A small, T-shaped, flexible birth control gadget is placed in the uterus through the vagina.
IUD insertion only takes a few minutes.
Your provider should discuss your concerns and provide various options for managing your pain.
Illustration by Emily Roberts, Verywell
There are several IUD brands.
For all IUDs, the replacement process is the same as that of the first insertion.
It also covers what you better know about maintenance and replacement.
Check to see if your providers office has sanitary pads.
IUD Options
A healthcare provider will discuss IUD options with you before the day of your procedure.
A certain IUD might be recommended for you, depending on your health history.
This IUD has copper (which acts as aspermicide) coiled around it.
Its sides are separated and held open, which allows your provider to do the IUD insertion.
The provider will then use a slender, long-handled tool called atenaculumto help keep your cervix steady.
Some providers may use anendometrial aspiratoras an alternative to the uterine sound.
Some providers use an endometrial aspirator instead of a uterine sound.
Is IUD Insertion Painful?
Having an IUD inserted can be uncomfortable and even painful.
Then, the IUD is pushed into place and to the depth indicated by the sound.
It is pushed up by a plunger in the tube.
The IUD insertion procedure takes about 15 minutes or less.
Some people may feel a bit dizzy.
If this happens, it can help to take some deep breaths.
Having these reactions during the insertion does not affect the IUDs performance.
The intrauterine rig will stay in place.
It has strings attached to it that the provider will leave hanging down through the cervix into the vagina.
This is how you could test whether your IUD is still in place.
Your provider may explainhow to feel for the strings.
Then, any remaining instruments are taken out.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From IUD Insertion?
Even though IUD placement is a minor procedure, each person will react differently.
You may want to arrange for a ride home in case you experience pain.
If you have severe pain at home, call a healthcare provider.
IUD insertion is not permanent.
The gadget can be taken out by a healthcare provider at any time.
However, it must be taken out by its expiration date.
Some people may feel some cramping after the IUD insertion procedure as the uterus adjusts to the IUD.
The cramps should get better with time and rest.
If you are experiencing more severe pain contact your doctor to discuss what methods can help alleviate the pain.
Light bleeding or spotting can occur for a few days after having an IUD inserted.
However, the bleeding should not be constant or heavy.
If it is, you should call your provider.
Your first period after the IUD insertion could be heavier than normal.
It also may come a few days earlier than expected.
During this appointment, they will double-check that the IUD is still in place.
The exception is if the IUD was inserted within 48 hours after giving birth.
Pregnancy protection is not necessarily immediate after IUD placement.
Can Your Body Reject an IUD?
An IUD shifting or falling out of place (expulsion), is rare but it can happen.
Many people will only experience mild discomfort, but others can experience more pain.
Its rare, but IUDs can sometimes fall out or poke through the uterus.
An IUD is placed in the uterus, so it cant be felt during intercourse.
If it is a problem, a healthcare provider can shorten the strings.
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Planned Parenthood.Where can I get an IUD?.
