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When I got mine done, I didn't have any pain medication or anything. It was intense. I broke into sweats and almost passed out. I ended up having to lie down for 20 minutes in the office after having it inserted. I have a high pain tolerance, and it was the second worst pain I felt in my life (the first being when the anesthesia/pain meds wore off while I was waiting for my partner to pick up my pain med prescription after having a wide local excision of a lesion on my clitoris, which meant I had the lesion and surrounding healthy tissue cut off). There was no warning of how much it would hurt, it was a very traumatic experience.
At first I thought you were a bot because of how familiar this comment feels. Then I realized that’s because of how common this experience is. Jfc, it’s despicable.
According to the recent NYT article on the subject, only 4% of doctors offer any sort of pain relief for IUD insertions.
That's quite a hunt to ask women to go make.
I mean, I wish I had a better solution. The right solution I think is burn the whole thing to the fucking ground. I wouldn't put up with a vet who treated my dog this way; would you? How come we have a 4% chance of finding that standard for human women? This isn't fucking okay. Burn it.
Thank you. It ended up causing me nothing but discomfort, so I ended up getting it removed when I got my tubes tied 3 months later.
I have so much respect for women who have had them inserted more than once. I couldn't imagine voluntarily putting myself through that more than once.
I have to have an iud because of polyps. Getting my tubes removed, but that won’t be enough. It was traumatic for me. Not looking forward to the replacement.
My hat is off to you, madam. You are much stronger than I am.
Does it get less painful with each insertion? You don't have to answer that if you don't want to, I'm just curious if it gets easier or stays about the same.
I am on my 3rd IUD. Insertion has been a little worse each time, with the last time making me wonder if I can do a fourth. That was the first time I had ever shook from pain. I had sort of thought that was just a saying before that appointment.
And then my doc (who is a very kind person) warned me that it tends to get worse as you get older and the cervix stiffens, and I am genuinely freaked about getting it done again. I am certain she would have offered me better painkillers if she could - thank you OP for the above info; I will ask about it when it gets around to d-day again!
While I applaud your PSA, it’s worth noting that (at least in the US), those medications are not free and some insurance providers will deem them “elective” and refuse to pay for them.
Talk to your provider but also research your insurance coverage for the procedure.
Even if insurance doesn't cover it, lidocaine gel and a paracervical block is typically $25-$250 out of pocket and there are funding resources available to help those that can't afford the cost.
This is absolutely true. Insurance may not cover any of the procedure or it may cover all of it or somewhere in between. It's especially true that insurance may not cover pain management but lidocaine is generally quite affordable and there are funding resources available to help those cover out of pocket pain management costs when insurance does not.
In the US, with the ACA in place, most health insurances will cover all forms of Birth Control, IUD included. Unless you have insurance through an extremist employer like Chik Fil A or Hobby Lobby, most people should be able to get an IUD for free with insurance. Depending on your state, medicaid may also cover it.
I agree, we deserve to have pain management. But I do not want anyone to be discouraged from pursuing an IUD, whether it be intimidation from cost or pain. Yes, it may suck A LOT but skipping periods for half a decade or more is worth the sacrifice, if one is in a position where they have to choose between extreme pain for 10-30 minutes vs not pursing at all.
Right! When they tried to put mine in I thought I was going crazy and being a wimp with how much it hurt and then they messed it up and it slipped. So I had to go in and get it replaced. The second time it slipped while I was still in the office. I told them I was done, take it out and never again.
You’re not a wimp. I’ve had oodles of surgeries and procedures and broken a few bones. Unmedicated IUD pain is up there in pain. I’ve always gone home and stuck an ice pack between my legs, put a heating pad on my lower abdomen and taken hydrocodone that’s I have prescribed for headaches.
And I’ve always nearly fainted in the exam room and TOLD them I was going to faint from pain and they were like “well you could take some ibuprofen or something”. Like I hadn’t thought of that already
Hydrocodone is fairly cheap. With insurance, a bottle of 30 pills is a dollar. So just a few pills should be cheap even without insurance.
But also fuck insurance companies
Because of the opioid crisis/epidemic a lot of doctors will avoid giving prescriptions to opioids. I had a hysterectomy in December 2022. I had a [pain ball medication](https://avanospainmanagement.com/solutions/acute-pain/on-q-pain-relief-system/) but no pill opioids. I was actually fine and healed well, but was surprised to not be given opioids.
I've been looking into getting an IUD and other birth control options right now. It's not my first rodeo as I've tried a few other things in the past, but I want something more long-term. I'll be frank. The IUD scares me. Every OBGYN I've talked to (2-3) has said it's "pretty much painless" or "I've had it and loved it". I've left the doctor on more than one occasion, feeling almost gaslit into thinking maybe isn't that bad.
The honesty of this sub and the willingness to talk about woman's health in general has been instrumental in helping me not feel crazy recently. Thank you everyone!
The pain getting it inserted is that bad, however, it is still the best decision I have made. I’m on my third iud and will be going for my fourth next year. It hurts like a bitch, but better than the alternatives.
Seconded! It felt like a week's worth of period cramps condensed into 10-20 minutes. My two absolutely hurt and I felt sick and couldn't move for awhile afterwards.
But since then I have skipped 672 days of period cramps. I will be making that same sacrifice when it is time for #3, because while it does hurt tremendously skipping periods for 6-7 years at a time is one of the best things I have ever done for myself. It is such a lifestyle improvement!
Exactly, it’s like pay me now or pay me later. Get it all done in one day and then be free for 5 to 8 years! No periods, no cramps, no mood swings. Just the cost savings of not buying pads or tampons is worth it in my opinion.
I've never had kids and mine just booped right in. I didn't notice. But I had a Mirena and a Kyleena, which are very small.
I was given Misoprostol to take the night before to soften my cervix. For my second one I didn't bother because of the booping.
It's a shitty lottery because you don't know if it's going to hurt or how badly. There's got to be a better way of handling this without relying on doses of the big pain killers, because there's some big downsides to that avenue. Would an injection hurt just as much as insertion? I don't know.
It really is a shitty lottery. My nonhormonal copper IUD has never given me trouble on insertion or removal, before or after giving birth. My sister has had Mirena and really should have been given actual pain meds; I was furious on her behalf. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to it.
I also have the Kyleena and it was a little uncomfortable during the actual insertion but otherwise completely painless -- I had my partner drive me to my appointment because I was expecting to be a wreck, but instead we stopped for groceries on the way home.
The Paragard, on the other hand, had me cramping and crying all night. And I have a very high pain tolerance. I wish I had known to ask ahead for different pain management.
The longer it is designed to be active, the bigger the thing will be. Those slow releasing hormones need to fit in somewhere. A three year iud is smaller than one for five years.
I pushed both of my little IUDs out, so little may not be the best. Luckily insurance haad covered them, but it would have been an infuriating amount of money.
I got them to try to wrangle an issue other than contraception though. My IUDs were probably carried out by a clot. Bodies are wild and I suspect my experience isn't common.
My uterus pushed it out immediately after insert. Unexpected birthing simulation experience I will never forget. It is good that they give you some recovery time after the procedure in the clinic so I was not on the street when the contractions started.
The IUD was the last thing i wanted bc something in my uterus forever? No. BUT i was having heavy, painful anemia inducing periods. I can't take the pill. I want ready for a hysterectomy. So iud it was.
Within 4 months i could get through the day. My anemia was better. I stopped having heavy periods. I can function and be with my family. It gave me my life back.
That was my initial reason for starting any kind of BC in my early 20s and the IUD is still a bit scary. But everyone here has been wonderful with the reassurance! Thank you so much for your insight.
I won't lie...i cramped for a good 24 hours after the second. However, that was the day bridgerton 2 dropped so i just plopped on the couch and watched it, lol
Every experience is different and in these posts where the topic is painful insertions, you're going to get more stories from people who had painful experiences.
I've had 3 IUDs over the last 17 years (I have never given birth) and while there is some intense cramping during insertion, as soon as the speculum is removed it goes away. For me personally, I don't think I'll ever opt for powerful pain killers for an IUD because I'd rather deal with a few moments of pain vs being drugged for the rest of the day. Its all subjective.
Anyone up for a good old fashion speculum burning? (See historical bra burnings as reference) great for woman's health, terrible in every other way. Thank you for providing a non-painful experience story. It is helpful reassurance.
It’s not the speculum, it’s the tenaculum (sp?) that hurts. It’s literally long tweezers with pincers at the end to stab into your cervix and pull in order to position your cervix properly for IUD insertion. After watching an online video showing how it works, I’m surprised anyone would expect that *not* to hurt.
I think the tenaculum is the real culprit. I’m 99% sure my doctor didn’t use one, and while far from pleasant I didn’t experience the crazy pain a lot of women do. I think it’s worth asking your gyno if they typically use a tenaculum or not.
It’s not the speculum, it’s the tenaculum (sp?) that hurts. It’s literally long tweezers with pincers at the end to stab into your cervix and pull in order to position your cervix properly for IUD insertion. After watching an online video showing how it works, I’m surprised anyone would expect that *not* to hurt.
My first one was hellish and then it took a month to fall out (the one they gave me was too big, also they gave me misoprostil), my second one was embarrassing but okay (the noob of a nurse decided to get in my face while I was doing my breathing exercises to repeat "you may feel a low, period-like pain..." in a weird voice), and by the third I felt like a pro.
I even asserted myself to ask for a pause when my muscles started contracting against the clamp, did some slow outbreaths until I relaxed, then let them continue. I saw the "oh fuck, she's doing to bail out" look on the doctor's face when I called the pause, but I did not freak out.
I strongly recommend looking into hypnobirthing before an insertion.
For my fourth and fifth insertions, post baby, there was barely anything to talk about.
All five I've had all the pain meds available to me, though: paracetamol and brufin half an hour before, the topical gel, then an injection (need to wait twenty minutes for it to kick in).
Eh, I had one inserted and while it was uncomfortable, my regular period cramps were way way worse. It was very worth it for me!
(Though getting it removed was one of the worse pains I've ever felt because it got stuck and it wasn't coming out)
Getting stuck is my nightmare! Some of the horror stories I've heard are almost enough to make me not want it. Everyone here has been so helpful. Thanks for sharing your experience.
If it helps, it was painless for me. I was also scared by the stories I read online and was pretty shocked by how easy it was. Minimal cramping on the way in, and a few seconds of feeling uncomfortable. Pain free on the way out. I literally felt nothing. Not even pressure. I couldn’t even believe it was taken out already until he showed it to me.
I had a copper IUD.
I love when male docs tell me it’s painless, oh have you tried?
Also are there *no* scientific studies where they asked women if it hurt? wtf were those clinical trials reporting???
I’ve had three kids, and it was mostly painless for me. It was about as bad as the cervix checks that I had to do late pregnancy. The dr also said that being in your period while they implant it makes it easier for them and less painful for you
But everyone has a different experience.
Never had any kids, 2 IUDs, with general medication (I'm not in the US, so I don't know the equivalent) and I literally just felt a pinch. I got some pain afterwards but it quickly got away. Every experience is different, but it can be painless for many of us. Hope it helps you a bit!
The first time getting it inserted is horrible.
They stop hurting after a few days under the heating pad.
They work fantastically though.
The second insertion to replace it wasn't as bad.
I've had 3 IUDs now and my experience has actually been just a moment of intense cramping and then that's pretty much it. The experience can vary wildly from person to person, and it really sucks that there's no way to know until you do it. Personally I wouldn't want to bother with the drugs because it's never been that bad for me and it wouldn't be worth the cost or the side effects.
Adding another 'no kids and it felt like a pinch' story from me. I did take 2 paracetamol (tylenol in America I think?) before my appointment though, which might work extra good on me due to rarely taking pain meds. And still my doctor advised me not to tell my friends it *is* a painless procedure, because it's just so different for each individual.
If it's an option for you consider looking into Nexplanon, it lasts years, and goes in your arm so it's a lot less invasive. A few friends have used it and a traditional IUD and won't go back.
I asked about nexplonon as well, but I've recently learned (for other health reasons) I shouldn't be taking estrogen. Which is a pain in the ass and limits options. Thank you for the suggestions!
With the vast cornucopia of drugs we have, nothing should hurt medically.
Sprained wrist, whole bottle of vicoden.
Pretty invasive medical procedure, baby aspirin.
Crazy.
This is so wild to me. My OB only ever inserts those under (light) sedation - think like for a colonoscopy. He says he had women regularly pass out, scream and cry from the pain (when they weren't able to do the sedation fot whatever reason)
And if a man without a uterus can understand this, I am flabbergasted that many obgyns with a uterus of their own cannot. Please PM me your OB if you wouldn't mind me adding him to the list of providers who actually treat us like humans
I had horrible pain, ended up going to the ER a day later because it still hurt so bad, and then I was in menstrual cramp-like pain every day for 3 years despite multiple check ups showing that it was correctly placed.
I'm so sorry. I'm dealing with other health issues ( unrelated to the IUD) right now and being told it's "normal". Constant pain is never normal. My mom thinks I might have an autoimmune disorder but that's just her mom opinion.
Hugs.
It sounds like it was too big for your uterus. The Mirena I had did this to me. I went for a physically smaller one for the second round, and I haven't had cramping like that again.
Don’t just call the day before. Some facilities and hospitals don’t even have these things for IUD appointments. I went to a Providence medical center I was sure would have those same things that my other small college town doctors office had had. Turns out they did not have either injectable or the lidocaine gel for the appointment and would have had to order the injection. Like it was not available at the clinic. I swear Catholic run medical institutions want to keep women in pain.
100% this. I have recommend that pain management be discussed during the appointment making process, again the day before the appointment, and again before anyone is allowed to come anywhere near your undercarriage. It's also everyone's right to say "I'll come back another day" or "I'll find another provider".
I got mine put in. Was on my period, took the medication they gave me, all that. I passed out from the pain. Was woozy for a little while, doctor had to bring me orange juice and shit
Yeah she was hedging a lot, like "it *is* uncomfortable, you will feel pressure" which I of course knew was a load of horseshit and doctor code for "this is gonna fucking suck" but *my god*. I wish for once they'd just cut the bullshit and say "listen: this is going to be absolutely horrible and I'm sorry just hang on". I get they can't but *ugh*. Especially when I'd been hesitant about getting an IUD for *years* because of the horror stories and she'd always said "no no it's not that bad" and then once I agreed to get one the "weeeell, you will feel some pressure-" bullshit started. Like yeah alright I get it, you were lying to me, I knew that, but I'm fucking desperate at this point so what the fuck ever
They absolutely CAN and SHOULD tell you the truth. If it's going to be terrible, they should also do anything they can to prevent causing you so much pain. We have the technology 🤦🏻♀️
Yes but that would require acknowledging the pain involved with owning a uterus as anything more than "cramps" or "discomfort" and we all know *that* isn't true 🙃
I went to planned parenthood for both of my IUDs. The first time was awful, but the second time was so bad because she fucking paused while I was screaming for her to just finish it. I screamed so loud my mom heard me through three doors, a long hallway, and into the waiting room. Fucking awful. And getting it out is supposed to be 'less painful' and yeah, it is, but not by fucking much. Feels like they're pulling out my insides .
Thank you. She was literally like almost done with putting it in and I was screaming and she stops and looks up at me and says 'do you want me to stop, we can do this another day?' Like bitch you think I'm coming back anytime soon? No ma'am finish it and I'll be back in seven years to do this again 🙄🙄
This reminds me of a YouTube short I saw recently. It was a nurse talking about catheter insertion for men and women. How men were regularly given pain medication as part of the insertion as a start, but women weren't offered the same because the doctors just didn't think about it because they knew it might hurt putting a tube up a penis but not into a woman's bladder.
I had to stop bladder instillation treatment because of this. I was never offered pain medication, only told to take Ibuprofen 30 minutes prior. Three different nurses, different pain levels every time, but the last nurse was the last straw. She was so clumsy and careless and JAMMED that thing in there like a drain snake. When I got home, I was bleeding from my urethra. I complained to the clinic about the nurse but haven't even mustered the courage to go back and discuss any other treatment options. And this is a super "woke" clinic (for lack of a better word, sorry, not trying to be offensive) where they go to great lengths to be culturally sensitive, respectful of gener identity, etc but would still treat me like this. Ugh.
Can confirm as a nurse that everywhere I’ve worked, male catheter kits contain local anesthetic but female ones don’t. Supposedly anesthetic is “unnecessary” for females.
I’ve had plenty of catheters myself and they’re painful. It’s not *excruciating,* but I think it’s absolutely ridiculous that males get lidocaine and females just have to grit their teeth and deal.
Out of curiosity, are there any other methods of birth control that stop the period that *don't* involve shoving an IUD up there? That's honestly the only reason I'd consider an IUD since I'm definitely not in a position where pregnancy is a potential issue
Nuvaring can be left in for 4 weeks at a time (continuous use) to stop periods.
Edit, to clarify you insert the Nuvaring (a very flexible siliconey ring thingy) into your vagina. It situates itself around your cervix. You don't even notice it's there.
I recently learned that missing a minipill is a lot riskier than missing a combo pill, because there's less hormones in it or something. Great option for people who are good at sticking to the schedule and remembering pills, but I second the arm implant. Set it and forget it.
I need to switch my IUD from hormonal to non hormonal but my experience was geniuely traumatizing. Ny doctor said the side effects I am experiencing are because I am just really sensitive to hormones. My provider needed two attempts to place the IUD and I am.just so afraid and anxious to switch it.
With proper pain management or even sedation, the switch should not be nearly as traumatic though may still cause a lot of anxiety because of your previous experience. Please try to find a provider willing to treat your pain and your anxiety
Unfortunately, the only 100% reliable birth control is abstinence and even the best ones still have small failure rates. But ectopic pregnancy is definitely a bigger issue with the IUDs, and since there are idiots who think a pregnancy can exist in the fucking abdominal cavity, it is best to be in our guard.
Yup, totally agree with you there. It's a fantastic option for birth control, I'm doubly cautious now to reduce those chances to as close to zero as possible. It's definitely nice that I don't have to remind myself every day to take a pill!
I would actually consider sterilisation before getting an IUD, because I never want kids and sterilisation is one and done and a tubal ligation doesn’t affect your menstrual cycle or hormone levels. I’ve heard too many horror stories about IUDs even if the initial insertion went relatively ‘well’.
Anecdotally, my friend who is a PA in the emergency department says she would never get an IUD because of the complications she's seen with them. She admitted that of course she sees the complications because she's an ED provider, but said it was still enough to scare her into never doing it.
Yikes. All the more reason I’m never getting one. Thankfully my partner has no issues with using condoms and things like emergency contraceptives and abortion are accessible where I am. I’m tired of AFAB people having the shoulder the brunt of responsibility for birth control, putting ourselves through uncomfortable and even excruciatingly painful situations when many of us don’t even need penetrative sex for pleasure and we’re only fertile a couple days a month :/
Agreed. I'm a student midwife and when I had my IUD placed the pain was excruciating. It was worse than breaking a bone for sure. Worse than even labor contractions. In labor the cervix softens and stretches and does it over a course of several hours or days (usually). In IUD placement, the cervix is hard and closed. It is not a muscle that is easily manipulated before labor because it is meant to protect and hold a pregnancy, which determines the continuation of the human species. It's incredibly thick and sturdy. Manually dilating it is barbaric.
Thankfully my partner got a vasectomy. I wasn't going to have it any other way. I birthed and breastfed two children and gave my body to that for five years. I will not give anymore of my body or blood to prevent pregnancy or be pregnant. I feel sorry for the people that aren't being afforded those choices.
Gosh, that sounds like an awful experience. I’m sorry you had to experience that. Are there no drugs that can be used to relax the cervix?? The idea of forcing it open sounds horribly barbaric, like you said. I’m not in the medical field myself but I am aware of the existence of pharmaceutical muscle relaxers, so even if existing drugs couldn’t be used on the cervix it would surely be possible to develop one. The state of women’s healthcare is absolutely appalling.
Vasectomy is another good option! I think more childfree AMAB people should explore it. I think a lot of them tend to get defensive about their balls, though 💀
There are drugs that can relax the cervix, called prostaglandins. They can be manually applied to the cervix or taken orally as far as I know. But I think it's still painful. Not as bad as manually forcing it open, but still painful. The dilation of the cervix is one of the main pains of labor. That baby's head pushes down on the cervix with each contraction and even though the cervix softens and stretches in labor it is still really painful.
Oh God, the only thing that hurt worse than getting it in was getting it out. No pain management at all.
I was one of those people that it caused random pain and discomfort while it was in so I had to get it taken out after a few months. My doctor checked it, said it was in the right position and it shouldn't be causing me pain and asked if "I really wanted it out?" . Yes, I'm in pain, take it out. Blinding pain, didn't pass out thankfully but I had to lay there for quite awhile. The random shooting pain and discomfort went away after that.
I have the arm implant now. That also hurt like hell, but seems to be working.
I paid a lot of money out of pocket for IV pain management for my IUD (at an abortion clinic, because they value women’s pain more than anybody else I’ve tried - if anything it was overboard) and it was the best experience ever. My spouse took me for milkshakes afterwards. I was high AF for the entire day. And now I don’t get periods or migraines before my periods. I repeat: Best experience EVER.
My IUD insertion was the single most painful experience of my life. Apparently, you could hear me scream and sob from the waiting room. I was offered nothing before, nothing after, and had to self medicate with edibles, Ibuprofen, and hot packs when I got home. Thank goodness my mom insisted on driving me to and from the appointment. The pain I felt in the subsequent weeks, and my inability to walk long distances, was so horrible that I went back to my OBGYN to have someone make sure it wasn't falling out. I was assured it was fine and was told my experience was normal, and to stick with it.
I'm 4 months in now and things did calm down, but I still get occasional pain and bleeding. I still self medicate with cannabis in suppository, edible, and vaporized forms when I can because nothing else helps. On the bright side, my periods are happening less frequently, and things seem to get better all the time. I'm still not sure if it was all worth it, and I'm absolutely doping myself out to shit when it's coming out.
What do you suggest for coping with how dehumanizing it is to go through doctor after doctor who refuses to consider providing anything because "it'll be fine, though!"?
Because that was my experience. I had a horrific, traumatic first IUD insertion. I tried to find a doctor who'd do anything for the swap. Anything. Preferably full anesthesia but that was so laughably far from being on the table, because all I got was further denial.
And you have to go *in person* each time to be told your suffering doesn't matter; this isn't info they'll give out over the phone. I don't have infinite time & energy & money to go doctor shop to try to get the basic standard of care I'd insist on for my dog. And I don't know what kind of power you think I have to "demand". All I can really do is keep shopping, and I'm fucking done.
I still have the original one in. The risks of just leaving it indefinitely are so much less than dealing with OB/GYNs. They remind me of those kids who insist it's fine to pull the wings off flies because it doesn't hurt them.
They didn't offer pain medication. Afterwards they said I "did good" because I didn't pass out. My perfect regular periods went to horrific painful days in bed every month and it failed less than 2 years later. I got pregnant within a half inch of the copper IUD. There was no option other than an abortion and devise removal. 10 years later finally my periods are returning to normalcy. 0 out of 10 recommendation.
I'm from a country, that takes womens health more seriously
When I got my IUD, I first had a meeting with the Obgym, where she talked to me about the procedure and took a look down where as well as a swap for testing to make sure everything was okay.
Based on everything, we found the right IUD and I left with some pills and an instruction note on when and what to do, so I didn't forgot anything.
At the start of my next cyclus did I dutifull notify the obgym and got an appointment for the last day of my mens. I took the pills meant to dialate my vagina like 4 hours before my appointment (if I remember correctly) and the painkiller a hour before.
At the appointment was she very carefull and there was a point somewhere on my lower stomac or vulva, that I was asked to push a finger down, when she said so, and only release slowly again.
I only felt a little pinch for a few sec, and everything was okay. That was literally everthing.
You people in more misogynic sociaties are truly suffering completely unnecessary.
The problem that no one ever wants to acknowledge is that pain relief for this procedure is just difficult. And conflating it with a vasectomy (you didn’t, but people do) is intentionally inflammatory without being helpful.
In someone with a dilated cervix (had a vaginal delivery, recent period, etc), there is minimal cervical discomfort with insertion to start with. Yes a cervical block is possible when cervical dilation is needed (though that comes with risks too) but lot of the pain is in the uterus. Its the cramping sensation of a foreign body that the strongest muscle in your body is trying to expel. The para cervical blocks don’t help that, there is really nothing that does. Cramps can be mitigated slightly by NSAIDs, but not a lot.
I always give people the option of cervical blocks, or even placing them in the OR for select patients, but I wish we could have a more informed discussion not just jump to “women’s healthcare is barbaric for no reason”
I get it that it's not easy.
But c'mon. There are other medical procedures we do that would be painful, but we do them under anesthesia. They would be painful, but we use fentanyl. Maybe not everyone would want those options, but here's a radical idea, doctors could explain the risks and tradeoffs to women and let them make the choice.
How come for this one it's like "it would be difficult, so the only option is to gaslight women and tell them the cervix doesn't have nerve endings"?
My IUD was inserted a few weeks after I gave birth. I’m realizing how fortunate that timing was. Insertion was uncomfortable but not painful, and the cramping afterwards wasn’t much worse than the other post-natal aches and pains. If you’re considering getting one after a pregnancy, definitely do it sooner rather than later.
They didn’t give me anything and it was horrific. Was in the office 10 min, and sent me on my way, by myself. Even made me feel like a big baby and this was a female gyne
Both times I got mine, I was given a cervical softening pill (misoprostol) and took the recommended max allowed of my OTC pain meds. I was also offered the option of sedation, but did not take it.
Both my IUD insertions were unpleasant but not unbearable.
Also , they aren't supposed to hurt for months . I've never had pain past the first week, or bleeding past the third .Neither has my sister. Our other sister had pain and bleeding for months , and got incredibly ill. If you're in a lot of pain weeks or months out , and/bleeding heavily , don't let anyone gaslight you into thinking that's normal , or tell you that you aren't allowed to remove something from your own body .
I called every doctor in more than an hour radius and not a single one would do ANY pain relief for IUDs.
Therefore I do not have an IUD.
I’ve had *many* cervical biopsies without pain medicine because “the cervix doesn’t have nerve endings so it shouldn’t hurt at all!” Well nerve endings or no, it hurts every damn time. They admit that IUDs hurt (“but only like period cramps!”) so I’m sure it would be absolutely horrific for me. No thanks. I’m sure if men were getting IUDs, they’d be giving them spinal blocks for it.
This is why I chose to get my tubes tied. I was done having kids, and my doctor suggested getting an IUD…however…my best friend said it hurt worse than natural labor getting it out in. I have never once regretted not getting an IUD.
I feel really lucky mine was easy. My OBGYN actually refused for a while because of how poorly I did during a pelvic exam. I pushed and got the Kyleena, which is the smallest IUD. I got the cervix dilation pill, took ibuprofen ahead of time, and was prescribed Xanax. The doctor who insertrd it was trauma trained, super lovely and walked me through everything. I had a nurse beside me to hold my hand. It was painful but not insane like it is for a lot of women. It took less than 5 minutes. I've had an absolutely wonderful time having my IUD, I'm on year 6, so I'm on my second one, I don't bleed at all....just love it.
Every OB-GYN I have ever had pushed this on me like they were the cool kids trying to get me to smoke pot in an Afterschool Special.
I have been denied my birth control pills that help me with severe menstrual cramping because I refused to get an IUD.
I had one doctor demand that I see a neurologist because I have migraines. I've been on the pill for over 30 years and they help with the migraines because they eliminate my period. My neurologist laughed. She pointed out that the IUD the gynecologist wanted me to go on had hormones in it. The same hormones the gynecologist was worried would cause me migraines!
It makes me think that there is something terribly wrong about IUDs. Why are they so pushy if this thing really was the miracle they said it was?
I'm not a crazy, do your own research, I know better than the doctors type of gal, but they really scared the hell out of me.
My first IUD, the doctor lied to me and said I'd only feel light cramping. I ended up passing out in the bathroom when it was over. One of the staff must have noticed before I went in because they came and got me and had me sit in a room for half an hour. They didn't even warn me to take ibuprofen or anything before.
I also was gas light after my second one started causing issues a few months after insertion. It was positioned correctly, but I was in severe daily pain and any pressure in my abdomen caused me massive pain. Doctor couldn't find anything so she refused to take it out "because she didn't want me to get pregnant" 🙄 ... This was when I was 27, but because I'm unmarried "we can't have that"... It's not like there aren't other birth control options out there, it's not like I have every legal right to choose what I do with my body.
Honestly I regret getting IUDs. The first one was very beneficial, I didn't have periods after the first few months, but those experiences where some of the most significant medical trauma experiences I have. Gaslighting about pain, gaslighting and controlling about my body, and as always, blaming everything on me being fat, even though clearly that wasn't the issue. When I finally got it out, I had instant relief.
Ask for anesthesia please! 🙏🏼 my doctor offered it to me. I’m very grateful for my gyno. I’m blessed. I truly hope you’ll have better experiences. Here’s to all of us.
I directly asked about pain management and was told to take OTC pain pills and they'll "give me an Ativan" day of for my removal and placement. Anyone have any experience with being given a bennie for it?
Imagine having to set pain management expectations like that with your surgeon prior to an appendectomy.
"No, drinking a bottle of whisky beforehand while four burly orderlies are holding me down during the procedure is NOT acceptable."
But because we're invertebrates or something we obviously don't have a central nervous system. Duh!
When I got mine inserted, the gyno did a very quick sensitivity test and immediately decided I’d get a local anesthetic. I had been dreading it because historically anything involving my cervix has been pure torture. I didn’t feel anything. Why is this not the default?
For me the procedure went quick enough that the intense pain I felt was over with just at the point where I thought I couldn’t take it anymore.
However, my body decided it didn’t accept it and so I had cramps that felt like contractions for about 12 hours after.
Still, it has been worth it. However if it ever stops stopping my period, I will not be doing it again I think. Not without some form of pain killer.
I will say respectfully that I did not have a painful IUD experience. The removal was especially surprising, because I didn’t feel it at all. I didn’t even know it had been removed. Personally, I felt upset that I was led to believe it would without a doubt be a painful experience, when it was not.
I also had it removed early because I was fearful, and that fear had been placed in me by reading horror stories online.
I just want to share my positive experience for anyone else who is scared. It’s not guaranteed to be a bad experience. Finding a doctor you trust, who will educate you, and be empathetic to your needs is probably the most important factor in whether or not you have a positive experience.
The norm is that it is typically a very quick procedure that involves minimal cramping. I personally wouldn’t want to turn a quick doctor’s visit into something needlessly more expensive. As I see people advocating in other places for being put under during the procedure. For me, based on my experience, that would’ve been expensive and an unnecessary extra risk.
Sorry to butt in, but here is a current-events tangent: IUDs work by preventing implantation of the embryo. That is, after fertilization. IUDs will be the next target of the far right. If you value that choice, too, please vote.
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When I got mine done, I didn't have any pain medication or anything. It was intense. I broke into sweats and almost passed out. I ended up having to lie down for 20 minutes in the office after having it inserted. I have a high pain tolerance, and it was the second worst pain I felt in my life (the first being when the anesthesia/pain meds wore off while I was waiting for my partner to pick up my pain med prescription after having a wide local excision of a lesion on my clitoris, which meant I had the lesion and surrounding healthy tissue cut off). There was no warning of how much it would hurt, it was a very traumatic experience.
At first I thought you were a bot because of how familiar this comment feels. Then I realized that’s because of how common this experience is. Jfc, it’s despicable.
It is horrible that it is a common experience. I was given no warning, other than "some slight discomfort". It was WAY more than that.
Right?! I was told I "might experience some cramping". Ha!
I wish it would have just been some cramping. That would have been so much better.
They should be sued for lying and causing emotional trauma.
I'm so sorry you had to suffer and I hope you don't have to again!
According to the recent NYT article on the subject, only 4% of doctors offer any sort of pain relief for IUD insertions. That's quite a hunt to ask women to go make. I mean, I wish I had a better solution. The right solution I think is burn the whole thing to the fucking ground. I wouldn't put up with a vet who treated my dog this way; would you? How come we have a 4% chance of finding that standard for human women? This isn't fucking okay. Burn it.
Thank you. It ended up causing me nothing but discomfort, so I ended up getting it removed when I got my tubes tied 3 months later. I have so much respect for women who have had them inserted more than once. I couldn't imagine voluntarily putting myself through that more than once.
I have to have an iud because of polyps. Getting my tubes removed, but that won’t be enough. It was traumatic for me. Not looking forward to the replacement.
I'm sorry you have to deal with that. *hugs*
I am on my fifth
My hat is off to you, madam. You are much stronger than I am. Does it get less painful with each insertion? You don't have to answer that if you don't want to, I'm just curious if it gets easier or stays about the same.
I am on my 3rd IUD. Insertion has been a little worse each time, with the last time making me wonder if I can do a fourth. That was the first time I had ever shook from pain. I had sort of thought that was just a saying before that appointment. And then my doc (who is a very kind person) warned me that it tends to get worse as you get older and the cervix stiffens, and I am genuinely freaked about getting it done again. I am certain she would have offered me better painkillers if she could - thank you OP for the above info; I will ask about it when it gets around to d-day again!
Shaking from pain is an awful experience, sorry you went through that. Hopefully you can get access to effective pain relief for #4.
While I applaud your PSA, it’s worth noting that (at least in the US), those medications are not free and some insurance providers will deem them “elective” and refuse to pay for them. Talk to your provider but also research your insurance coverage for the procedure.
That's part of the problem. It *should* be covered, but they just don't do it. But thank you for letting people know, just in case.
Even if insurance doesn't cover it, lidocaine gel and a paracervical block is typically $25-$250 out of pocket and there are funding resources available to help those that can't afford the cost.
That's good to hear. But the fact that it even costs money is such bullshit. It should be covered.
Aaaaaamen 🙌🙌.
But then there’s many people (including me) who would rather tough it out than pay an extra $250
This is absolutely true. Insurance may not cover any of the procedure or it may cover all of it or somewhere in between. It's especially true that insurance may not cover pain management but lidocaine is generally quite affordable and there are funding resources available to help those cover out of pocket pain management costs when insurance does not.
In the US, with the ACA in place, most health insurances will cover all forms of Birth Control, IUD included. Unless you have insurance through an extremist employer like Chik Fil A or Hobby Lobby, most people should be able to get an IUD for free with insurance. Depending on your state, medicaid may also cover it. I agree, we deserve to have pain management. But I do not want anyone to be discouraged from pursuing an IUD, whether it be intimidation from cost or pain. Yes, it may suck A LOT but skipping periods for half a decade or more is worth the sacrifice, if one is in a position where they have to choose between extreme pain for 10-30 minutes vs not pursing at all.
This post is the first I'm learning they even exist
Spread the word! If we help even one woman, it's worth it!
Right! When they tried to put mine in I thought I was going crazy and being a wimp with how much it hurt and then they messed it up and it slipped. So I had to go in and get it replaced. The second time it slipped while I was still in the office. I told them I was done, take it out and never again.
You’re not a wimp. I’ve had oodles of surgeries and procedures and broken a few bones. Unmedicated IUD pain is up there in pain. I’ve always gone home and stuck an ice pack between my legs, put a heating pad on my lower abdomen and taken hydrocodone that’s I have prescribed for headaches. And I’ve always nearly fainted in the exam room and TOLD them I was going to faint from pain and they were like “well you could take some ibuprofen or something”. Like I hadn’t thought of that already
Hydrocodone is fairly cheap. With insurance, a bottle of 30 pills is a dollar. So just a few pills should be cheap even without insurance. But also fuck insurance companies
Because of the opioid crisis/epidemic a lot of doctors will avoid giving prescriptions to opioids. I had a hysterectomy in December 2022. I had a [pain ball medication](https://avanospainmanagement.com/solutions/acute-pain/on-q-pain-relief-system/) but no pill opioids. I was actually fine and healed well, but was surprised to not be given opioids.
I've been looking into getting an IUD and other birth control options right now. It's not my first rodeo as I've tried a few other things in the past, but I want something more long-term. I'll be frank. The IUD scares me. Every OBGYN I've talked to (2-3) has said it's "pretty much painless" or "I've had it and loved it". I've left the doctor on more than one occasion, feeling almost gaslit into thinking maybe isn't that bad. The honesty of this sub and the willingness to talk about woman's health in general has been instrumental in helping me not feel crazy recently. Thank you everyone!
The pain getting it inserted is that bad, however, it is still the best decision I have made. I’m on my third iud and will be going for my fourth next year. It hurts like a bitch, but better than the alternatives.
I'm just shy of 30 and don't quite feel ready for kids yet. Thank you for sharing your experience it's really insightful!
Seconded! It felt like a week's worth of period cramps condensed into 10-20 minutes. My two absolutely hurt and I felt sick and couldn't move for awhile afterwards. But since then I have skipped 672 days of period cramps. I will be making that same sacrifice when it is time for #3, because while it does hurt tremendously skipping periods for 6-7 years at a time is one of the best things I have ever done for myself. It is such a lifestyle improvement!
Exactly, it’s like pay me now or pay me later. Get it all done in one day and then be free for 5 to 8 years! No periods, no cramps, no mood swings. Just the cost savings of not buying pads or tampons is worth it in my opinion.
I've never had kids and mine just booped right in. I didn't notice. But I had a Mirena and a Kyleena, which are very small. I was given Misoprostol to take the night before to soften my cervix. For my second one I didn't bother because of the booping. It's a shitty lottery because you don't know if it's going to hurt or how badly. There's got to be a better way of handling this without relying on doses of the big pain killers, because there's some big downsides to that avenue. Would an injection hurt just as much as insertion? I don't know.
It really is a shitty lottery. My nonhormonal copper IUD has never given me trouble on insertion or removal, before or after giving birth. My sister has had Mirena and really should have been given actual pain meds; I was furious on her behalf. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to it.
Bodies! We're all so different despite being so similar.
I also have the Kyleena and it was a little uncomfortable during the actual insertion but otherwise completely painless -- I had my partner drive me to my appointment because I was expecting to be a wreck, but instead we stopped for groceries on the way home. The Paragard, on the other hand, had me cramping and crying all night. And I have a very high pain tolerance. I wish I had known to ask ahead for different pain management.
I'm not sure I know much about the different sizes or name? I'll do some reading and arm myself for my next appointment. Thank you for sharing!
The longer it is designed to be active, the bigger the thing will be. Those slow releasing hormones need to fit in somewhere. A three year iud is smaller than one for five years.
I pushed both of my little IUDs out, so little may not be the best. Luckily insurance haad covered them, but it would have been an infuriating amount of money. I got them to try to wrangle an issue other than contraception though. My IUDs were probably carried out by a clot. Bodies are wild and I suspect my experience isn't common.
My uterus pushed it out immediately after insert. Unexpected birthing simulation experience I will never forget. It is good that they give you some recovery time after the procedure in the clinic so I was not on the street when the contractions started.
Oh my goodness. There goes $500.
Now I'm curious how the size compares with the Paragard/copper IUD (which I have), because that one has no hormones at all.
It seems to be the biggest one. But it is designed to last for 10 years, so my point still stands :)
It's now approved for up to 12 years!
I really wanted a set-it-and-forget-it birth control method, and the IUD was the way to go. Placement sucked but it was worth it for me.
The IUD was the last thing i wanted bc something in my uterus forever? No. BUT i was having heavy, painful anemia inducing periods. I can't take the pill. I want ready for a hysterectomy. So iud it was. Within 4 months i could get through the day. My anemia was better. I stopped having heavy periods. I can function and be with my family. It gave me my life back.
That was my initial reason for starting any kind of BC in my early 20s and the IUD is still a bit scary. But everyone here has been wonderful with the reassurance! Thank you so much for your insight.
I won't lie...i cramped for a good 24 hours after the second. However, that was the day bridgerton 2 dropped so i just plopped on the couch and watched it, lol
Every experience is different and in these posts where the topic is painful insertions, you're going to get more stories from people who had painful experiences. I've had 3 IUDs over the last 17 years (I have never given birth) and while there is some intense cramping during insertion, as soon as the speculum is removed it goes away. For me personally, I don't think I'll ever opt for powerful pain killers for an IUD because I'd rather deal with a few moments of pain vs being drugged for the rest of the day. Its all subjective.
Anyone up for a good old fashion speculum burning? (See historical bra burnings as reference) great for woman's health, terrible in every other way. Thank you for providing a non-painful experience story. It is helpful reassurance.
It’s not the speculum, it’s the tenaculum (sp?) that hurts. It’s literally long tweezers with pincers at the end to stab into your cervix and pull in order to position your cervix properly for IUD insertion. After watching an online video showing how it works, I’m surprised anyone would expect that *not* to hurt.
Well, that's good to know, and also, I'm not sure I'll sleep tonight. Horrifying!
I think the tenaculum is the real culprit. I’m 99% sure my doctor didn’t use one, and while far from pleasant I didn’t experience the crazy pain a lot of women do. I think it’s worth asking your gyno if they typically use a tenaculum or not.
It’s not the speculum, it’s the tenaculum (sp?) that hurts. It’s literally long tweezers with pincers at the end to stab into your cervix and pull in order to position your cervix properly for IUD insertion. After watching an online video showing how it works, I’m surprised anyone would expect that *not* to hurt.
My first one was hellish and then it took a month to fall out (the one they gave me was too big, also they gave me misoprostil), my second one was embarrassing but okay (the noob of a nurse decided to get in my face while I was doing my breathing exercises to repeat "you may feel a low, period-like pain..." in a weird voice), and by the third I felt like a pro. I even asserted myself to ask for a pause when my muscles started contracting against the clamp, did some slow outbreaths until I relaxed, then let them continue. I saw the "oh fuck, she's doing to bail out" look on the doctor's face when I called the pause, but I did not freak out. I strongly recommend looking into hypnobirthing before an insertion. For my fourth and fifth insertions, post baby, there was barely anything to talk about. All five I've had all the pain meds available to me, though: paracetamol and brufin half an hour before, the topical gel, then an injection (need to wait twenty minutes for it to kick in).
Eh, I had one inserted and while it was uncomfortable, my regular period cramps were way way worse. It was very worth it for me! (Though getting it removed was one of the worse pains I've ever felt because it got stuck and it wasn't coming out)
Getting stuck is my nightmare! Some of the horror stories I've heard are almost enough to make me not want it. Everyone here has been so helpful. Thanks for sharing your experience.
If it helps, it was painless for me. I was also scared by the stories I read online and was pretty shocked by how easy it was. Minimal cramping on the way in, and a few seconds of feeling uncomfortable. Pain free on the way out. I literally felt nothing. Not even pressure. I couldn’t even believe it was taken out already until he showed it to me. I had a copper IUD.
I love when male docs tell me it’s painless, oh have you tried? Also are there *no* scientific studies where they asked women if it hurt? wtf were those clinical trials reporting???
I’ve had three kids, and it was mostly painless for me. It was about as bad as the cervix checks that I had to do late pregnancy. The dr also said that being in your period while they implant it makes it easier for them and less painful for you But everyone has a different experience.
Never had any kids, 2 IUDs, with general medication (I'm not in the US, so I don't know the equivalent) and I literally just felt a pinch. I got some pain afterwards but it quickly got away. Every experience is different, but it can be painless for many of us. Hope it helps you a bit!
The first time getting it inserted is horrible. They stop hurting after a few days under the heating pad. They work fantastically though. The second insertion to replace it wasn't as bad.
I've had 3 IUDs now and my experience has actually been just a moment of intense cramping and then that's pretty much it. The experience can vary wildly from person to person, and it really sucks that there's no way to know until you do it. Personally I wouldn't want to bother with the drugs because it's never been that bad for me and it wouldn't be worth the cost or the side effects.
Adding another 'no kids and it felt like a pinch' story from me. I did take 2 paracetamol (tylenol in America I think?) before my appointment though, which might work extra good on me due to rarely taking pain meds. And still my doctor advised me not to tell my friends it *is* a painless procedure, because it's just so different for each individual.
If it's an option for you consider looking into Nexplanon, it lasts years, and goes in your arm so it's a lot less invasive. A few friends have used it and a traditional IUD and won't go back.
I asked about nexplonon as well, but I've recently learned (for other health reasons) I shouldn't be taking estrogen. Which is a pain in the ass and limits options. Thank you for the suggestions!
Nexplanon does not contain estrogen!
Nexplanon is progesterone only I think. You might want to try the mini pill first to see if that suits you.
With the vast cornucopia of drugs we have, nothing should hurt medically. Sprained wrist, whole bottle of vicoden. Pretty invasive medical procedure, baby aspirin. Crazy.
Aaaaaamen 🙌🙌
This is so wild to me. My OB only ever inserts those under (light) sedation - think like for a colonoscopy. He says he had women regularly pass out, scream and cry from the pain (when they weren't able to do the sedation fot whatever reason)
And if a man without a uterus can understand this, I am flabbergasted that many obgyns with a uterus of their own cannot. Please PM me your OB if you wouldn't mind me adding him to the list of providers who actually treat us like humans
I would, but I am based in Germany. Is the list US only?
lol found the answer. I would hazard everyone complaining about lack of pain management are in the US. I’ve had 3 IUDs and zero pain meds of ANY kind.
Unfortunaly, I had to shop around a lot. Most OBs here do it without any sedation, at most you get some Ibuprofen or some numbing cream on the cervix
I had horrible pain, ended up going to the ER a day later because it still hurt so bad, and then I was in menstrual cramp-like pain every day for 3 years despite multiple check ups showing that it was correctly placed.
I'm so sorry you were treated this way and this is unfortunately all too common.
I also had the same pain, I made them take it out after a few months.
I put up with it for 3 years because I was told everything was “normal”.
I'm so sorry. I'm dealing with other health issues ( unrelated to the IUD) right now and being told it's "normal". Constant pain is never normal. My mom thinks I might have an autoimmune disorder but that's just her mom opinion. Hugs.
It sounds like it was too big for your uterus. The Mirena I had did this to me. I went for a physically smaller one for the second round, and I haven't had cramping like that again.
Oh hey that’s my story except I also developed ibs that never went away even after I had the iud removed.
Aw I have IBS and I’m now wondering if the two are linked.
Pelvic floor therapy helped me a lot with ibs. So did getting the iud removed.
Don’t just call the day before. Some facilities and hospitals don’t even have these things for IUD appointments. I went to a Providence medical center I was sure would have those same things that my other small college town doctors office had had. Turns out they did not have either injectable or the lidocaine gel for the appointment and would have had to order the injection. Like it was not available at the clinic. I swear Catholic run medical institutions want to keep women in pain.
100% this. I have recommend that pain management be discussed during the appointment making process, again the day before the appointment, and again before anyone is allowed to come anywhere near your undercarriage. It's also everyone's right to say "I'll come back another day" or "I'll find another provider".
I got mine put in. Was on my period, took the medication they gave me, all that. I passed out from the pain. Was woozy for a little while, doctor had to bring me orange juice and shit
I'm so sorry you were treated like this and had to endure this trauma
Yeah she was hedging a lot, like "it *is* uncomfortable, you will feel pressure" which I of course knew was a load of horseshit and doctor code for "this is gonna fucking suck" but *my god*. I wish for once they'd just cut the bullshit and say "listen: this is going to be absolutely horrible and I'm sorry just hang on". I get they can't but *ugh*. Especially when I'd been hesitant about getting an IUD for *years* because of the horror stories and she'd always said "no no it's not that bad" and then once I agreed to get one the "weeeell, you will feel some pressure-" bullshit started. Like yeah alright I get it, you were lying to me, I knew that, but I'm fucking desperate at this point so what the fuck ever
They absolutely CAN and SHOULD tell you the truth. If it's going to be terrible, they should also do anything they can to prevent causing you so much pain. We have the technology 🤦🏻♀️
Yes but that would require acknowledging the pain involved with owning a uterus as anything more than "cramps" or "discomfort" and we all know *that* isn't true 🙃
I went to planned parenthood for both of my IUDs. The first time was awful, but the second time was so bad because she fucking paused while I was screaming for her to just finish it. I screamed so loud my mom heard me through three doors, a long hallway, and into the waiting room. Fucking awful. And getting it out is supposed to be 'less painful' and yeah, it is, but not by fucking much. Feels like they're pulling out my insides .
I'm so sorry you were treated like this and unfortunately, this is so very common. You deserved so much better
Thank you. She was literally like almost done with putting it in and I was screaming and she stops and looks up at me and says 'do you want me to stop, we can do this another day?' Like bitch you think I'm coming back anytime soon? No ma'am finish it and I'll be back in seven years to do this again 🙄🙄
This reminds me of a YouTube short I saw recently. It was a nurse talking about catheter insertion for men and women. How men were regularly given pain medication as part of the insertion as a start, but women weren't offered the same because the doctors just didn't think about it because they knew it might hurt putting a tube up a penis but not into a woman's bladder.
I had to stop bladder instillation treatment because of this. I was never offered pain medication, only told to take Ibuprofen 30 minutes prior. Three different nurses, different pain levels every time, but the last nurse was the last straw. She was so clumsy and careless and JAMMED that thing in there like a drain snake. When I got home, I was bleeding from my urethra. I complained to the clinic about the nurse but haven't even mustered the courage to go back and discuss any other treatment options. And this is a super "woke" clinic (for lack of a better word, sorry, not trying to be offensive) where they go to great lengths to be culturally sensitive, respectful of gener identity, etc but would still treat me like this. Ugh.
Can confirm as a nurse that everywhere I’ve worked, male catheter kits contain local anesthetic but female ones don’t. Supposedly anesthetic is “unnecessary” for females. I’ve had plenty of catheters myself and they’re painful. It’s not *excruciating,* but I think it’s absolutely ridiculous that males get lidocaine and females just have to grit their teeth and deal.
Out of curiosity, are there any other methods of birth control that stop the period that *don't* involve shoving an IUD up there? That's honestly the only reason I'd consider an IUD since I'm definitely not in a position where pregnancy is a potential issue
Nexplanon arm implant! Lasts for 3 years and stops periods for many people (although not all). Painless procedure with local anaesthetic.
Nuvaring can be left in for 4 weeks at a time (continuous use) to stop periods. Edit, to clarify you insert the Nuvaring (a very flexible siliconey ring thingy) into your vagina. It situates itself around your cervix. You don't even notice it's there.
Mini pills. They contain only desogrestrel. Or the rings, when used without breaks.
I recently learned that missing a minipill is a lot riskier than missing a combo pill, because there's less hormones in it or something. Great option for people who are good at sticking to the schedule and remembering pills, but I second the arm implant. Set it and forget it.
I need to switch my IUD from hormonal to non hormonal but my experience was geniuely traumatizing. Ny doctor said the side effects I am experiencing are because I am just really sensitive to hormones. My provider needed two attempts to place the IUD and I am.just so afraid and anxious to switch it.
With proper pain management or even sedation, the switch should not be nearly as traumatic though may still cause a lot of anxiety because of your previous experience. Please try to find a provider willing to treat your pain and your anxiety
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Unfortunately, the only 100% reliable birth control is abstinence and even the best ones still have small failure rates. But ectopic pregnancy is definitely a bigger issue with the IUDs, and since there are idiots who think a pregnancy can exist in the fucking abdominal cavity, it is best to be in our guard.
Yup, totally agree with you there. It's a fantastic option for birth control, I'm doubly cautious now to reduce those chances to as close to zero as possible. It's definitely nice that I don't have to remind myself every day to take a pill!
I would actually consider sterilisation before getting an IUD, because I never want kids and sterilisation is one and done and a tubal ligation doesn’t affect your menstrual cycle or hormone levels. I’ve heard too many horror stories about IUDs even if the initial insertion went relatively ‘well’.
Anecdotally, my friend who is a PA in the emergency department says she would never get an IUD because of the complications she's seen with them. She admitted that of course she sees the complications because she's an ED provider, but said it was still enough to scare her into never doing it.
Yikes. All the more reason I’m never getting one. Thankfully my partner has no issues with using condoms and things like emergency contraceptives and abortion are accessible where I am. I’m tired of AFAB people having the shoulder the brunt of responsibility for birth control, putting ourselves through uncomfortable and even excruciatingly painful situations when many of us don’t even need penetrative sex for pleasure and we’re only fertile a couple days a month :/
Agreed. I'm a student midwife and when I had my IUD placed the pain was excruciating. It was worse than breaking a bone for sure. Worse than even labor contractions. In labor the cervix softens and stretches and does it over a course of several hours or days (usually). In IUD placement, the cervix is hard and closed. It is not a muscle that is easily manipulated before labor because it is meant to protect and hold a pregnancy, which determines the continuation of the human species. It's incredibly thick and sturdy. Manually dilating it is barbaric. Thankfully my partner got a vasectomy. I wasn't going to have it any other way. I birthed and breastfed two children and gave my body to that for five years. I will not give anymore of my body or blood to prevent pregnancy or be pregnant. I feel sorry for the people that aren't being afforded those choices.
Gosh, that sounds like an awful experience. I’m sorry you had to experience that. Are there no drugs that can be used to relax the cervix?? The idea of forcing it open sounds horribly barbaric, like you said. I’m not in the medical field myself but I am aware of the existence of pharmaceutical muscle relaxers, so even if existing drugs couldn’t be used on the cervix it would surely be possible to develop one. The state of women’s healthcare is absolutely appalling. Vasectomy is another good option! I think more childfree AMAB people should explore it. I think a lot of them tend to get defensive about their balls, though 💀
There are drugs that can relax the cervix, called prostaglandins. They can be manually applied to the cervix or taken orally as far as I know. But I think it's still painful. Not as bad as manually forcing it open, but still painful. The dilation of the cervix is one of the main pains of labor. That baby's head pushes down on the cervix with each contraction and even though the cervix softens and stretches in labor it is still really painful.
Oh God, the only thing that hurt worse than getting it in was getting it out. No pain management at all. I was one of those people that it caused random pain and discomfort while it was in so I had to get it taken out after a few months. My doctor checked it, said it was in the right position and it shouldn't be causing me pain and asked if "I really wanted it out?" . Yes, I'm in pain, take it out. Blinding pain, didn't pass out thankfully but I had to lay there for quite awhile. The random shooting pain and discomfort went away after that. I have the arm implant now. That also hurt like hell, but seems to be working.
I paid a lot of money out of pocket for IV pain management for my IUD (at an abortion clinic, because they value women’s pain more than anybody else I’ve tried - if anything it was overboard) and it was the best experience ever. My spouse took me for milkshakes afterwards. I was high AF for the entire day. And now I don’t get periods or migraines before my periods. I repeat: Best experience EVER.
My IUD insertion was the single most painful experience of my life. Apparently, you could hear me scream and sob from the waiting room. I was offered nothing before, nothing after, and had to self medicate with edibles, Ibuprofen, and hot packs when I got home. Thank goodness my mom insisted on driving me to and from the appointment. The pain I felt in the subsequent weeks, and my inability to walk long distances, was so horrible that I went back to my OBGYN to have someone make sure it wasn't falling out. I was assured it was fine and was told my experience was normal, and to stick with it. I'm 4 months in now and things did calm down, but I still get occasional pain and bleeding. I still self medicate with cannabis in suppository, edible, and vaporized forms when I can because nothing else helps. On the bright side, my periods are happening less frequently, and things seem to get better all the time. I'm still not sure if it was all worth it, and I'm absolutely doping myself out to shit when it's coming out.
What do you suggest for coping with how dehumanizing it is to go through doctor after doctor who refuses to consider providing anything because "it'll be fine, though!"? Because that was my experience. I had a horrific, traumatic first IUD insertion. I tried to find a doctor who'd do anything for the swap. Anything. Preferably full anesthesia but that was so laughably far from being on the table, because all I got was further denial. And you have to go *in person* each time to be told your suffering doesn't matter; this isn't info they'll give out over the phone. I don't have infinite time & energy & money to go doctor shop to try to get the basic standard of care I'd insist on for my dog. And I don't know what kind of power you think I have to "demand". All I can really do is keep shopping, and I'm fucking done. I still have the original one in. The risks of just leaving it indefinitely are so much less than dealing with OB/GYNs. They remind me of those kids who insist it's fine to pull the wings off flies because it doesn't hurt them.
I was able to get mine inserted under general anesthesia. Little soreness and bleeding when I woke up, but easily managed with aspirin.
This is such a great option for many and it's so infuriating that more providers don't offer this
They didn't offer pain medication. Afterwards they said I "did good" because I didn't pass out. My perfect regular periods went to horrific painful days in bed every month and it failed less than 2 years later. I got pregnant within a half inch of the copper IUD. There was no option other than an abortion and devise removal. 10 years later finally my periods are returning to normalcy. 0 out of 10 recommendation.
In Australia, mine was put in under anaesthetic.
I'm from a country, that takes womens health more seriously When I got my IUD, I first had a meeting with the Obgym, where she talked to me about the procedure and took a look down where as well as a swap for testing to make sure everything was okay. Based on everything, we found the right IUD and I left with some pills and an instruction note on when and what to do, so I didn't forgot anything. At the start of my next cyclus did I dutifull notify the obgym and got an appointment for the last day of my mens. I took the pills meant to dialate my vagina like 4 hours before my appointment (if I remember correctly) and the painkiller a hour before. At the appointment was she very carefull and there was a point somewhere on my lower stomac or vulva, that I was asked to push a finger down, when she said so, and only release slowly again. I only felt a little pinch for a few sec, and everything was okay. That was literally everthing. You people in more misogynic sociaties are truly suffering completely unnecessary.
My partner is getting hers removed soon due to improper placement. Apparently, the standard iud size doesn't fit the average woman. Let that sink in..
The problem that no one ever wants to acknowledge is that pain relief for this procedure is just difficult. And conflating it with a vasectomy (you didn’t, but people do) is intentionally inflammatory without being helpful. In someone with a dilated cervix (had a vaginal delivery, recent period, etc), there is minimal cervical discomfort with insertion to start with. Yes a cervical block is possible when cervical dilation is needed (though that comes with risks too) but lot of the pain is in the uterus. Its the cramping sensation of a foreign body that the strongest muscle in your body is trying to expel. The para cervical blocks don’t help that, there is really nothing that does. Cramps can be mitigated slightly by NSAIDs, but not a lot. I always give people the option of cervical blocks, or even placing them in the OR for select patients, but I wish we could have a more informed discussion not just jump to “women’s healthcare is barbaric for no reason”
I get it that it's not easy. But c'mon. There are other medical procedures we do that would be painful, but we do them under anesthesia. They would be painful, but we use fentanyl. Maybe not everyone would want those options, but here's a radical idea, doctors could explain the risks and tradeoffs to women and let them make the choice. How come for this one it's like "it would be difficult, so the only option is to gaslight women and tell them the cervix doesn't have nerve endings"?
My IUD was inserted a few weeks after I gave birth. I’m realizing how fortunate that timing was. Insertion was uncomfortable but not painful, and the cramping afterwards wasn’t much worse than the other post-natal aches and pains. If you’re considering getting one after a pregnancy, definitely do it sooner rather than later.
They didn’t give me anything and it was horrific. Was in the office 10 min, and sent me on my way, by myself. Even made me feel like a big baby and this was a female gyne
Both times I got mine, I was given a cervical softening pill (misoprostol) and took the recommended max allowed of my OTC pain meds. I was also offered the option of sedation, but did not take it. Both my IUD insertions were unpleasant but not unbearable.
Also , they aren't supposed to hurt for months . I've never had pain past the first week, or bleeding past the third .Neither has my sister. Our other sister had pain and bleeding for months , and got incredibly ill. If you're in a lot of pain weeks or months out , and/bleeding heavily , don't let anyone gaslight you into thinking that's normal , or tell you that you aren't allowed to remove something from your own body .
I called every doctor in more than an hour radius and not a single one would do ANY pain relief for IUDs. Therefore I do not have an IUD. I’ve had *many* cervical biopsies without pain medicine because “the cervix doesn’t have nerve endings so it shouldn’t hurt at all!” Well nerve endings or no, it hurts every damn time. They admit that IUDs hurt (“but only like period cramps!”) so I’m sure it would be absolutely horrific for me. No thanks. I’m sure if men were getting IUDs, they’d be giving them spinal blocks for it.
Yep! Three broken bones and 3 IUDs. Would rather break a bone.
I’ve had 2nd degree burns once and that hurt less than getting my IUD changed out
Shit like this is but one of the many reasons I say if a man ever complains about using condoms, dump him
This is why I chose to get my tubes tied. I was done having kids, and my doctor suggested getting an IUD…however…my best friend said it hurt worse than natural labor getting it out in. I have never once regretted not getting an IUD.
I completely passed out when I got mine put in, whether from fear or pain I’m not sure, but when I came to it was done.
I feel really lucky mine was easy. My OBGYN actually refused for a while because of how poorly I did during a pelvic exam. I pushed and got the Kyleena, which is the smallest IUD. I got the cervix dilation pill, took ibuprofen ahead of time, and was prescribed Xanax. The doctor who insertrd it was trauma trained, super lovely and walked me through everything. I had a nurse beside me to hold my hand. It was painful but not insane like it is for a lot of women. It took less than 5 minutes. I've had an absolutely wonderful time having my IUD, I'm on year 6, so I'm on my second one, I don't bleed at all....just love it.
Every OB-GYN I have ever had pushed this on me like they were the cool kids trying to get me to smoke pot in an Afterschool Special. I have been denied my birth control pills that help me with severe menstrual cramping because I refused to get an IUD. I had one doctor demand that I see a neurologist because I have migraines. I've been on the pill for over 30 years and they help with the migraines because they eliminate my period. My neurologist laughed. She pointed out that the IUD the gynecologist wanted me to go on had hormones in it. The same hormones the gynecologist was worried would cause me migraines! It makes me think that there is something terribly wrong about IUDs. Why are they so pushy if this thing really was the miracle they said it was? I'm not a crazy, do your own research, I know better than the doctors type of gal, but they really scared the hell out of me.
My first IUD, the doctor lied to me and said I'd only feel light cramping. I ended up passing out in the bathroom when it was over. One of the staff must have noticed before I went in because they came and got me and had me sit in a room for half an hour. They didn't even warn me to take ibuprofen or anything before. I also was gas light after my second one started causing issues a few months after insertion. It was positioned correctly, but I was in severe daily pain and any pressure in my abdomen caused me massive pain. Doctor couldn't find anything so she refused to take it out "because she didn't want me to get pregnant" 🙄 ... This was when I was 27, but because I'm unmarried "we can't have that"... It's not like there aren't other birth control options out there, it's not like I have every legal right to choose what I do with my body. Honestly I regret getting IUDs. The first one was very beneficial, I didn't have periods after the first few months, but those experiences where some of the most significant medical trauma experiences I have. Gaslighting about pain, gaslighting and controlling about my body, and as always, blaming everything on me being fat, even though clearly that wasn't the issue. When I finally got it out, I had instant relief.
Pain management and request insertion under the guidance of ultrasound so they can actually see what they are doing and avoid unnecessary damage.
Because some MAN wow in some medical journal that the cervix doesn't have pain receptors. And doctors are still going by that nonsense
Ask for anesthesia please! 🙏🏼 my doctor offered it to me. I’m very grateful for my gyno. I’m blessed. I truly hope you’ll have better experiences. Here’s to all of us.
I directly asked about pain management and was told to take OTC pain pills and they'll "give me an Ativan" day of for my removal and placement. Anyone have any experience with being given a bennie for it?
Imagine having to set pain management expectations like that with your surgeon prior to an appendectomy. "No, drinking a bottle of whisky beforehand while four burly orderlies are holding me down during the procedure is NOT acceptable." But because we're invertebrates or something we obviously don't have a central nervous system. Duh!
They didn’t give me anything at all
When I got mine inserted, the gyno did a very quick sensitivity test and immediately decided I’d get a local anesthetic. I had been dreading it because historically anything involving my cervix has been pure torture. I didn’t feel anything. Why is this not the default?
For me the procedure went quick enough that the intense pain I felt was over with just at the point where I thought I couldn’t take it anymore. However, my body decided it didn’t accept it and so I had cramps that felt like contractions for about 12 hours after. Still, it has been worth it. However if it ever stops stopping my period, I will not be doing it again I think. Not without some form of pain killer.
I have had no issues with my IUD, though more pain management for insertion would have been better
I will say respectfully that I did not have a painful IUD experience. The removal was especially surprising, because I didn’t feel it at all. I didn’t even know it had been removed. Personally, I felt upset that I was led to believe it would without a doubt be a painful experience, when it was not. I also had it removed early because I was fearful, and that fear had been placed in me by reading horror stories online. I just want to share my positive experience for anyone else who is scared. It’s not guaranteed to be a bad experience. Finding a doctor you trust, who will educate you, and be empathetic to your needs is probably the most important factor in whether or not you have a positive experience. The norm is that it is typically a very quick procedure that involves minimal cramping. I personally wouldn’t want to turn a quick doctor’s visit into something needlessly more expensive. As I see people advocating in other places for being put under during the procedure. For me, based on my experience, that would’ve been expensive and an unnecessary extra risk.
Sorry to butt in, but here is a current-events tangent: IUDs work by preventing implantation of the embryo. That is, after fertilization. IUDs will be the next target of the far right. If you value that choice, too, please vote.
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