RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 The use of local anaesthesia for intrauterine device insertion by health professionals in the UK
JF Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care
JO J Fam Plann Reprod Health Care
FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group
SP 276
OP 280
DO 10.1136/jfprhc-2012-100486
VO 39
IS 4
A1 Hannat Akintomide
A1 Robert D E Sewell
A1 Judith M Stephenson
YR 2013
UL http://jfprhc.bmj.com/content/39/4/276.abstract
AB Background Pain associated with the insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD) is a known barrier to intrauterine contraception use in the UK. It is good practice for health professionals to discuss pain relief and use with women prior to the insertion of an IUD. Objectives This study aimed to determine the prevalence of and reasons for and against the use of local anaesthesia (LA) for IUD insertion. Methods A survey was undertaken using paper questionnaires to determine LA use for IUD insertion by UK health professionals. Results Overall, approximately one quarter (n=129) of all respondents use LA routinely, one quarter hardly ever or never use LA, while the remaining half use it sometimes. Use of LA was more prevalent among health professionals who worked in integrated sexual and reproductive health and contraception-only services, compared to general practice. UK health professionals who hardly ever or never used LA for the insertion of IUDs were more likely to be working in general practice. Conclusions The results of this survey suggest that more UK health professionals need to routinely discuss pain relief and offer this to their patients prior to IUD insertion as part of the care pathway for patients who choose to use intrauterine contraception.