The experience of infertility can cause significant emotional instability, especially for patients awaiting In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatment, generating anxiety, stress, and depressive symptoms. This study is a randomized clinical trial assessing the effectiveness of aromatherapy in improving mental health and quality of life in women undergoing infertility treatment. 120 participants will be randomized into three groups (Intervention, Placebo, and Control). The intervention involves the inhalation of true lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia) for four weeks.
Female gender, age over 18 years.
Diagnosis of infertility with indication for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
Patients on the waiting list at HC-UFMG.
Agreement not to practice other mind-body or herbal complementary therapies during the study.
Severe neurological, psychiatric, or clinical disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, severe depression) that prevent participation.
Use of medications that could confound the primary outcome (e.g., sleep medications, anxiolytics, antidepressants, neuroleptics) in the 30 days prior to or during the study.
Known allergy to lavender products.
Pregnancy during the study period.