Use of phenazopyridine for reducing discomfort during embryo transfer

ObjectiveThe 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.DesignProspective randomized double-blinded clinical trial.SettingUniversity-based Reproductive Medicine practice.Patient(s)Eighty-five reproductive age infertile women undergoing in vitro fertilization.Intervention(s)Phenazopyridine (200 mg) or placebo taken 1 hour prior to embryo transfer utilizing transabdominal sonography.Main Outcome Measure(s)Pain as assessed by visual analogue pain scale and physician and nurse assessment of patient discomfort.Result(s)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.Conclusion(s)Phenazopyridine used in a single dose prior to embryo transfer does not alleviate patient discomfort