SynthesisThe Cochrane database of systematic reviews2007
Local cooling for relieving pain from perineal trauma sustained during childbirth.
Synthesis in The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2007. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 11 papers, 4 of them syntheses that pooled it.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
11 citing papers in PubMed, 4 syntheses or guidelines pooled it, 16 citations in OpenAlex.
- Paracetamol/acetaminophen (single administration) for perineal pain in the early postpartum period.The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2021Pooled it
- Local cooling for relieving pain from perineal trauma sustained during childbirth.The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2020Pooled it
- Aspirin (single dose) for perineal pain in the early postpartum period.The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2020Pooled it
- Analgesia for amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling.The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2011Pooled it
- Probiotic effects on sexual function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a double blinded randomized controlled trial.BMC women's health · 2022Trial
- A novel device reduces anal pain after rubber band ligation: a randomized controlled trial.Techniques in coloproctology · 2012Trial
- The Effectiveness of Photobiomodulation Therapy on Perineal Pain and Wound Healing After Episiotomy-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Journal of clinical medicine · 2026Review
- Clinical Evolution and Safety of a Cryotherapy - Based Spray for Mild to Moderate Joint and Muscle Pain: A Descriptive Observational Study.International journal of sports physical therapy · 2025Article
- The Impact of Aloe vera and Calendula on Perineal Healing after Episiotomy in Primiparous Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial.Journal of caring sciences · 2013Article
- Effect of a temperature increase in the non-noxious range on proton-evoked ASIC and TRPV1 activity.Pflugers Archiv : European journal of physiology · 2011Article
- The impact of calendula ointment on cesarean wound healing: A randomized controlled clinical trial.Journal of family medicine and primary careArticle
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
5 authors at 5 institutions in 2 countries.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundPerineal trauma is common during childbirth and may be painful. Contemporary maternity practice includes offering women numerous forms of pain relief, including the local application of cooling treatments.
objectivesTo evaluate the effectiveness and side effects of localised cooling treatments compared with no treatment, other forms of cooling treatments and non-cooling treatments. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (January 2007), CINAHL (1982 to January 2007) and contacted experts in the field. SELECTION CRITERIA: Published and unpublished randomised and quasi-randomised trials (RCTs) that compared localised cooling treatment applied to the perineum with no treatment or other treatments applied to relieve pain related to perineal trauma sustained during childbirth. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: At least two independent authors performed data extraction for each study. Analyses were performed on an intention-to-treat basis where data allowed. We sought additional information from the authors of three trials. MAIN
resultsSeven published RCTs were included, comparing local cooling treatments (ice packs, cold gel pads or cold/iced baths) with no treatment, hamamelis water (witch hazel), pulsed electromagnetic energy (PET), hydrocortisone/pramoxine foam [Epifoam] or warm baths. The RCTs reported on a total of 859 women. Ice packs provided improved pain relief 24 to 72 hours after birth compared with no treatment (risk ratio (RR) 0.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.41 to 0.91). Women preferred the utility of the gel pads compared with ice packs or no treatment, although no differences in pain relief were detected between the treatments. None of our comparisons of treatments resulted in differences detected in perineal oedema or bruising. Women reported more pain (RR 5.60, 95% CI 2.35 to 13.33) and used more additional analgesia (RR 4.00, 95% CI 1.44 to 11.13) following the application of ice packs compared with PET. AUTHORS'
conclusionsThere is only limited evidence to support the effectiveness of local cooling treatments (ice packs, cold gel pads, cold/iced baths) applied to the perineum following childbirth to relieve pain.
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What OpenQuestion holds
Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.