Pain experiences during intrauterine device procedures: a thematic analysis of tweets (11 June 2024)

Summary

In June 2021, high-profile testimonials in the media about pain during intrauterine device (IUD) procedures in the UK prompted significant discussion across platforms including Twitter (subsequently renamed X). Authors of this study published in BMJ Sexual and Reproductive Health, examined a sample of Twitter postings (tweets) to gain insight into public perspectives and experiences.

They harvested tweets posted or retweeted on 21–22 June 2021 which contained the search terms coil, intrauterine system, IUD or intrauterine. They analysed the dataset thematically and selected illustrative tweets with the authors’ consent for publication.

They conclude that these findings attest to the need for strategies to improve the patient experience for those opting for IUD as a clinical priority. Further research should explore IUD users' experiences, expectations and wishes around pain management.

Read the full paper via the link below.