Self-Administered Lidocaine Gel for Pain Management With IUD Insertion

Self-Administered Lidocaine Gel for Pain Management With IUD Insertion: A Randomized Controlled Trial

For intrauterine device (IUD) insertion, currently there are no standardized clinical guidelines for pain management. The investigators aim to explore whether adequate pain relief is possible through self-administered, non-invasive means alone. Reducing pain associated with IUD insertion may benefit patients and providers. When patients are comfortable during their procedure, it is likely the provider can more quickly and with fewer complications perform the insertion. The investigators propose to explore the effect of a locally applied vaginal lidocaine gel in place of the standard of care pain management, no intervention, prior to IUD insertions. This is a superiority, blinded, randomized controlled trial.

Inclusion Criteria:

Elective IUD insertion (any type of IUD, copper or hormonal); at an out-patient setting at Stanford; English or Spanish speaking, and ability to give informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

Any pre-operative use of misoprostol; or use of PO pain control medication (i.e. ibuprofen or acetaminophen) prior to procedure. Allergy to study medications: lidocaine, or surgical lubricant jelly, known uterine anomaly; prior cervical surgery; and no prior use of tampons.