Why is IUD insertion so painful?

The main reason most women cramp during and after an IUD insertion is that your cervix has been opened to allow the IUD to fit through. Everyone's experience is different. For many, the cramps will start to subside by the time you leave the doctor's office.

How painful is getting an IUD?

How does it feel to get an IUD put in? People usually feel some cramping or pain when they're getting their IUD placed. The pain can be worse for some, but luckily it only lasts for a minute or two. Some doctors tell you to take pain medicine before you get the IUD to help prevent cramps.

How do you deal with IUD insertion pain?

Premedication with ibuprofen (600 mg) or naproxen (500 mg) 1-2 hours before is given to minimize the pain of the IUD deployment. Gentle manipulation is paramount. The inserter itself is used as a sound.

How long until IUD insertion pain goes away?

However, it's perfectly normal to have discomfort and spotting that lasts for several hours afterward. These cramps may gradually decrease in severity but continue on and off for the first few weeks after insertion. They should subside entirely within the first three to six months.

What part of IUD insertion hurts?

A small fine instrument called a sound is passed through the cervix to measure the length of the uterus, and the IUD is then placed at the top of the uterus. This part of the procedure can cause cramping pain and make some people feel a bit lightheaded.

IUD Insertion and Pain - What to expect

Are IUD cramps like contractions?

The cervix opening may potentially be the most painful part of the procedure. Many people report cramps similar to those that can occur around menstruation, but some say that the cramps are worse than those relating to a period. After the insertion of the IUD, some people may continue to experience cramping.

Does getting an IUD out hurt?

Does IUD removal hurt? IUD removal can briefly cause discomfort or cramping during the removal procedure. IUD removal is less painful than insertion. However, there can be complications during removal, such as your doctor being unable to locate the strings.

Does getting an IUD feel like labor?

The insertion process was fine. It just felt like one brief, strong cramp, and then it dissipated — it was NOTHING compared to labor. Although my body is still adjusting, the one major downside I've found with the IUD is that I've had much longer (though not heavier) periods.

Does IUD cause weight gain?

It found no evidence that IUD use affects weight. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information , hormonal forms of birth control probably won't cause you to gain a lot of weight either. If you think you've gained weight because of your hormonal contraceptive, talk to your doctor.

What should you avoid after getting an IUD?

Immediately after insertion, it is important not to insert anything into the vagina for 48 hours (i.e. no tampons, bath, swimming, hot tub, sexual intercourse). There is about 1% chance of the IUD slipping or being expelled, and the chance is highest in the first few weeks.

Can you be sedated for IUD insertion?

Rarely, IUD insertions are done in a procedure room or operating room. This is for use of sedation during the IUD insertion. The IUD is placed in your uterus by your provider to prevent pregnancy or lessen menstrual symptoms such as heavy bleeding or pain.

Should I take painkillers before IUD insertion?

➢ About 20-30 minutes before your appointment, please take 800 mg of Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin). This will help to ease any cramping you may have during and after the insertion.

Is inserting a Mirena painful?

Is Mirena Insertion Painful? Mirena insertion is painful for some women. The pain usually goes away in minutes. Taking pain medication — either ibuprofen or acetaminophen — 30 minutes before the appointment may help manage pain during the procedure.

How long does an IUD insertion take?

An IUD placement takes between 5 and 15 minutes. You may want to stay at the doctor's office for a few minutes afterward to make sure you feel OK.

What is the safest IUD?

No hormones: Copper IUDs are safe even for people who cannot use hormonal birth control. Emergency contraception: A copper IUD begins working immediately, so it can function as an emergency form of birth control.

Does IUD cause mood swings?

Hormonal intrauterine devices, or IUDs, are a common form of hormonal birth control that have been used for decades. However, the synthetic progestin hormone that the IUD emits, levonorgestrel, may cause mood swings and other mental health changes for some women.

Does birth control make you thick?

It's rare, but some women do gain a little bit of weight when they start taking birth control pills. It's often a temporary side effect that's due to fluid retention, not extra fat. A review of 44 studies showed no evidence that birth control pills caused weight gain in most women.

Does IUD hurt more than childbirth?

Findings of this study and their interpretation. Our findings show that, overall, women in the study experienced less pain during their IUD insertion procedure than they had expected, but this was only statistically significant for women who had previously had a vaginal delivery.

Do they dilate your cervix for IUD?

A speculum will hold onto the cervix, stabilizing the uterus during the insertion (remember the uterus is mobile in the pelvis—it grows to accommodate a pregnancy!), says Mac Isaac. Then, a dilating instrument is inserted through the cervix into the uterus to measures the length of the uterine cavity.

Why can't you take a bath after IUD insertion?

- for the first two days after IUD insertion please do not take a bath, use a hot tub, swimming pool, tampon, Diva Cup, or have sex. These activities could introduce bacteria into the vaginal canal or uterus which increases your risk of developing an infection. Showering is safe to do.

Why do you have to wait 7 days after IUD?

The reason for waiting for 24 hours is due to the risk of infection. The IUD insertion process requires the doctor to pass instruments through your vagina, cervix and into your uterus. It disturbs the protective mucous lining of those organs. If an infection is able to get into your uterus, it can be very serious.

How much pain is normal after IUD insertion?

For some women, cramping lasts 1-2 days after the IUD goes in. For others, it lasts a few weeks. Or it could be as long as 3-6 months before it goes away.

How long after IUD insertion can you take a bath?

Today you may go back to school or work after your visit. You must wait 24 hours after your IUD is put in before you can use tampons, take a bath, or have vaginal sex.

Can you drive after IUD insertion?

After IUD Insertion

Since most women only feel slight discomfort during the procedure, they are usually fine to drive themselves afterward and resume their daily activities. Since you may not know how you will react to your insertion procedure, you may wish to arrange for somebody to drive you home.

How deep is an IUD inserted?

An adequate uterine depth is between 6 and 9 cm and should be documented in the patient's record. An IUD should not be inserted if the depth of the uterus is less than 6 cm. The physician should use sterile gloves to remove the IUD from the sterile package.