The Effect of Nitroprusside on Intrauterine Device (IUD) Insertion

Increasing accessibility of long-acting reversible contraceptive methods, like intrauterine devices (IUDs), is an important strategy to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy. Unfortunately, fear of IUD insertion in women who have not had children is common among health care providers and women alike, and this limits IUD use. To increase acceptance of this highly effective contraceptive, there is need to investigate novel, low cost, easily applied and accessible techniques to improve the insertion experience. This is a pilot study to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of nitroprusside gel applied intracervically as an intervention to improve the IUD insertion experience for both patient and provider.