Using Ketorolac to Manage Pain After Egg Retrieval

A Randomized Blinded Placebo Controlled Trial Assessing Ketorolac (Toradol) at Oocyte Retrieval

Phase 1 Interventional Shady Grove Fertility Reproductive Science Center · NCT06026553

This study is testing if Ketorolac can help women manage pain after egg retrieval during IVF and reduce their need for stronger pain medications.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment400 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 45 Years
SexFemale
SponsorShady Grove Fertility Reproductive Science Center Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Rockville, Maryland and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06026553 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Ketorolac (Toradol), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, in managing postoperative pain and reducing the need for narcotics following oocyte retrieval in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Approximately 400 women will be randomly assigned to receive either Ketorolac or a placebo after their egg retrieval procedure. The study will assess pain control and narcotic usage, with the goal of minimizing opioid exposure and its associated risks. The trial is designed as a prospective, randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled study to ensure robust results.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are women over 18 years old who are scheduled to undergo oocyte retrieval as part of an IVF cycle.

Not a fit: Patients with known allergies to Ketorolac or those with certain medical conditions that contraindicate its use will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies for women undergoing egg retrieval, reducing reliance on narcotics.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that Ketorolac is effective for postoperative pain control, suggesting that this approach may yield positive results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Signed informed consent
2. Females over 18 years of age who are scheduled to undergo oocyte retrieval
3. Patients must be able to read and understand written English or have an appropriate certified medical translator available.
4. Standard eligibility criteria to undergo IVF and embryo transfer at Shady Grove

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Known allergy to ketorolac
2. Those with known medical conditions precluding them from ketorolac use (active peptic ulcer disease, recent or history of hemorrhage or perforation, known renal or hepatic insufficiency, suspected or confirmed cerebrovascular bleeding, hemorrhagic diathesis, bleeding disorders, recent myocardial infarction, or stroke.)
3. BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2
4. History of substance abuse
5. Chronic opioid use
6. Transabdominal oocyte retrieval

Where this trial is running

Rockville, Maryland and 1 other locations

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 InfertilityInfertility, FemaleOocyte RetrievalPostoperative PainEmbryo TransferIn Vitro FertilizationIVFPostoperative Pain Control
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.