A Randomized Controlled Trial of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Pain Mitigation During Intrauterine Device Placement
Medical University of South Carolina
Summary
Investigators are conducting a study to determine whether high frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (hfTENS) is effective at reducing pain in women having an IUD inserted.
Description
The intrauterine device (IUD) is a highly effective contraceptive method with increasing utilization in the last decade. The procedure to both place and remove an IUD is typically performed in the ambulatory gynecologic clinic. Pain associated with IUD insertion is variably described, and evidence suggests that physicians underestimate the severity of pain patients experience with this procedure. Studies have quantified the experience of pain using visual analog scales, demonstrating moderate insertional pain ranging from 5 to 7 out of 10 cm (equivalent to 50-70 out of 100 mm) on VAS. Increasi…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- Female
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Provision of signed and dated informed consent form for IUD Insertion * Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures * English speaking individuals aged 18 years or older * Presenting for IUD initiation during ambulatory care visit at MUSC Women's Health * Opting for either LNG 52mg or copper T380A IUD Exclusion Criteria: * Contraindication to IUD initiation (i.e. pregnancy, current pelvic infection, distorted uterine anatomy) * Contraindication or allergy to ibuprofen * History of a chronic pain disorder * Recent opioid use in the previous 30 days * History…
Interventions
- DeviceHigh frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
TENS 7000 digital TENS unit will be used.
Location
- MUSC Women's Health- Cannon StreetCharleston, South Carolina