25/10/2025
RARE BUT DANGEROUS.‼️
VASOVAGAL SHOCK DUE TO IUCD INSERTION.
Medical professionals and women,have this to learn and remind yourselves.
Vasovagal shock,a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure that leads to fainting, dizziness, or even collapse,often triggered by pain, anxiety, or some certain medical procedures, in this context; IUCD insertion.
What Happens in Vasovagal Shock?
When the body experiences pain or stress in instances like during IUCD insertion, the vagus nerve — which helps control heart rate and blood vessel tone overreacts.This overreaction causes heart rate to slow down (bradycardia) and blood vessels to dilate (widen) leading to a sudden drop in blood pressure and reduced blood flow to the brain.As a result,patient suffer fainting, sweating, nausea, or collapse.
During an IUCD insertion where a woman experperiences Vasovagal shock,she can complain of;
✓Sudden dizziness or lightheadedness.
✓Fainting or loss of consciousness
✓Nausea or vomiting.
✓Cold or clammy skin
✓Slow & weak pulse.
✓Low blood pressure(If you take measurements)
This scenario can be caused by pain,stress,anxiety or cervical manipulation during insertion.It happens immediately during insertion or few minutes after the procedure.
It is always self limiting but severe cases can lead to prolonged low blood pressure and cardiac arrest if not handled quickly.
WHAT TO DO INCASE IT HAPPENS(HEALTH PROFESSIONAL)
✓Stop the procedure immediately.
✓Lay the patient flat with the legs elevated,to improve supply blood to the brain.
✓Loosen tight clothings.
✓Monitor pulse and blood pressure.
✓Check Oxygen saturation and give oxygen if need be,and IV fluids.
✓Give atropine if the heart rates are low.
As a patient,incase you notice any of the symptoms mentioned during insertion,inform the one inserting it immediately.
VASOVAGAL SHOCK during IUCD insertion is extremely rare and self limiting BUT if not handled immediately can result to CARDIAC ARREST and possible DEATH.
LEARN