OBJECTIVE
To evaluate satisfaction with intrauterine device (IUD) insertion procedures among adolescent and young adult women.
METHODS
This secondary analysis of data from a multisite, single-blind, sham-controlled randomized trial of women having a levonorgestrel 13.5 mg IUD inserted enrolled participants from March 2015 through July 2016 at 3 family planning clinics in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Eligible women were 14 to 22 years, nulliparous, not pregnant, and English speaking. Randomization was via computer generated allocation in block sizes of 4 to a 1% lidocaine paracervical or sham block. Only patients were blinded. Satisfaction was measured with 3-items that assessed overall satisfaction with the procedure, whether participants would recommend the IUD to friend, and the perception that the IUD was worth the discomfort. Predictors included demographics, sexual and reproductive history, pain following IUD insertion, and treatment group.
RESULTS
Ninety-five women enrolled; 93 (97.9%) were included in the analysis. Forty-five (47.4%) were white, 34 (36.0%) were black, 62 (66.0%) privately insured, and 75 (79.0%) previously used contraception. Most (n=71, 76.8%) reported high overall satisfaction with the procedure, 62 (67.4%) would recommend an IUD to a friend, and 77 (83.2%) perceived the IUD was worth the discomfort. The odds of reporting high overall satisfaction were lower among adolescents compared to young adults (OR 0.07, 95% CI: 0.008, 0.68); those who never had a gynecologic exam compared to those who had (OR 0.26; 95% CI: 0.069, 0.99); and decreased as pain score increased (OR 0.96; 95% CI: 0.94, 0.99). Higher pain scores were negatively correlated with the odds of recommending an IUD to a friend and perceiving the IUD was worth the discomfort.
CONCLUSION
Adolescent and young adult women report high levels of satisfaction following the IUD insertion procedure. Young age, lack of experience with gynecologic exams, and high pain were inversely related to satisfaction.
Clinical Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, https://clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02352714.