 5 drops of either lavender essential oil or synthetic lavender aroma twice daily for 15 minutes each session, over 4 weeks. The control group receives routine care without inhalation. Participants record their sessions and perceptions in an aromatherapy diary throughout this period.
Weekly visits for up to 4 weeks
Duration - 4 weeks
Participants are assessed 4 weeks after treatment ends to evaluate the lasting effects of the intervention on mental health and quality of life.
1 follow-up visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Federal University of Minas Gerais - Brazil
Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, 30130-100
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
R
Rubens L C Tavares, MD, PhD
B
Bárbara P Aquino, MSc
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
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