Use of phenazopyridine for reducing discomfort during embryo transfer.
OBJECTIVE
The embryo transfer is a critical part of in vitro fertilization. When performed under abdominal ultrasound guidance, the embryo transfer procedure requires a full bladder. Patients often state that the discomfort of the distended bladder causes more pain than the actual transfer procedure. Phenazopyridine HCl is a bladder analgesic. The objective of this study was to determine if a single dose of phenazopyridine prior to embryo transfer reduces patient discomfort during that procedure.


METHODS
Prospective randomized double-blinded clinical trial.


METHODS
University-based Reproductive Medicine practice.


METHODS
Eighty-five reproductive age infertile women undergoing in vitro fertilization.


METHODS
Phenazopyridine (200 mg) or placebo taken 1 hour prior to embryo transfer utilizing transabdominal sonography.


METHODS
Pain as assessed by visual analogue pain scale and physician and nurse assessment of patient discomfort.


RESULTS
Study groups were similar in their demographic background. Mean pain score as assessed by a visual analogue pain scale during the procedure was 2.95 +/- 2.4 in the placebo group, and 3.03 +/- 2.6 in the active medication group (NS). There were also no significant differences in the observations of pain assessments.


CONCLUSIONS
Phenazopyridine used in a single dose prior to embryo transfer does not alleviate patient discomfort.
Frishman
Gary N
GN
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women & Infants' Hospital, Brown Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island 02905, USA. Gary.Frishman@brown.edu
Allsworth
Jenifer E
JE
Gannon
Jennifer B
JB
Wright
Kristen P
KP
D000328:Adult; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004624:Embryo Transfer / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000187:drug effects / Q000379:methods; D010621:Phenazopyridine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies
D010621:Phenazopyridine