Ketorolac Before IUD Placement: Worthwhile?

A randomized trial provides only limited support for this injectable NSAID.

Although use of intrauterine devices (IUDs) is growing among U.S. women, these highly effective contraceptives remained underutilized, and concern about pain with insertion represents a barrier. Investigators randomized women seeking first-time IUD placement to 30-mg intramuscular ketorolac (a potent NSAID) or 1 mL of saline 30 minutes before placement. Participants reported pain associated with study drug injection, speculum placement, tenaculum placement, uterine sounding, IUD placement, and 15 minutes after placement using a visual analog scale from 0 cm (no pain) to 10 cm (worst pain possible).

Among 67 participants (mean age, 27; one third white, one third black; median parity, 1), pain ratings were similar in the ketorolac and placebo …

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

Ketorolac Before IUD Placement: Worthwhile?

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Reviewing Author