CDC

CDC prioritizes pain management in updated IUD placement guidelines

August 13, 2024

In a shift toward more patient-centered pain management, CDC released a recommendation late last week advising clinicians to inform women about the potential pain involved during IUD insertion and their pain management options.

Lidocaine—as a paracervical block or applied topically—is cited as an option. Misoprostol isn't recommended for routine use in IUD placement but may be considered in select circumstances (e.g., patients with a recent failed placement). (Curtis, 2024)

The guidance follows a wave of social media complaints from patients about severe pain during IUD placement, with some calling it the worst pain imaginable. In videos shared to TikTok under the hashtag #IUD, patients can be seen screaming and crying in pain. (Davis, 2024)

Sources:

Curtis, KM, et al. (2024, August 8). MMWR Recomm Rep. U.S. selected practice recommendations for contraceptive use, 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39106301/

Davis, M. (2024, August 10). CNN. Getting an IUD can hurt. New guidelines say doctors should help patients manage the pain. https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/10/health/iud-pain-cdc-guidelines-wellness/index.html