Minding Your Sexual Health: 3 Tips For A Painless IUD Insertion
If you forget to take your birth control pills at times, getting an IUD might be a better option. There are many different types and designs of IUD that you can choose from, and modern IUDs are more than 99% effective. Once the IUD has been inserted, accidental contraception will no longer be something you have to worry about. With that said, the level of pain and discomfort experienced from the IUD insertion will vary from woman to woman. For a pain-free insertion, follow these 3 tips.
Schedule the Insertion for When You Have Your Period
Although you might initially be tempted to schedule the IUD insertion for when you don't have your period to avoid messes, scheduling the insertion for when you have your period may actually be a better idea if you're concerned about pain. During your period, your cervix is open a little bit more than usual, which will make insertion of the IUD a little bit easier.
Ask the Technician to Apply a Topical Anaesthetic to Your Cervix
The pain from the IUD insertion can come from any tears or injuries that were caused to the cervix during the insertion. Some women have claimed that their IUD insertion was a lot less painful when they asked the technician to apply a topical anesthetic to their cervix before the procedure. Topical lidocaine gel is highly recommended for this purpose.
Take a Painkiller Before the Procedure
Some studies suggest that taking a painkiller, like ibuprofen, might provide the pain relief that you are seeking. Although its effectiveness may differ from woman to woman, there's no harm in trying it out yourself if you are anxious about the procedure and concerned about the pain. Ask the technician whether they would recommend a specific type of painkiller, and check with a doctor to confirm that the painkiller won't interact with any pre-existing medications that you are taking.
Conclusion
Getting an IUD inserted may seem stressful; however, an experienced technician should get the job done within minutes. They'll also educate you on the type of changes that you should expect to see in your body after the IUD has been inserted. The key to a successful insertion is to relax. Take some time to calm down before your procedure. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing. Taking the time to relax before the IUD insertion might help a lot more than you'd think.
