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The Efficacy of Lavender Essential Oil for Anxiety and Pain
Reduction During Single-rod Contraceptive Implantation
Thunyaporn Dachray1, Densak Pongrojpaw1*, Dittakarn Boriboonhirunsarn2, Kitrawee Jiraratsatit3
,
Athita Chanthasenanont1, Komsun Suwannarurk1
1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University
2 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University
3 Faculty of Public Health, Thammasat University
*Corresponding Author E-mail: pongrojpaw@gmail.com
Objective: Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of lavender essential oil in alleviating anxiety and
pain associated with the insertion of a single-rod contraceptive implant.
Methods: This study was conducted at the Gynecology Clinic, Thammasat University Hospital,
Pathumthani, Thailand, between June and December 2024. It included volunteers seeking
contraceptive implant services. Participants were randomly divided into two equal groups
and assigned to inhale either lavender essential oil or normal saline 15 minutes before the
single-rod contraceptive implant procedure. A cotton swab with 4 drops of the assigned
scent was held 10 centimeters from the nose. Anxiety was assessed using the Visual Facial
Anxiety Scale (VFAS) at three time points: before, during, and 15 minutes after the
procedure, while pain was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) during local
anesthesia and implant insertion.
Results: A total of 200 participants were equally divided into the lavender and control groups, with
comparable baseline demographics. Lavender aromatherapy significantly reduced anxiety
and pain severity. Before the procedure, more participants in the lavender group reported
mild anxiety (45 vs. 26, p < 0.001), and fewer reported severe anxiety (1 vs. 27, p < 0.001)
during implantation. During local anesthesia, a significantly higher proportion of the
lavender group reported mild pain (50 vs. 34, p = 0.004), with fewer reporting severe pain (5
vs. 19). Similar trends were observed during implantation, with fewer participants reporting
moderate (12 vs. 21, p = 0.027) and severe pain (1 vs. 6).
Conclusion: Lavender’s sedative and calming effects significantly reduced anxiety and pain during
contraceptive implant procedures, highlighting its potential as a simple, cost-effective
intervention for pain and anxiety management in clinical settings.
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