Cervical lidocaine for IUD insertional pain: a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Anticipated pain with intrauterine device (IUD) insertion may be a barrier to widespread use. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of intracervical 2% lidocaine gel for pain relief with IUD insertion.

STUDY DESIGN:

We performed a double-blind, randomized controlled trial of women undergoing IUD insertion. Participants were randomly assigned to 2% lidocaine or placebo gel. Study gel (3 mL) was placed 3 minutes prior to IUD insertion. Pain scores were measured at various time points using a 10-point visual analog scale.

RESULTS:

Of the 200 participants randomized, 199 completed the study. Pain scores among lidocaine and placebo arms were similar at tenaculum placement (lidocaine and placebo: median, 4; range, 0-10; P = .15) and with insertion (lidocaine: median, 5; range, 1-10; placebo: median, 6; range, 0-10; P = .16). These results did not differ by parity.

CONCLUSION:

Topical or intracervical 2% lidocaine gel prior to IUD insertion does not decrease pain scores.

• Authors: Colleen P McNicholas, Tessa Madden, Qiuhong Zhao, Gina Secura, Jenifer E Allsworth, Jeffrey F Peipert
• Journal: American journal of obstetrics and gynecology (Am J Obstet Gynecol) Vol. 207 Issue 5 Pg. 384.e1-6 (Nov 2012) ISSN: 1097-6868 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 23107081 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2012 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Anesthetics, Local
• Lidocaine

Topics

• Administration, Intravaginal
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Anesthetics, Local (administration & dosage)
• Female
• Humans
• Intrauterine Devices (adverse effects)
• Lidocaine (administration & dosage)
• Middle Aged
• Pain (drug therapy)
• Pain Measurement
• Treatment Outcome
• Young Adult