The goal of this research study is to learn more about how different uses of a numbing medication might affect pain levels while getting an IUD placed. The investigators are also studying participants opinions of their clinicians' empathy.
The investigators are inviting patients who have a history of giving birth only via C-section who arrive at their clinic visit seeking an IUD.
Usually, at University of California, San Diego (UCSD), for patients who have delivered only via C-section, clinicians numb only the top of the cervix where the clinician places a tenaculum. The purpose of this research study is to investigate whether a "buffered" (2 cc of sodium bicarbonate, 18 cc of 1% lidocaine) paracervical block (numbing medication given on both sides of the cervix) is effective in reducing pain during IUD placement in individuals with prior C-sections.
Expanding the Use of Paracervical Block for IUD Placements and Adding a Compassionate Care Assessment- Aim 1
Lidocaine is a drug that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Sodium bicarbonate is an additive that buffers the acidity of lidocaine. The combination of the two is safe and effective as a paracervical block for pain relief in various OBGYN procedures. At UCSD and other places, it is not currently standard practice for people with prior deliveries birth to receive a paracervical block prior to IUD placement.
Participants who take part in this study, may receive an injection of buffered lidocaine (2 cc of sodium bicarbonate, 18 cc of 1% lidocaine) on both sides of the cervix to numb the area.
Throughout the local anesthetic and intrauterine device (IUD) placement procedure, research team members will present participants with questionnaires to complete to assess participants' pain, participants' satisfaction with the procedure, and how much empathy participants feel the clinician has shown.