Patient-Applied Pretreatment Analgesia for Intrauterine Device placement

In this practical placebo-controlled trial within busy Family Medicine clinics, we are testing the efficacy of patient-applied topical lidocaine to the cervix using a tampon.

In an effort to reduce the discomfort associated with placement of an IUD for birth control or to help with heavy periods, we are comparing the use of a numbing medication placed on a tampon for one hour to a similar salt water solution.