CDC issues new guidance for pain management during IUD insertion

[LAUREN TAYLOR]

THE CDC IS ISSUING NEW GUIDANCE FOR MANAGING PAIN DURING IUD INSERTION.

IUD STANDS FOR INTRAUTERINE DEVICE – A POPULAR FORM OF BIRTH CONTROL.

UNDER THE NEW RECOMMENDATIONS – MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS WHO ADMINISTER I-U-DS ARE BEING ADVISED TO *COUNSEL* PATIENTS ON MANAGING THE SEVERE PAIN OF HAVING THEIR CERVIXES DILATED TO INSERT THE T-SHAPED CONTRACEPTIVE.

HOWEVER, THEY STOP SHORT OF RECOMMENDING PAIN MEDICATION OR LOCAL ANESTHETICS FOR THE PROCEDURE. 

WHILE IT’S DIFFERENT FOR EVERY WOMAN… SOME SAY THEY DON’T FEEL ANY PAIN WHEN THE DEVICE IS PLACED – BUT OTHERS SAY IT’S THE WORST PAIN THEY’VE EVER ENDURED. 

THE CDC’S 2016 GUIDELINES RECOMMENDED LIDOCAINE SHOTS AS A *POSSIBLE* MEDICATION TO HELP EASE PAIN DURING I-U-D INSERTION. 

THE UPDATED GUIDANCE NOW SAYS WOMEN CAN REQUEST THE ANESTHETIC IN GEL, CREAM OR SPRAY FORM. 

A 2019 SURVEY OF ABOUT A THOUSAND FAMILY PLANNING PROVIDERS FOUND LESS THAN 5 PERCENT REPORTED USING LIDOCAINE DURING IUD INSERTION. 

INSTEAD, THEY MORE FREQUENTLY SUGGESTED IBUPROFEN – WHICH HAS BEEN PROVEN TO NOT WORK.