ABSTRACT
Transvaginal ultrasound-guided oocyte aspiration is a major step for successful in vitro fertilization (IVF) process. Although considered a minor surgical procedure, it might be very painful and associated with fear and anxiety (1). Pain is naturally subjective and intermittent in character (2); therefore, it is diffi cult to assess effi cacy of various techniques for analgesia. The pain is caused by punctures and traction on the vaginal wall, ovarian capsule, and ligaments. In the last decade, there has been a great worldwide expansion of the assisted reproductive techniques (ART). According to the Society of Assisted Reproductive Technique (SART) 2009 report, a total of 142,241 IVF cycles were performed in the United States (3). The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) has reported on 367,000 IVF procedures performed in Europe in 2004 (4).
