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TENS for Pain During IUD Placement

Researchers are studying whether a device called high frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (hfTENS) can help reduce pain when an intrauterine device (IUD) is inserted. An IUD is a type of birth control. The hfTENS device works by sending electrical signals to the skin to help lessen pain. This study will measure pain levels during IUD insertion to see if hfTENS is effective. You may be able to join if you are an English-speaking woman, 18 or older, getting an IUD (either LNG 52mg or copper T380A) at MUSC Women's Health, and meet other health requirements. The study plans to enroll 86 participants.

Study design
This is an interventional study planning to enroll 86 participants to test the TENS 7000 digital TENS unit.
What's involved
Pain scores will be reported from enrollment until 5 minutes after the IUD insertion procedure is completed.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Participants will be followed until 5 minutes after the procedure completion.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT06991075

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Pain Mitigation During Intrauterine Device Placement

Recruiting
NAAges 18+InterventionalTreatment
Medical University of South Carolina
~86 participants
Updated 2026-02-09 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:High frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Pain scores reported at IUD insertion
Measured over From enrollment until 5 minutes after procedure completion

Conditions

Pain

Explore related trials

Pain

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
South Carolina1

Who to contact

Jesslyn Payne
[email protected]
(843)-792-7525
Email the study team

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Provision of signed and dated informed consent form for IUD Insertion
Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures
English speaking individuals aged 18 years or older
Presenting for IUD initiation during ambulatory care visit at MUSC Women's Health
Opting for either LNG 52mg or copper T380A IUD

Exclusion

Contraindication to IUD initiation (i.e. pregnancy, current pelvic infection, distorted uterine anatomy)
Contraindication or allergy to ibuprofen
History of a chronic pain disorder
Recent opioid use in the previous 30 days
History of a cardiac arrhythmia
History of heart disease (i.e. atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure)
Presence of an implantable device with an electrical discharge (i.e. pacemaker)
BMI \> 50 (class IV obesity)
History of TENS use
Planned pain intervention outside standard of care (i.e. paracervical block, misoprotol) OR preprocedure use of non-standard pain medication (i.e. benzodiazepines, marijuana, muscle relaxers, gabapentin, benadryl)
History of epilepsy

What this trial measures

  • Pain scores reported at IUD insertionFrom enrollment until 5 minutes after procedure completion

    Pain scores at time of IUD insertion as measured by VAS scores between TENS and placebo groups