The effect of emotional freedom technique and music listening on pain and anxiety during intrauterine device insertion

Women frequently experience pain and anxiety during intrauterine device (IUD) application. We aimed to examine the effects of the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and music listening on pain and anxiety experienced during IUD insertion. We included 172 women (EFT, n = 56; music, n = 57; control, n = 59). Women in the EFT group received a single session of EFT prior to IUD insertion. Women in the music group listened to music during the procedure, while those in the control group received no intervention. Women in both the EFT and music groups reported significantly lower pain and anxiety levels compared to the control group (p < 0.001). In addition, participants in these groups reported significantly higher satisfaction with the procedure (p < 0.001). Based on these findings, we conclude that EFT and music listening are effective interventions for reducing pain and anxiety during IUD insertion and for enhancing satisfaction with the procedure.