Some discomfort or pain may occur with an IUD insertion. However, the insertion process is usually quick, taking less than 30 seconds.
Some older research suggests that
Most people describe their pain as cramping. As part of an IUD insertion appointment, I tell my patients that they will experience three quick cramps that should resolve quickly.
If you’ve had a reaction like this during a procedure in the past, let your doctor know ahead of time so that you can make a plan together.
If you’re wondering how much discomfort you might experience from an IUD insertion, consider the factors that may make a difference.
If you experience a lot of pain with pelvic exams or speculum placement, you might also be more likely to feel pain with an IUD insertion.
Anxiety, stress, and fear can affect how we feel pain. That’s why it’s important to address any questions or concerns you have with a healthcare professional before starting.
Being well informed, understanding what to expect about the process, and feeling comfortable with your doctor are all key aspects of a positive IUD insertion experience.
For a routine IUD insertion, most doctors will advise their patients to take ibuprofen beforehand.
Another option is injecting lidocaine, which is a local anesthetic, around the cervix. This may reduce some of the procedure’s discomfort, but doctors don’t routinely offer this option.
The authors of a 2019 research review compared the pain scores of women after an IUD insertion procedure and found that scores were significantly lower in the group that received a lidocaine treatment than in the group that didn’t.
In general, doctors don’t routinely offer lidocaine injection because the injection itself can be uncomfortable.
However, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) notes that it does appear to
The authors of the 2019 review mentioned above compared different medications and found that lidocaine-prilocaine cream was most likely to reduce insertion pain, even in comarison to injected lidocaine. But in other research, topical lidocaine creams or gels have shown little benefit.
ACOG recommends considering misoprostol when insertion may be difficult, which could happen in women who haven’t given birth before.
Most often, doctors will use “verbocaine” during an IUD insertion. Verbocaine means talking to you throughout the procedure and providing reassurance and feedback. Sometimes a distraction can really help get you through those couple minutes.
For some people, the discomfort from the IUD insertion starts to improve almost immediately. But you may continue to have some intermittent cramping. Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or naproxen are good at treating these cramps.
Some people find that lying down, drinking tea, taking a warm bath, and using a hot water bottle or heating pad can also provide relief. If over-the-counter remedies and rest aren’t helping, you should contact your doctor.
Experiences with IUD insertion vary. Some people will be able to return to daily activities after having an IUD insertion. Take ibuprofen ahead of time to help with cramping after you’re done.
If you have a very strenuous job or one that requires a lot of physical activity, you may want to plan your insertion for a time of day when you don’t have to go straight to work afterward.
There are no specific restrictions on activity after an IUD insertion. But you should listen to your body and rest if that’s what feels best.
It’s typical to have continued cramping that comes and goes over the next few days as your uterus adjusts to the IUD. For most people, cramping will
If you’re using a hormonal IUD, you should actually
Amna Dermish, MD is a board certified OB/GYN who specializes in reproductive health and family planning. She received her medical degree from the University of Colorado School of Medicine followed by residency training in obstetrics and gynecology at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. She completed a fellowship in family planning and received a master’s degree in clinical investigation at the University of Utah. She is currently the regional medical director for Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas, where she also oversees their transgender healthcare services, including gender-affirming hormone therapy. Her clinical and research interests are in addressing barriers to comprehensive reproductive and sexual health.