IUD's are an extremely effective and convenient method of birth control, and can also help with managing menstrual cycle challenges, such as excess pain or bleeding. However, the insertion process can be uncomfortable, and for some people even painful or intense.
At Rosewall, we have several strategies to help make your visit with us more comfortable.
- Experience- the clinicians who work at our clinic are all highly training and experienced with IUD insertions, and we do a high volume of these to maintain our skills. Most of the time, the discomfort of your IUD will last only a few minutes. We use a bedside ultrasound to check the position of your uterus and confirm proper placement of your IUD after it is inserted.
- Preparation- you will have an opportunity to speak with your doctor before the insertion visit and this gives us a chance to learn about your history, including whether you've had an IUD before and how that went for you. We'll also discuss recommendations for pain management, and answer any questions you might have about what to expect.
- Environment- we have a clinic set up specifically designed for these types of procedures, with specialized equipment and set-up to maximize your comfort. We understand that how we feel in a space significantly impacts our experience, and we strive for a clinic environment that is calming and comfortable.
- Oral Medication- we recommend taking a dose of oral pain medication, usually Ibuprofen or Tylenol prior to your appointment. This can help reduce discomfort and cramping afterward.
- Topical freezing spray- we have a painless topical freezing spray that we can apply to the cervix to reduce the discomfort with your insertion.
- Cervical block (injection freezing)- we have the option of using an injection form of lidocaine in the cervix to provide more numbing for the procedure. This is not always necessary, but can we done on request, and can be helpful for more challenging insertions.
- Penthrox- this is an inhaled analgesic method called Methoxyflurane that reduces pain and provides a calming effect as well. It is a medication that you hold and self-administer during your procedure. The cost is around $80, and this may be covered for you if you have extended health benefits, such as Blue Cross. You will need a prescription for this medication in advance, and you would bring it with you to your clinic visit. Penthrox is not approved by Health Canada for patients under 18
- Ativan- for individuals with increased nervousness about the procedure, or perhaps a difficult experience in the past, a small amount of Ativan taken prior to your visit can be helpful. this doesn't reduce pain directly, but can make you feel more calm and comfortable. This is something you could discuss with your doctor at your visit prior to your procedure.
Please note that if you are using Penthrox or Ativan during your appointment, you will need someone available to drive you home afterward.
Most pain reduction methods can be used in conjunction (ie. freezing spray and Penthrox) EXCEPT for Penthrox and Ativan.