Topical Anesthetic Use In Pessary Management

Topical Anesthetic Use In Pessary Management: A Randomized Double Blinded Placebo Controlled Trial

The purpose of this study is to evaluate if lidocaine-prilocaine (EMLA 5%) cream can reduce pain and discomfort at the time of vaginal pessary removal and insertion. Half of the participants will receive lidocaine-prilocaine (EMLA 5%) cream and the other half will receive a placebo cream.

Lidocaine-prilocaine (EMLA 5%) cream has been shown to be effective in reducing pain during minor gynecologic procedures. The primary objective of this trial is to determine if the use of 5% EMLA cream at the time of pessary removal and insertion reduces pain when compared to the use of placebo cream.

Participants will be randomized to receive either 10 grams of 5% EMLA cream (4 mL) or 4 mL of placebo cream (aqueous cream BP). Cream will be applied in office at the time of pessary removal and insertion.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women in the Loyola Urogynecology clinic who use a pessary for management of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) or urinary incontinence (UI)
• Read and speak the English language

Exclusion Criteria:

• Non-English speaking
• Allergy or contraindication to topical anesthetic
• Participation/randomization in the study at a previous visit
• Currently pregnant or lactating or planning a pregnancy within the next 6 months