BACKGROUND: Bladder distension is thought to cause the uterine axis to become more aligned with the cervical canal. Among women undergoing assisted conception it has been demonstrated that having a full bladder facilitates the passage of an intrauterine catheter for embryo transfer. OBJECTIVE: To determine if insertion of intrauterine contraceptive devices is easier in women who have a full bladder at the time of insertion. METHODS:200 women requesting intrauterine contraception with a pre-filled bladder were randomised to delayed emptying (after insertion; n=100) or immediate emptying (before insertion; n=100). Comparisons were made between doctors' reported ease of insertion and women's pain scores. RESULTS: There was no significant difference with reported ease of insertion between the groups. Doctors reported that insertions were either 'very easy' or 'quite easy' in 82% and 83% of women in the immediate and delayed emptying groups, respectively (95% CIs for difference -10% to +11%). There was no significant difference in reported pain scores, with mean pain scores (out of 10) of 3.8 and 4.4 in the delayed and immediate emptying groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Bladder filling does not have a significant effect on ease of insertion of an intrauterine method of contraception. Insertion is mostly associated with low levels of discomfort, even in the presence of a full bladder.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: Bladder distension is thought to cause the uterine axis to become more aligned with the cervical canal. Among women undergoing assisted conception it has been demonstrated that having a full bladder facilitates the passage of an intrauterine catheter for embryo transfer. OBJECTIVE: To determine if insertion of intrauterine contraceptive devices is easier in women who have a full bladder at the time of insertion. METHODS: 200 women requesting intrauterine contraception with a pre-filled bladder were randomised to delayed emptying (after insertion; n=100) or immediate emptying (before insertion; n=100). Comparisons were made between doctors' reported ease of insertion and women's pain scores. RESULTS: There was no significant difference with reported ease of insertion between the groups. Doctors reported that insertions were either 'very easy' or 'quite easy' in 82% and 83% of women in the immediate and delayed emptying groups, respectively (95% CIs for difference -10% to +11%). There was no significant difference in reported pain scores, with mean pain scores (out of 10) of 3.8 and 4.4 in the delayed and immediate emptying groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Bladder filling does not have a significant effect on ease of insertion of an intrauterine method of contraception. Insertion is mostly associated with low levels of discomfort, even in the presence of a full bladder.
Entities:
Keywords:
Intrauterine Devices; Intrauterine Systems
Authors: Laureen M Lopez; Alissa Bernholc; Yanwu Zeng; Rebecca H Allen; Deborah Bartz; Paul A O'Brien; David Hubacher Journal: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Date: 2015-07-29