The intrauterine device (IUD) is one of the most effective forms of birth control. Most women with IUDs are happy about their birth control choice. While some describe the procedure for getting the IUD in a positive manner, IUD insertion can be unpleasant — 78% of women rate the pain level during insertion as moderate to severe.
Insertion takes less than a minute, but we know that can feel like an eternity if it causes discomfort or pain. At Obstetricians and Gynecologists, PC, in Hastings and Grand Island, Nebraska, our team offers all types of birth control, including the IUD.
Pain during insertion is a common reason women may not want an IUD for birth control despite its effectiveness and set-it-and-forget-it ease of use. In this month’s blog, we discuss ways to ensure your IUD insertion is comfortable or painless.
An IUD is a long-acting reversible contraceptive, or LARC. It’s a medical device we place in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. There are two types of IUDs:
Hormonal IUDs contain progestin, a synthetic form of progesterone — the hormone that prepares your uterus for pregnancy. This type of IUD prevents pregnancy by thickening the cervical mucus to stop sperm from reaching the egg, stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg during the menstrual cycle, and thinning the uterine lining, making it harder for implantation of a fertilized egg.
Copper IUDs work by triggering an immune response that affects sperm mobility so they can’t reach the egg and inflammation of the uterine lining that makes it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant itself.
Once in place, IUDs prevent pregnancy for 3-10 years, with copper IUDs lasting the longest. IUDs are one of the most effective forms of birth control because there’s nothing else you have to do after insertion.
During IUD insertion, you recline on the exam table in the same position as your Pap smear. We place a speculum into your vagina to open the walls and improve access to your cervix and uterus, where we insert the IUD.
The entire procedure only takes a few minutes, but cramping is common when the IUD passes through the cervix. The pain level during insertion varies. If you’re sensitive to pain, let us know so we can discuss options that can make the procedure more comfortable, such as:
The best way for us to ensure your experience is comfortable and painless is by talking openly about your concerns so we have a chance to completely address them before your procedure.
You can also talk to a mental health counselor who can provide strategies on how to reduce pre-insertion anxiety. Being more relaxed may also reduce discomfort.
Cramping is common after IUD insertion, ranging from mild to severe and lasting a day or two. Taking ibuprofen before and after the procedure may ease pain. Irregular bleeding and spotting are also common side effects following placement of an IUD that resolve within a few months.
There’s no need for a follow-up visit after insertion unless you have ongoing pain or abnormal bleeding. We can remove your IUD at any time. Though less painful than insertion, you may have cramping as the device moves through the cervix, but no pain after.
Don’t let your fear of pain stop you from getting an IUD. Call or request an appointment online today to learn more about IUDs and how our caring team at Obstetricians and Gynecologists, PC, can make the process comfortable or painless.
