Title:
Understanding experiences of intra-uterine device (IUD) fitting to co-produce effective decision support tools about pain relief (IUD-fit)
Principal / Lead investigator
Dr Freya Davies and Professor Fiona Wood
Co-investigators / research team
- Denitza Williams, Cardiff University
- Rich Harrison, University of Reading
- Louise Massey, NHS
- Helen Munro, NHS
- Aimee Ehrenzeller, NHS
- Lucy Cohen, Public contributor
Type of study
Mixed methods
Summary
Aims:
We aim to improve women’s experiences of having an intrauterine device (IUD) fitted by:
- Interviewing women about their experiences of IUD fitting and what information they need about pain relief
- Collecting data from clinicians about current IUD fitting practices, including use of pain relief and training needs.
- Co-developing a tool which guides a shared decision making (SDM) conversation between women and clinicians about pain relief during IUD fitting.
Background:
The IUD is a safe and cost-effective method of contraception, which is also used in the management of heavy periods and menopause symptoms. Recent media reports highlighted women’s experiences of intense pain and distress during fitting. Investigation reveals that pain relief offered varies widely. Women often report uncertainty about what to expect and feel their pain management should be better. Research also suggests that clinicians frequently underestimate women's pain.
What we hope to discover:
There is a lack of research examining decision making about pain control during IUD fitting from the perspectives of both women and clinicians. We will survey clinicians about their current practice. We will conduct in-depth interviews with women on their experiences of IUD fitting, focussing on preferences and information needs for effective pain management. We will also interview clinicians about the procedure, pain management and training requirements. We will use the data collected to co-develop a web-based shared decision making tool. We will then share the tool with a group of women and clinicians and ask them about it, to see if any changes are needed. This will help ensure it effectively identifies patients’ preferences and empowers women and clinicians to share decision-making.
How patients and the public were involved in the development of the study, and how they will be involved in the funded study
The idea for the research came from women and their evidence of a need for adequate pain relief. Women with experience of having an IUD fitted will be involved in each work package. PPI representatives will sit on the study management group. We will co-design the SDM tool and have included costs to support the involvement of expert patients for this. We understand the importance of individual differences, and will ensure diversity amongst women within our stakeholder groups, including often ignored perspectives, such as those with a history of sexual violence.
Funder
Health and Care Research Wales. Read the funding announcement here.
Start date
1.4.2025
End date
21.12.2026
Total grand value
£332,788
For more information about the study, you can email the study team: IUDfit@cardiff.ac.uk