Intracervical local anaesthesia for IUD fitting
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* Sarah Gray

I am grateful for the endorsement in respect of intracervical local anaesthesia (LA) for intrauterine device (IUD) fitting that has been offered by both medical and nursing colleagues.1 2

Intracervical LA is easy to do, easy to teach and can make a very significant difference to both the procedure and the patient experience. While it may not be necessary for all, my contention is that it is a technique that should be both available and offered to all women contemplating an IUD fitting. I would agree with Ann Eady2 that this can be available to nurse fitters just as to doctors.

I remain uncomfortable with the ethics of not being prepared or able to offer an option that will reduce pain if this can be anticipated. I propose that LA should become an integral element to the practical aspect of training. I do however feel that the e-SRH module 18 pertaining to this needs some modification and would ask that this be considered.

## Footnotes

*   Competing interests None

## References

1.  Hutt S. Option of local anaesthetic for IUD fittings: author's response [Letter]. J Fam Plann Reprod Health Care 2011;37:190.
    
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2.  Eady A. Local anaesthetic administration for IUD/IUS insertion [Letter]. J Fam Plann Reprod Health Care 2011;37:254.
    
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