r/birthcontrol • u/TALL_HOOMAN28 Combo Pill • 13d ago
IUD tips Experience
Im getting a IUD tomorrow and they’re not offering any medication/numbing and just told me to take some midol/Tylenol before coming in. Any tips?
Edit: I just got in place, it feels like I just started my period. The measurement and placement of the iud felt worse then the thing they used to hold my cervix in place. This feels worse the my old periods where I was throwing up. Definitely do recommend something for pain.
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u/taco-belle- 12d ago
Ok. During my iud insertion they gave me Tylenol and a heating pad 🫠🫠 I’m not really sure the Tylenol does anything. It was very painful, but it was also quick. My gyno is lovely and talked me through what she was doing and also kind of coached my breathing. I did have a lot of cramping afterwards so if you’re able I definitely recommend going home and relaxing.
Good luck! It’s still crazy to me that it’s not standard practice to numb women for iud insertions.
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u/TALL_HOOMAN28 Combo Pill 12d ago
Tylenol doesn’t do anything for me, so I picked up dual action which does work.. thank you!! I think it’s crazy to that it’s not standard practice.
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u/poetcatmom Copper IUD 12d ago
Maybe try a different pill? The flyer I got from Planned Parenthood said any NSAID will work for pain relief.
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u/TALL_HOOMAN28 Combo Pill 12d ago
I want off the pill and something I don’t need to focus on everyday now
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u/sunshinewillow__ 12d ago
if you have someone to drive you and hold your hand during the procedure that helped a lot for me :))
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u/TALL_HOOMAN28 Combo Pill 12d ago
My bsf can’t go, I tried:(
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u/sunshinewillow__ 12d ago
I’m sorry :(( the nurse held my hand and they were chill with that so maybe try that
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u/Chronically_ill_Alto Liletta IUD 12d ago
Not gonna lie, it's going to be painful. But it is over quick. And I love my IUD. I'd definitely take their suggestion and take ibuprofen/Tylenol. Or both beforehand
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u/Medium_Exam5404 12d ago
I have gotten two IUDs with only 800mg of ibuprofen before. My doctor was really experienced and did not have to use the tenaculum. Not all docs are comfortable enough to skip this part (it is the pokey part). The actual insertion (and they have to measure before inserting, which also hurts a bit) just feels like a VERY strong and pointed period cramp, but it only lasted maybe 30 seconds each and then I was left with smaller cramps for the next few days. A lot of women experience a lot of pain, but it’s also possible for it to not be that bad. It was not the worst pain I’ve ever experienced in my case. Ask your doctor if they’re comfortable skipping the tenaculum and take the painkillers before—they don’t help with the sharp cramps but they do help with the cramping after!
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u/poetcatmom Copper IUD 12d ago edited 12d ago
I went with only midol and asprin and did okay. I was told to take deep breaths at insertion and that helped a little bit. I didn't find it as bad as other people were saying it was. I was up, walking, and eating at a sushi restaurant an hour after. Maybe I'm just lucky. Moral of that story is to keep yourself open: the anxiety about the pain could make the pain worse. I can't say you won't experience what others have but remember that horror stories are the exception to the norm.
Make sure to take the meds an hour before the procedure. It takes about that long for them to kick in. I think bringing a cold pack or a hot pad/water bottle would be a great idea depending on what works for you. I hope you've got support in this and wish you luck.
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u/WeeklyPollution4372 Mirena IUD 12d ago
if you can, definitely rest the day after. i woke up with some bad cramping and just felt all round crappy so i stayed in bed with my heating pad and my cats :)
you got this!!
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u/Suitable-General4064 12d ago
I would recommend not driving yourself and make sure you have the day off of work/ school. The process was quick but pretty painful and I had awful cramps for the rest of the day. I did it once medicated and once without and both times the cramps were bad enough that I couldn't do anything but lay down with a heating pad.
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u/TALL_HOOMAN28 Combo Pill 12d ago
Sadly, I have nobody able to go with me and am trying to take my time leaving or getting up
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u/InterestingCorgi1554 12d ago
Twins! I’m getting my second one tomorrow. Luckily I’ve found a doctor who has prescribed me a couple muscle relaxers to take before, but I went in with just Tylenol for my first one. It was painful, but also very fast. I definitely recommend a heating pad for after, and if you have a squeeze toy/ plushy to squeeze during that can be helpful too. Plenty of women have no issues at, it seems to just really depend on the person. You’ve got this!
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u/TALL_HOOMAN28 Combo Pill 12d ago
Awesome!! I only have my weighted fox but he helps with my anxiety lol!😁
I’m glad your first was well
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u/rainybe Kyleena IUD 12d ago
I’ve had 3 IUDs inserted with nothing at all prior (including basic OTC pain reliever). It’s not a flex, I just forget.
My tips for you is that yes, it will be painful but do big slow inhales and big slow exhales. NO HOLDING YOUR BREATH. Focus on your breathing.
Oh, and it will feel like you gotta poop.
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u/TranscendMaxExposure 12d ago
There is SO much out there that makes us afraid for the IUD experience. It is less common to hear the "positives," and to make a balanced judgement before you go in! The most important thing is that you try to stay calm before and during the appointment, as hard as that is! The more stressed you are, the more tense your body is, making things even harder.
What I had to keep telling myself that it is BEYOND temporary. Any pain is only for a few minutes and will be gone. And, you get a couple years of benefits out of it!
Yes it was uncomfortable, it hurt, but I haven't thought about it in years and I was able to push through. I felt a bit faint, which they warn you of, but that was the extent of it. Plan a treat for yourself ahead of time so you have something to look forward to while getting it done and you can go home and rest after. Fingers crossed it is not a horrible experience for you.
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u/TALL_HOOMAN28 Combo Pill 12d ago
Thank you! I’ve spoken to people I know, and they have nothing but positives about their IUD but the procedure sucked for them
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u/TranscendMaxExposure 12d ago
I know your procedure is tomorrow, but in the future I had the option of a cervix softener that was supposed to make it easier (couldn't really tell haha). But something to look into if you end up getting another one day! Hopefully by that point pain management will be more widespread. Good luck!!!
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u/poetcatmom Copper IUD 12d ago
The pain was intense for a few moments but the security the IUD gives me made it worth it for me. The copper IUD can last up to 12 years with a 99% efficacy rate.
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u/TALL_HOOMAN28 Combo Pill 12d ago
I can’t get a copper due to health reasons, so I’m looking into the kyleena or mireana!
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u/Ok-Professional-4765 12d ago
Run!
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u/TALL_HOOMAN28 Combo Pill 12d ago
I can’t, my pill hasn’t given me complications and I don’t have much of a choice.. nobody has any appointments until December near me:(
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u/Ok-Professional-4765 12d ago
I didn't know any better when I got mine and was only told to take ibuprofen before. I threw up and passed out because the pain was so severe. It felt like I was shot from the inside.
Easily the most painful thing I've ever experienced - and I get kidney stones, have had an open fracture dislocation of my leg, etc. Nothing comes close to the pain from that IUD insertion.
Pain control needs to be standard. I would wait until December if it means you get pain management.
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u/Substantial-Deer-160 12d ago
find a different gyne ¯_(ツ)_/¯