Are you planning to have a baby one day but would like to decide when? Maybe you just had a baby and want to wait about a year-and-a-half before getting pregnant again. Or, you don’t want to have children. In all of these situations, contraception plays an important role.
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are a popular choice for about 4.4 million American women because of their effectiveness and convenience. The copper-coated IUD begins to work immediately and can last up to 10 years. An IUD coated with the hormone progestin can work for 3-8 years. Once you have an IUD placed, your provider can remove it any time.
If you’re considering an IUD and wondering if insertion will be uncomfortable or even painful, keep reading. Thanks to new guidelines from the CDC, your healthcare provider can help you make the decision whether IUD insertion is right for you.
Discuss the Pros & Cons of IUDs
Before visiting with your provider, learn what contraceptives are covered by your health insurance. Ask specifically if an IUD is covered, as well as the costs for any pain relief during the insertion procedure. If you choose to use an IUD, your healthcare provider will review your health history and discuss the pros and cons of using an IUD.
| Pros | Cons |
| • Can cause period bleeding to stop • Less than 1% risk of pregnancy • Low-risk of infection |
• Cramping after insertion • Irregular bleeding for 3-6 months • Doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections |
When you’re ready to get the IUD placed, openly share with your healthcare provider any concerns or fears you have about pain during the procedure—you are your own best advocate about what is comfortable or painful to you.
IUD Placement
When placed, a quarter-sized, flexible, t-shaped IUD with strings is inserted into your uterus and will ultimately rest against your cervix. The procedure takes less than 15 minutes and it’s been reported that pain during IUD insertion can vary from mild discomfort to significant cramping. Even if you’ve had a past vaginal birth, there’s no guarantee you’ll be pain free.
Ask your healthcare provider how they can enhance your comfort and reduce stress during the procedure.
Request a follow-up visit after insertion if:
- The IUD comes out
- You experience pain stronger than just cramping
- You have heavy bleeding
- Notice abnormal vaginal discharge
- Start to experience fever
Self-Soothing Strategies at IUD Insertion
To manage any discomfort during the procedure, practice deep breathing exercises, consider using over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen taken at least 20-30 minutes before the procedure. Also, ask about local anesthesia or if you’d rather snooze through the procedure ask if sedation is an option.
Speak Up for Pain Management
If your healthcare provider doesn’t ask you for your preferences to manage any pain or discomfort during and after the procedure, speak up. Share what you want and candidly discuss how much pain you can tolerate to determine the best option for you for managing pain during IUD insertion.
The more you share your concerns and questions with your healthcare provider, the easier the process may be for you.
These new CDC guidelines for pain management options during IUD insertion are a positive step forward toward improving women’s healthcare experiences. Seek out healthcare providers that use these guidelines in their practice because they’ll support you in making decisions about your contraceptive choices and prioritize your comfort and well-being. You deserve proactive pain management and counseling for all issues involving your reproductive health.
