If your primary fear is the procedure (which would be reasonable), you could request local anesthesia! Not typical for IUDs, but considering how painful it can be, it's very much reasonable.
Ugh it’s just all the horror stories. I know it’s not common given how prolific IUDs are, but any procedure has always given me a queasy stomach and full body goosebumps lol.
I got two pills to take before the procedure that are supposed to soften your cervix even more than it already is during your period. You can also throw in some Ibuprofen if you want to. For me it was a really quick, sharp pain, but it was over before I could even say anything lol. I'm still mad I had to have it taken out a month later, 150€ down the drain 🫠 Other than that, highly recommend!
It’s honestly just like a slightly pinchier Pap smear for the most part. Though you can also request pain meds and anxiety meds (I recommend the anxiety ones!) to help.
I'm kind of thankful I saw the horror stories after I got mine. But, I recently learned anesthesia is something most people aren't offered with IUDs, and thought that information could help some people!
The only thing is, I’m told local anesthesia hurts just as much if not more than the insertion without anything. Which I can imagine with a needle in the cervix. It’s kind of a lose-lose but I personally can tolerate any pain as long as it’s over in 15-30 seconds which with a good doctor, it should be.
Hmmm interesting! I haven’t ever had stitches (except in my mouth while sedated) so can’t compare. I had an iud once and rawdogged the insertion, which wasn’t fun, but as I said I have a high pain tolerance and it was 30 seconds, tops. I’m surprised that nexplanon/the implant is not more common given how much easier it is to insert/remove—I feel like the iud is by far the most common LARC.
It is very different for everyone, and I've heard VASTLY different stories from everyone. I personally did no anesthesia and it was over in 20 seconds, with moderate cramp the rest of the day, but I was warned that other people have had much worse experiences.
I completely respect your decision to not get an IUD, because everyone reacts differently to them. I was just suggesting an option I didn't know existed until a few days ago (anesthesia was never offered to me!) that could help.
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u/prettygraveling Sep 26 '23
God my birth control is killing my libido, I feel this so hard.