Methoxyflurane for IUD Insertion and Endometrial Biopsy

Last updated: July 28, 2025
Sponsor: Mount Sinai Hospital, Canada
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Birth Control

Endometrial Cancer

Contraception

Treatment

Methoxyflurane - Penthrox

Placebo Penthrox inhaler

Clinical Study ID

NCT07046572
REB 25-0041-A
  • Ages 18-65
  • Female
  • Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Summary

The aim of this study is to determine if 3ml of inhaled Methoxyflurane, in the form of a Penthrox inhaler, reduces pain during IUD insertion and/or endometrial biopsy. The proposed study is a double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT.

Each participant will be randomly assigned to one of two arms:

  1. Intervention (3ml of Methoxyflurane via a Penthrox inhaler)

  2. Placebo (3ml of normal saline via an identical placebo Penthrox inhaler)

The primary outcome is global pain score, which will be patient-reported by the 100 mm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) 5-minutes following the procedure (endometrial biopsy or IUD insertion).

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria

  • Any participant ≥18 years and ≤ 65 years presenting for an IUD insertion or endometrial biopsy

  • For IUD insertion, only nulliparous patients

  • English speaking participants only

  • Availability of a ride home from the appointment

Exclusion Criteria

  • Use of pain medication that is not an NSAID or acetaminophen (e.g. opioids, benzodiazepines) within past 24 hours

  • Misoprostol administration within 24 hours

  • Breastfeeding

  • Any diagnosed chronic pain syndromes (e.g. fibromyalgia, vaginismus)

  • Allergy to methoxyflurane

  • Renal or liver disease

  • Known or genetically susceptible to malignant hyperthermia or a history of severe adverse reactions in either patient or relatives

  • Baseline vital signs of systolic blood pressure <100, diastolic blood pressure <60 and/or pulse <60.

  • Previous unsuccessful office attempt of IUD insertion or endometrial biopsy by the same practitioner (note of clarification: previous unsuccessful IUD insertion or biopsy attempt by a different practitioner will still be eligible)

  • Clinically evident respiratory impairment

Study Design

Total Participants: 174
Treatment Group(s): 2
Primary Treatment: Methoxyflurane - Penthrox
Phase:
Study Start date:
July 24, 2025
Estimated Completion Date:
March 01, 2026

Connect with a study center

  • OPG

    Toronto, Ontario M5G 1Z5
    Canada

    Active - Recruiting

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