If you're worried about pain or side effects of IUD insertion, ask your provider what you can do to minimize discomfort. Here are some strategies Dr. Cahill suggests:
- Make sure you have had all your questions answered and are comfortable with your provider beforehand.
- Consider bringing a partner, parent, or close friend for extra support.
- Hold your support person's hand.
- Ask your provider to narrate what they're doing.
- If you'd rather be distracted, ask your provider if you can listen to music or watch a video on your phone.
To reduce the pain of IUD insertion, your doctor may also recommend taking ibuprofen beforehand or even give you a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) shot and anesthetic shots to your cervix to help manage the pain.
Beyond that, a lot of the prepping for your IUD insertion is mental. Do you know what to expect? Do you have all your questions answered? Talk to your care provider about ways you can make the environment as comfortable as possible, both before and after the procedure. "I would encourage people to prepare to be very low-key after their IUD insertion," Dr. Cahill says. "Don't make big plans afterward, as you may just feel like lying down."
Though there are a few factors that can help predict whether you'll feel pain during the insertion, there's no way to know exactly what it'll be like for you. That's understandably frustrating, and the stress of not knowing can make your nerves even worse beforehand. It's not easy, but one of the best things you can do is relax. "Most of the buildup before the insertion is anxiety related," says Jenn Conti, MD, ob-gyn and cohost of "The V Word" podcast.
For many people, the convenience and effectiveness of an IUD ends up being worth the pain of the insertion, as rough as it can be. Ask questions, be prepared, and make yourself as comfortable as possible, Dr. Conti says. "Bring your headphones, deep-breathing skills, and anything else you find helps you relax, and you'll be just fine."
