PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Contraceptives: Anaesthetics (20 March 2024)

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of the ability of sexual health clinics to administer local anaesthetic for the fitting of intrauterine devices.

Asked by:
Bill Esterson (Labour)

Long-acting reversible contraceptive fitting services are commissioned at a local level to meet the needs of the local population. Local authorities and integrated care boards are responsible for ensuring services are delivered in accordance with quality and safety standards and clinical guidance.

The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH), who are responsible for the clinical issue of pain relief during intrauterine contraception procedures, have published updated clinical guidance for healthcare professionals on pain management during these procedures. FSRH guidance is clear that healthcare professionals should work in partnership with women to establish the best strategies for reducing anxiety, and the most effective interventions for minimising pain during intrauterine contraception procedures.

Answered by:
Andrea Leadsom (Conservative)
26 March 2024