10/18/2024 | News release | Archived content
Oct 18, 2024 Amy Bieber, MS, MPH
Recently, stories about the pain that patients sometimes feel during IUD insertion have been circulating on social media. The experience varies from person to person, since everyone's body and how they experience pain are different. Fortunately, for those who are interested in getting an IUD, there are several ways to minimize the pain.
"There's a lot of media attention around the pain, but IUDs are effective, long-acting, reversible forms of contraception that provide up to 10 years of protection, depending on the type you choose," said Austin McEvoy, MD, a gynecologist at Huntington Health, an affiliate of Cedars-Sinai. "Most of my patients report only mild cramping during insertion."
With a one-year failure rate of less than 1%, IUDs remain the third most common birth control method used by American women, behind tubal ligation and oral contraceptives.
An IUD is a small, T-shaped device doctors insert into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. Unlike other forms of birth control, which work by halting ovulation, IUDs pose a barrier for sperm.
There are two basic categories of IUDs:
"Women should talk with their doctor about the level of protection provided by their selected IUD," said Natasha Schimmoeller, MD, a complex family planning subspecialist and birth control expert at Cedars-Sinai. "Some of these devices have evidence that supports extended use beyond the FDA guidelines."
Both hormonal and copper IUDs can trigger cramping during and shortly after insertion, and both can be removed at any time for any reason, including to allow pregnancy.
Doctors insert the IUD through the cervix and up into the uterus, and patients may experience pain ranging from mild discomfort to severe cramping during the procedure.
"The primary source of pain is from the IUD reaching the uterine cavity and triggering contractions," McEvoy said.
You're more likely to experience pain with insertion if you:
The best way to ensure a smooth IUD insertion and protect against pain is to partner with a caring and experienced doctor. Skilled doctors who insert hundreds of IUDs know how to navigate differences in anatomy.
"Many people don't realize there's a subspecialty within OB-GYN called complex family planning, which includes a focus on birth control. Many of us have been involved in birth control research trials and closely follow medical innovation in birth control methods to improve our patients' experiences," said Schimmoeller. "We can be a good resource for patients who have had challenges with IUDs in the past or who are especially anxious about getting one placed."
"There's a lot of media attention around the pain, but IUDs are effective, long-acting, reversible forms of contraception that provide up to 10 years of protection, depending on the type you choose. Most of my patients report only mild cramping during insertion."
While IUD insertion may not be comfortable, there are several things you and your doctor can do to minimize discomfort.
If you're worried about pain with an IUD insertion, talk to your doctor.
"We don't want anxiety about pain to dissuade women from considering this safe and highly effective form of birth control," said Schimmoeller.
With the right preparation and support, IUD insertion can be a quick and relatively seamless experience.