Comparing pain perception with fast and slow tenaculum application techniques

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Pain Perception With Fast and Slow Tenaculum Application to the Uterine Cervix

Not applicable Interventional Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island · NCT05458037

This study is testing whether placing a tenaculum slowly on the cervix causes less pain than doing it quickly for women undergoing this procedure.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorWomen and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island Academic / other
Locations1 site (Providence, Rhode Island)
Trial IDNCT05458037 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project is a randomized controlled trial measuring pain perception during two different techniques of tenaculum placement on the uterine cervix. The study will utilize a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) to assess pain levels from 0 to 100 mm for both fast and slow application methods. The primary goal is to determine if the slow technique results in less pain perception compared to the fast technique. A total of 150 subjects will be recruited, with 75 in each group, to ensure adequate power for detecting significant differences in pain levels.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women aged 18 to 49 who are planning for IUD insertion or endometrial biopsy and can provide informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients who have taken analgesics, anxiolytics, or certain recreational drugs within specified time frames may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management techniques during gynecological procedures.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have explored pain perception in similar contexts, but this specific comparison of tenaculum application techniques is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. plans for IUD insertion or endometrial biopsy;
2. 18 to 49 years of age;
3. not taken analgesics or anxiolytics in the previous 24 hours;
4. the ability and are willing to give informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Do not speak English unless interpreter present;
2. Taken any narcotic or opiate medication in the last 24 hours.
3. Taken any recreational or illegal drugs in the last 24 hours, such as marijuana, heroin, cocaine, crack, or methamphetamines.
4. Taken any anti-anxiety medication or drug in the last 24 hours.
5. Taken any NSAIDS or Tylenol in the last 12 hours.

Where this trial is running

Providence, Rhode Island

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Pain, AcutePain, Procedural
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.