IUD Insertion
Important: We want to minimize insertion pain -
But we do not want to minimize the truth - it hurts.
But we do not want to minimize the truth - it hurts.
- Most patients who have never had a vaginal birth will experience the IUD insertion as a 7/10 for 5-10 secs, then 4/10 for 5-20 more minutes. (10 being the worst pain.)
- The best time to place a IUD is during first 1-3 days of your cycle, but any time is acceptable, as long as not possible that you are pregnant. (If you are sexually active in the few weeks prior to your appointment, please use condoms 100% of the time.)
- For IUD placement, please take 800 mg of Ibuprofen one hour prior to visit.
- If you feel anxious in advance, we can send anxiolytic medication, such as xanax to take day of procedure, as long as you have a ride home. (Let me know in advance.)
- Some women find music helps. Bring your phone with headphones/airpods.
- A friend/mom/boyfriend/support person is welcome to help hold your hand.
- We will work with you on deep breathing exercises before we place the speculum to help reduce the anxiety of this potentially painful procedure.
- During the procedure, you have the option of using a cervical block with lidocaine injected locally, then we wait 2-3 minutes to allow for this to take effect. This will reduce pain of insertion, but doesnt' reach the top of
- Lastly, there are some locations in the country that have started using IV sedation or laughing gas, nitric oxide, to minimize the pain during IUD insertions. While that isn't available at our office yet, we are investigating the possibility for the future. In the meantime, select Planned Parenthood offices are offering IV sedation for IUDs.
