Insertion of copper IUDs is often associated with moderate pain, which may reduce acceptance and continuation rates. Factors such as nulliparity and absence of prior vaginal delivery are known to increase pain perception. Women who have delivered only by cesarean section represent a special subgroup because their cervix has not undergone vaginal dilation and cervical remodeling, making insertion technically more difficult and often more painful. This group has been underrepresented in prior analgesia trials, highlighting an important evidence gap.
Insertion of copper IUDs is often associated with moderate pain, which may reduce acceptance and continuation rates. Factors such as nulliparity and absence of prior vaginal delivery are known to increase pain perception. Women who have delivered only by cesarean section represent a special subgroup because their cervix has not undergone vaginal dilation and cervical remodeling, making insertion technically more difficult and often more painful. This group has been underrepresented in prior analgesia trials, highlighting an important evidence gap. Pharmacological interventions (NSAIDs, opioids, local anesthetics) have shown inconsistent results. A randomized controlled trial demonstrated that verbal analgesia, using calm voice, reassurance, and continuous communication, was as effective as tramadol for IUD insertion among nulliparous women. To date, no randomized study has specifically addressed women delivered only by cesarean section
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
88
Participants randomized to the verbal analgesia group will receive a structured communication protocol delivered by the provider throughout the IUD insertion procedure.participants will receive a structured verbal analgesia technique delivered by the provider throughout the IUD insertion procedure. The method involves using a calm, low-volume voice with steady pitch and a slow rate of speech, maintaining a non-rushed and empathetic manner intended to reduce patient anxiety and modulate pain perception. The communication is scripted to ensure consistency. Before beginning, the provider reassures the patient by saying: "You are safe here; I will guide you through every step. Please take slow, deep breaths with me." During speculum insertion, the provider continues: "You may feel some pressure now; that's normal. Keep breathing slowly." At the time of tenaculum application, the patient is prepared with: "You will feel a pinch on the cervix; it may be uncomfortable, but it will pass quickl
Providers will use a standardized neutral script with brief instructions only (e.g., "I am now placing the speculum," "I am sounding the uterus," "The IUD is being inserted," "The procedure is complete"), delivered without reassurance or supportive phrasing
Al Gezeera Hospital
Giza, Egypt
RECRUITINGpain during IUD insertion
Pain intensity measured by a 0-10 Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) immediately after IUD release in the uterine cavity, where 0 = "no pain" and 10 = "worst pain imaginable
Time frame: immediately after IUD insertion. at the time if IUD release into the uterine cavity
Clinician-rated ease of insertion
It will be measured by a 0-10 NRS-like scale immediately after the procedure, where 0 = very easy insertion and 10 = most difficult insertion.
Time frame: Immediately after completion of IUD insertion procedure
Patient satisfaction
It will be measured usinga 0-10 NRS-like scale at the end of the visit, where 0 = no satisfaction and 10 = maximum satisfaction
Time frame: at the end of procedure before discharge from clinic
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