What she didnt expect was the sudden, explosive pain.
The medical websites she consulted said the routine procedure would be about as painful as a period cramp.
She rated the pain as a 10 out of 10.
Photo Illustration by Amelia Manley for Verywell Health; Getty Images
Patients pain experiences during IUD insertions often do not align with what practitioners perceive that pain to be.
Women who have given birth vaginally may feel less pain than those who havent, she added.
Over her 30 years of practice, Antoun said her patients have mostly reported mild pain.
Often, womens reporting of pain symptoms is seen as overreaction or being dramatic.
Hart said she experienced such treatment first-hand.
I felt completely invalidated.
Even now, I start to doubt myself and wonderAm I overstating it?
But I know Im not, she said.
Ill put it this way: if a man had to do it, there would be more options.
There would be better pain management.
They might even put you under for it.
She also emphasized that, beyond physical pain, the procedure can take a significant mental toll.
It feels almost violating.
Its hard to process.
This pain must be discussed, addressed, believed, and managed appropriately, Zuckerman said.
As there is no mandated pain management protocol, access to treatment can vary on a case-by-case basis.
Moss employs multiple pain management tools for her patients.
A recent survey found that only 4% of U.S. doctors routinely offer a paracervical block to patients.
Nearly 80% of physicians only recommend over-the-counter painkillers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
The cramping warrants more than just ibuprofen, Moss said.
The guidelines also emphasize shared decision-making, allowing patients to choose pain management options that fit their needs.
The idea of this procedure being routineanother thing women have to quietly endureneeds to change, Hart said.
What This Means For You
Pain experiences for IUD insertions can vary.
2023;141(1):215-217. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000005027
Planned Parenthood.Whats an IUD insertion like?.
2014;89(1):22-24. doi:10.1016/j.contraception.2013.09.008
Planned Parenthood.How effective are IUDs?.
Curtis KM, Nguyen AT, Tepper NK, et al.U.S.
2024;16(3).
2023;33(1):45-53. doi:10.1016/j.whi.2022.08.002
