Comparison of Intrauterine Device Insertion-Related Pain and Ease of Procedure at Different Times During Menstruation

Abstract

Objective: Fear of pain during the copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD) insertion may lead patients to reject this highly effective birth control method. The aim of this study was to investigate the pain scores associated with IUD insertion and the ease of procedure at different times during menstruation. Method: In this prospective cohort trial, eligible women received IUD at three-time segments of menstruation: Group I, at 0.5 to 0.69-time segment (n=53); Group II, at 0.7 to 0.89-time segment (n=67); and Group III, at 0.9 to 1-time segment (n=72). The time segments during menstruation were calculated for each participant by dividing the menstrual cycle day of IUD insertion to total number of menses days. The score of pain experienced at different steps of IUD insertion during and five min. after the procedure measured by Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale (WBS) and the ease of insertion were compared among groups. Results: There were significant differences in age (p=0.011) and time since the last delivery (p=0.017). After adjusting for potential confounding factors, the mean WBS score and the ease of insertion were not statistically significant among groups, respectively (p=0.664 and p=0.149). The most painful step was observed as uterine sounding (median, 4 [interquartile range {IQR}, 2]). No significant correlation was observed between WBS scores, the ease of insertion, and main characteristics of the participants. Conclusion: The most painful step of IUD insertion was observed as uterine sounding. IUD insertion-related pain and the ease of procedure do not appear to be different at any time in the second half of menstruation.