Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are becoming more popular among women who are opting for long-lasting, cost-effective birth control. However, the insertion process can be nerve-wracking and frightening.
鈥淓ven though the IUD insertion sounds really scary, most people do very well with a tailored pain management plan,鈥 says Jen Kaiser, MD, at a specialist in complex family planning at 极速六合彩. 鈥淚t can be very painful for some, but many of my patients tell me the discomfort was less than they were expecting.鈥
If you鈥檙e considering an IUD and have questions about the process, here鈥檚 some information to help you make the best choice.
Is the Pain Worth It?
You should expect to feel pressure and cramping as the small T-shaped contraceptive device is placed through the cervix into the uterus, a process that takes just five minutes. The strongest cramping subsides over the next few minutes after the device is placed, but you can expect to feel period-level cramps for up to a week afterward.
鈥淣obody looks forward to this procedure, but on a positive note, there are options to help with the pain of placement,鈥 says Kaiser, an assistant professor in the at U of U Health. 鈥淚UDs are also a very cost-effective way of preventing pregnancy for several years鈥攗p to eight years with a and 12 years with a . IUDs are long-lasting and 99% effective, which is why they have gained popularity over the years.鈥
The good news is that women rarely need anything stronger than anti-inflammatories, such as Advil, Aleve, or Motrin, for the placement. Kaiser recommends taking these medications 30 minutes ahead of time to minimize the pain.
鈥淚n terms of painkillers, patients don鈥檛 need anything stronger than over-the-counter anti-inflammatories for after placement,鈥 Kaiser says. 鈥淎s for aftercare, a heating pad can help soothe the cramping.鈥
The pain should only be temporary, but if you鈥檙e experiencing ongoing cramping after the one-week mark, it鈥檚 time to see your doctor to make sure your IUD isn鈥檛 out of place. Left unchecked, a rogue IUD could lead to irregular bleeding or continued cramping.
Note: Out-of-place IUDs very rarely cause serious health complications.
What Should I Ask My Doctor?
During a medical consultation, it鈥檚 easy to get lost in the information overload. Be sure to do your research ahead of time and bring a list of questions about what to expect and how to plan for pain management. Some other options include:
- Numbing the area with a lidocaine medicine injection
- Taking anti-anxiety medication to calm the nerves
- Bringing a support person into the exam room
- Being sedated throughout the entire process
鈥淚t鈥檚 so important to know what options are available to you,鈥 Kaiser says. 鈥淎nd if your doctor can鈥檛 provide you with what you need, ask for a referral to someone who can.鈥
How Do I Know If This Is Right for Me?
The fear of undergoing this procedure is completely valid. If it doesn鈥檛 feel right for you, there are many other contraceptives to choose from.
鈥淎 lot of people are very satisfied with their IUDs, but it's not for everyone,鈥 Kaiser says. 鈥淚f someone feels the insertion is going to be too painful, even with additional pain medications or sedation, they can always explore other options. Picking a form of birth control is very personal, and everyone has a right to choose what feels right for them.鈥