Photobiomodulation on Pain Perception During the Insertion of the T 380 Copper Intrauterine Device (IUD)

Unplanned pregnancy affects up to 65% of women in some regions of Brazil, contributing to unsafe abortions and maternal mortality. The copper IUD is an effective long-term contraceptive but is underused, with only 4.4% of women of reproductive age using it. One barrier is the pain during insertion, leading to low adherence. Photobiomodulation (PBM), which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, may offer a solution. This study aims to assess PBM's efficacy as a preemptive analgesic during copper IUD insertion in a randomized, double-blind trial involving 72 participants. The experimental group (n=36) will receive active PBM, while the control group (n=36) will receive PBM simulation. Pain will be measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at multiple time points, and additional outcomes include analgesic use, quality of life (WHOQOL-100), anxiety (GAD-7), satisfaction, and adverse effects. Statistical analysis will include tests such as the Friedman test, logistic regression, and ANOVA, with a significance level of 5%.

Inclusion Criteria: * Women aged 18-50 years, * Female, * No preference regarding race or socioeconomic status, * Nulliparous or multiparous. Exclusion Criteria: * Known or suspected pregnancy, * Diagnosed with chronic pain, * Active local infection, * Use of any pain medication in the last 12 hours, * Known contraindication for IUD insertion, including significant uterine cavity distortion, active pelvic inflammatory disease, or Wilson's disease, * Allergy to copper, * Unexplained abnormal uterine bleeding, * Any condition affecting the lumbar region, such as active neoplasms, established osteomyelitis, or any pre-existing deep tissue lesions with necrosis or infection, * History of photosensitivity.