How Often Pain Medication Is Given for IUD Insertion in the VA Health Care System

What is it about?

A recent national assessment within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has revealed a significant gap in pain management for patients undergoing intrauterine device (IUD) insertion procedures. IUDs, a highly effective form of long-acting reversible contraception, have been widely used, yet their insertion is frequently reported as a painful procedure, with many patients experiencing moderate to severe discomfort. Despite these well-documented reports, the study found that only 11.4% of the 28,717 procedures analyzed between 2018 and 2023 included any form of prescribed pain medication. Notably, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), particularly ibuprofen, were the most commonly prescribed; however, research indicates that ibuprofen is often ineffective for this type of pain. This disparity underscores a pressing need for the VHA to develop and implement data-driven pain management strategies to enhance patient care during IUD insertions.

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Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Addressing pain management for intrauterine device (IUD) insertion is a critical issue that has gained national attention, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizing the need for clinicians to actively manage and mitigate pain associated with the procedure. As highlighted in the study, despite widespread recognition that IUD insertion can cause significant discomfort, many patients receive little to no pain relief. This gap in care is particularly concerning within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), where women Veterans—many of whom have experienced military-related trauma—may be especially vulnerable to distress during painful medical procedures. Ensuring appropriate pain management is not only a matter of patient comfort but also of equitable and trauma-informed healthcare. The findings of this study underscore an urgent need to implement evidence-based pain relief strategies, benefiting both Veterans and the general public by improving access to compassionate reproductive healthcare and encouraging broader adoption of this highly effective contraceptive method.

Perspectives

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This work is deeply important to me as a woman who has personally experienced an IUD insertion and has seen firsthand the challenges faced by friends and family members undergoing the procedure. Too often, women's pain is overlooked or dismissed in healthcare settings, and IUD insertions are a clear example of this gap. Women’s health research is still in its early stages, with many aspects of reproductive healthcare and pain management remaining underexplored. If we are to advance equitable healthcare, we must acknowledge and address the pain women experience during routine procedures and implement evidence-based interventions to improve care. This study is a crucial step toward ensuring that women's pain is taken seriously and that reproductive healthcare is both accessible and compassionate.

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