Contraception
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Intracervical lidocaine gel for intrauterine device insertion: a randomized controlled trial.
Pain during intrauterine device (IUD) insertion can be a barrier to initiation. Clinical trials have found misoprostol and nonsteroidal drugs to be ineffective (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2006;195:1272-1277, Hum Reprod 2011;26:323-329, Hum Reprod 2007;22:2647-2652). One study suggested that 2% lidocaine gel decreased pain; however, study design problems limit its validity (Brit J Fam Plann 1996;22:177-180). We tested whether intracervical 2% lidocaine gel decreased insertion pain compared to placebo. ⋯ Intracervical 2% lidocaine gel does not decrease IUD insertion pain. Understanding predictors of increased pain may help providers with preprocedure counseling.