Does “Apply-it-Yourself” Vaginal Lidocaine Gel Ease IUD Placement?

Lidocaine had no effect on pain at IUD placement, but was associated with substantially less need for cervical dilation.

Concerns about pain with intrauterine device (IUD) placement deter some women from choosing this highly effective, safe approach to contraception. In a trial involving 58 nulliparous women (mean age, 24; 80% white) presenting for placement of a copper or progestin IUD at an academic U.S. clinic, investigators randomized participants to 2% lidocaine gel or placebo gel (self-applied with a vaginal applicator 5–15 minutes prior to IUD placement). Using a 100-mm visual analog scale, participants assessed change in pain from baseline for each step of the procedure.

Mean changes in pain scores with IUD placement were 61 mm (lidocaine) and 69 mm (placebo; P=0.06). Women who received lidocaine experienced significantly less pain with tenaculum place…

Reviewing Author

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Does “Apply-it-Yourself” Vaginal Lidocaine Gel Ease IUD Placement?

Topics

Reviewing Author