Aromatherapy effects on pain and anxiety during transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of lavender and frankincense aromatherapy on anxiety and pain during transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 120 male patients scheduled for prostate biopsy at a tertiary care center were enrolled. Participants were randomly assigned to receive placebo (n = 40), lavender aromatherapy (n = 41), or frankincense aromatherapy (n = 39) administered via nebulizer during the procedure. Primary outcomes included changes in anxiety levels, measured pre- and post-procedure using the State Anxiety Inventory (STAI-I), and pain intensity assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). All participants received standard periprostatic local anesthesia.

RESULTS

Both aromatherapy interventions significantly reduced anxiety with large effect sizes. The lavender group demonstrated a mean reduction of 7.39 ± 7.12 points (p < 0.001; Cohen's d = -1.090), while the frankincense group demonstrated a reduction of 8.54 ± 9.98 points (p < 0.001, Cohen's d = -1.102). In contrast, the control group showed no significant change (-0.82 ± 4.41 points, p = 0.099; Cohen's d = -0.107). Both intervention groups also showed significant analgesic effects, with actual pain scores lower than anticipated pain levels (p < 0.001 for both comparisons). No adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSION

Lavender and frankincense aromatherapy significantly reduced anxiety and pain during prostate biopsy, with clinically meaningful improvements in STAI-I and VAS scores and no observed safety concerns. These findings support the use of aromatherapy as a practical adjunct to standard care in urological procedures, contributing to improved patient-centered outcomes.