Lavender Aromatherapy to Decrease Anxiety/Pain Perception During Office Hysteroscopy

Office hysteroscopy is an invaluable practice to treat a myriad of gynecological processes. However, a limiting factor is the perceived pain and anxiety. In a randomized pilot study, treatment with lavender aromatherapy will significantly decrease the stress/anxiety levels associated with office hysteroscopy, as measured on a visual analogue scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire when compared to control subjects receiving distilled water placebo.

* Inclusion Criteria: * Women aged 18 and over * Scheduled to undergo office hysteroscopy procedure * Able to give informed consent * Able to read and write in English * Anxiety score \> 0 on a numerical scale at baseline * Exclusion Criteria: * Any contraindication to office hysteroscopy (active pelvic infection, confirmed cervical or endometrial cancer severe hypertension, or any other condition that might be worsened by an uncomfortable test) * Allergy to lavender oil, or any of its components * Withdrawal Criteria * The patient requests terminating participation