Glyceryl Trinitrate Versus Lidocaine Cream for IUD Insertion

Topical Glyceryl Trinitrate Versus Lidocaine Cream as Analgesia for IUD Insertion: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The intrauterine device (IUD) is a long-acting, highly effective, reversible contraceptive method that may be underutilized due to fear of pain during insertion. Although providers frequently prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for IUD insertion, there is no evidence for any pain reduction. Women can experience high levels of pain when the IUD is placed inside the uterus, and fear of this pain could be a reason that women decide not to use this method.

Inclusion criteria:

1. Women not taken analgesics or anxiolytics in the 24 hours prior insertion
2. Women not taken misoprostol prior to IUD insertion
3. No contraindication to or history of allergic reaction to lidocaine or NO donors.
4. Women who will accept to participate in the study

Exclusion criteria:

1. Lidocaine allergy
2. History of migraine or chronic headache
3. Any contraindication to IUD placement