Do Women Feel Unprepared for the Experience of an Intrauterine Device Insertion
Findings From an Australian Study
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 6444924 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Cassandra Caddy (0000-0001-5874-5505, The University of Melbourne, corresponding author), Meredith Temple‐smith (0000-0003-1296-9591, The University of Melbourne), Jacqueline Coombe (0000-0002-9520-5724, The University of Melbourne) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 57 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 368-373 |
| Publication date | 2025-06-25 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1538-6341 • E-ISSN: 1931-2393 |
| Publisher | Wiley (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1111/psrh.70023 |
| PMID | 40557964 |
| OpenAlex | W4411652084 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 19 |
Objective(s) The experience of pain during intrauterine insertion can be highly variable, ranging from none to severe. The objective of this study was to explore the experience of intrauterine device (IUD) insertion from the perspective of contraceptive users. Study Design We conducted a qualitative study using individual semi‐structured Zoom interviews with women living in Australia. We recruited participants from a larger study exploring the information needs of contraceptive users. We audio‐recorded and transcribed interviews and thematically analyzed the data. Results Eighteen women described their experiences of IUD insertion. Although most participants described mild to moderate pain, some described severe pain exceeding their expectations and reported being unprepared for this experience. In some cases, these experiences had unexpected short and long‐term consequences such as impacts on intimate relationships and fear of other gynecological procedures. Conclusion Intrauterine device users should be informed of the range of pain experiences that may occur during insertion, including the risk of a vasovagal reaction, and all pain management options available to them. Experiences of pain during insertion did not appear to deter contraceptive users' continued IUD use or planned future use
Family planning · Intrauterine device · Perspective (graphical · Population · Qualitative research · Research methodology · Global Maternal and Child Health · Maternal and Perinatal Health Interventions · Medicine · Reproductive Health and Contraception
| Citations per year | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2025 - 2025 (1) |
| Highly cited | No |