Three in Ten women Fear Pain from Contraceptive Spiral Placement, Study Reveals
A recent study conducted by Ipsos I&O has uncovered a startling reality: three in ten women avoid using contraceptive spirals due to fear of pain during placement.The research,commissioned by the client interest organization AVA,highlights that half of the women who have used a spiral describe the experience as involving “serious pain” or “unbearable pain.” Only 4% reported no pain at all.
The findings have sparked renewed discussions about the adequacy of current pain relief guidelines for this common contraceptive procedure.
The Painful Reality of Spiral Placement
Contraceptive spirals, whether copper or hormone-based, are widely used for long-term birth control. However, the process of inserting them can be excruciating for many women. According to the study, one in five women were not offered any pain relief by their healthcare providers. Those who were typically recommended paracetamol or ibuprofen, but recent studies suggest these medications are “only limited effective,” as stated by AVA.
The pain appears to be more pronounced among women who have not given birth.Alina Chakh, chairman of AVA, emphasized the need to take these experiences seriously. “We’ve been receiving stories from women who experience intense pain when placing and removing a spiral,” she said.
Calls for Guideline Revisions
In response to these findings,the Dutch GPs Genootschap (NHG) is revisiting its guidelines for spiral placement. While the timeline for the revision remains unclear,the move signals a growing recognition of the need for improved pain management practices.AVA has been vocal in its criticism of the current guidelines, particularly after last year’s outcry over the lack of adequate pain relief options. The organization’s advocacy has brought attention to the physical and emotional toll that spiral placement can take on women.
Key insights from the Study
The Ipsos I&O research surveyed 2,780 women, including 584 who had used a copper or hormone spiral in the past five years. An additional 574 women without spirals were also questioned. Notably, the sample underrepresented women under 24 and those with lower education levels, suggesting that the issue may be even more widespread than the data indicates.
| Key Findings | Percentage |
|——————-|—————-|
| Women who experienced serious or unbearable pain | 50% |
| Women who reported no pain | 4% |
| Women not offered pain relief | 20% |
Moving Forward
The study underscores the urgent need for healthcare providers to prioritize patient comfort and explore more effective pain management solutions.As AVA continues to advocate for change, the revision of NHG guidelines coudl mark a important step toward addressing this long-overlooked issue.
For women considering a contraceptive spiral, it’s crucial to discuss pain relief options with your healthcare provider. If you’ve experienced severe pain during the procedure, sharing your story with organizations like AVA can definately help drive meaningful change.
This research serves as a reminder that women’s health concerns must be taken seriously, and that even routine medical procedures can have profound physical and emotional impacts.
Stay informed about updates to contraceptive guidelines by following RTL News and supporting advocacy groups like AVA.