An IUD is a small copper or plastic device that can prevent pregnancy, as well as act as emergency contraception if you need it. It releases either copper or hormones into your uterus, which affects the ability of sperm to reach an egg.
IUDs are more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy if used correctly.
It can be painful for some people when the doctor inserts the IUD. It is typical to feel some cramping upon insertion. Everybody has a different tolerance to pain, so some people may be more affected by this pain than others.
Usually, this pain does not last longer than a few minutes, though it may sometimes last longer. This is no cause for concern — but if the pain does not go away, you may want to consider another method of birth control.
Pain during insertion
A healthcare professional will insert the IUD, and the procedure usually takes only a couple of minutes.
If you know you may be sensitive to the cramping sensation an IUD insertion can induce, you may want to take over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication to help prevent the discomfort.
The cramps that IUD insertions can cause vary between individuals. Some people describe them as feeling more like discomfort or a pinching sensation in their lower abdomen. If you have not been pregnant, you may experience these cramps more severely than if you have had a baby.
If the pain is more severe, it can feel like menstrual cramps, as well as pressure and pain in the lower abdomen. It may make you feel slightly dizzy or nauseous.
The pain during insertion can come from numerous steps in the procedure, such as:
- use of a speculum to improve the view of the cervix
- injections of a numbing solution to the cervix
- insertion of the device itself
It may be a good idea to arrange a way to get home or have someone come with you to your appointment in case you experience nausea and dizziness.
Pain after insertion
Pain in the form of backaches and cramping in the first few hours or days after an IUD insertion is common. OTC pain medication is typically enough to make this manageable.
This happens as part of a natural reaction from your uterus. When you place something inside, it will contract and tighten. This pain can continue for days after the procedure, though for some people, it stops shortly after the procedure.
Many people compare this pain to menstrual cramps, sometimes slightly more severe. Mild cramps, along with spotting, can continue for days or months after insertion. But it should go away within 3 to 6 months of the procedure.
If you experience severe cramping for longer than 2 days after the procedure, it is important to seek medical help as soon as possible to prevent complications.
If you experience any severe pain after an IUD insertion, it could be a sign of a complication.
Some possible complications include:
- IUD expulsion, especially if you use a menstrual cup (due to the suction used in menstrual cups)
- uterine infection, especially in the first 20 days
- uterine perforation, although this is uncommon and happens in only 1 in 1,000 cases
Inflammation from a copper IUD can also cause pain. Hormonal IUDs can result in hormone changes.
Medications to help
A doctor may offer you topical pain relief before your procedure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this is the most effective type of medication for easing pain during an IUD insertion.
If you are worried about pain during insertion, ask your doctor about topical pain relief or a cervical block. For example, a lidocaine-prilocaine topical cream can reduce pain during insertion by 28%.
Planned Parenthood recommends taking an OTC pain reliever 20–30 minutes before your appointment.
No data proves that taking anti-inflammatory pain relievers prevents pain during an IUD insertion procedure, but there’s no harm in trying it. In fact, NSAIDs do work to ease cramping pain during menstruation, so they may help with the same cramping feeling during an IUD insertion.
Some medications you can try include:
- ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin)
- acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- naproxen (Naprosyn)
Applying a warm compress to your abdomen can be an easy way to help ease short-term cramping in the hours after the procedure.
After the insertion procedure, you should rest. Copper IUDs are more likely to cause cramping and spotting for months after the insertion procedure. This can be particularly intense during your periods as your IUD adjusts within your uterus.
If you experience severe abdominal pain, it may be a sign of an underlying issue. You should seek medical help as soon as possible.
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Get free cardSeeking professional advice
It is important to know when to seek medical help, such as if you are experiencing pain after an IUD insertion procedure that is either severe or continuing for longer than it should.
If you experience any of the following after an IUD insertion, seek medical help:
- fever
- heavy bleeding
- increasingly severe pain
If you still experience pain from an IUD 6 months after insertion, talk with a healthcare professional. It may just be that an IUD is not for you. There are many different types of birth control to try, and a doctor can ide which option might be better for you.
Summary
Over 99% effective when used correctly, IUDs may be a good option for people who want reversible birth control without needing to worry about taking regular medication.
The pain from IUD insertion affects everyone differently, and there are steps you take to help manage cramping after the procedure. Speak with your doctor about topical pain management and cervical blocks.
A knowledgeable medical team can help you decide whether an IUD is right for you and recommend suitable pain management strategies.
Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on many prescription medications. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.