IUD Insertions & What to Expect - From a Maud Patient
I had my first IUD (Intrauterine Device) inserted 6 days ago at Maud by Dr. Shymansky, and I’m here to tell you what you can expect when you get an IUD at Maud!
Previously, I had been on the birth control pill for 7 years straight before deciding to switch to an IUD. While birth control pills alter your entire hormonal system, the hormonal IUD localizes the hormones to your uterus so that the rest of your body will control your hormones naturally. I had considered an IUD years before, but was too afraid of the actual insertion procedure to actually go for it. Though it’s only been 6 days since the IUD was inserted, I already feel good about my decision. I hope this blog can help you decide whether an IUD is right for you, or feel prepared for your insertion appointment!
Choosing your Birth Control Method
If you are considering getting an IUD, the first step is to speak with your doctor. You can also book to see a doctor at Maud Medical Clinic in Calgary to discuss what options are best for you.
I booked an appointment with Dr. Shymansky to discuss my options and was contemplating either switching to a different kind of birth control pill, as mine was not working well for me, or getting an IUD. I expressed that I was anxious about pain during the insertion process, and she walked me through the different options for pain relief during the procedure. At Maud, they offer a cervical numbing spray and a cervical block, which is two numbing injections in the vaginal walls around the cervix that block the cervix’s nerves. They are also able to prescribe Penthrox, which is an inhaler that provides pain relief and sedation, so you may be a bit loopy as if you had laughing gas.
After learning this information, I decided I would move forward with getting an IUD. I was not rushed into making a decision about if I wanted the cervical block or the numbing spray, as they said I could decide on the day of the appointment. I personally have my own as-needed anxiety medication prescribed by my family doctor, so I declined the Penthrox and opted to take my own medication for calming during the procedure. I was advised that after the IUD insertion procedure, I could experience cramping and spotting for up to two months after the insertion, and I would have a follow up appointment 6 weeks after it was inserted.
Dr. Shymansky suggested that I get the Kyleena IUD based on my personal health history. The Kyleena is a small hormonal IUD that lasts 5 years. Hormonal IUDs work by thinning out the uterine lining so that any fertilized egg is not able to attach and implant in the uterus. Because the uterine lining is thinned out, most people with a hormonal IUD also experience very little or no periods. There is also the Mirena IUD, which is a larger hormonal IUD that lasts 8 years. This could be suitable for others, and you should talk to a doctor about what is best for you. There are also copper IUDs, which is an option for individuals who want a hormone-free IUD option. They work by making the uterus a toxic environment for sperm.
At the end of my appointment I was given a prescription for my IUD, which I would need to pick up from my pharmacy and then bring to my insertion appointment, and I scheduled the procedure for the next week.
Getting Appointment Ready
Before my insertion appointment I received reminders and instructions for my IUD insertion. For the appointment you should:
Bring your IUD
Bring a juice for after the procedure (as many people get light headed)
If you would like, take a pain reliever like Tylenol or Advil 20 minutes before your appointment
Be hydrated and ready to give a urine sample when you arrive
This was not advised, but I chose to have someone else drive me to and from my appointment. I was very glad I did that, as I was quite lightheaded after the procedure and would not have been fit to drive myself home right away. I do not tend to faint and generally have a high pain tolerance, but I was very surprised by how I reacted to the insertion. Having a driver may be something you want to consider if you are worried about driving after the appointment.
Appointment Day
You can watch my reel about my appointment day experience if you don’t want to read!
When I arrived at Maud I was warmly greeted and checked in for my appointment. I gave my IUD to the front desk so they could note the serial number and prepare it for insertion, while I filled out some basic online consent forms. Then I gave a urine sample to check for pregnancy (standard IUD procedure).
At my appointment time I was brought to the procedure room, was instructed to take off my pants and underwear, and then sit on the bed under a sheet.
The Procedure
The actual IUD insertion procedure was a lot faster and easier than I expected! I will mention, I was at the start of my period during the procedure, which may have affected the pain and cramping levels. Dr. Shymansky came in and confirmed that I wanted to proceed, asked if I had any more questions, and asked what kind of pain relief I decided on. I chose to go with the cervical block (numbing injections). I kept track of how long the entire thing took, from the speculum being inserted to being removed, and it was only 4 minutes total!
Here is a step by step of the procedure from my perspective:
Speculum is inserted and opened, a bit uncomfortable but not painful
A cotton swab was used to collect cells for STI testing (the doctor said that this is a standard part of the procedure, as they might as well test at the same time. I could opt out if I wanted to but chose to go ahead with the testing)
Iodine was applied to the cervix for sterilization, I was warned that this may cause brown/yellow discharge after
Because I chose the cervical block, I had my two numbing injections. These were surprisingly not painful, and mostly just felt like pressure in the walls of my vagina. I assume this would be the same time for the numbing spray if you choose that option
Waited 1-2 min for the numbing injection to kick in. I was told that if I chose the numbing spray, this waiting time would only be able 30 seconds, so the whole procedure would be shorter.
The cervix is stabilized/held in place by a tentaculum. This did feel like a sharp pinch even though I did have the numbing injections, but it was overall 3/10 pain in my opinion (about the same as an earlobe piercing).
The uterus is measured by inserting a tool into the uterus. This felt like a BIG cramp, but was probably only 5 seconds
The IUD is inserted into the uterus. Another BIG CRAMP. I’d say this and the measuring were the most uncomfortable/painful parts of the procedure, but not a completely foreign feeling as it felt like bad period cramps.
IUD strings are cut
Speculum is closed and removed.
All done in 4 minutes!
Dr. Shymansky advised me that I could take as much time as needed to get dressed and then head to the front desk to book my 6 week follow up. I won’t lie, I got up to drink my juice, but I was extremely lightheaded (you know when you stand up quickly and get a head rush and momentary blindness? Like that but worse). I laid back down for about 5 minutes and then got myself dressed. They had period pads available to use for any bleeding (which is expected). I would say I felt generally sick (nauseous, lightheaded) for about 30 minutes after the procedure. After going home and laying down with a heating pad I felt much better, and would say I had moderate cramping.
Days Following Insertion
I experienced moderate cramping for about 4 days after the insertion (keeping in mind I am also on my period). Today is day 6 and I’ve barely had any cramps! Even though I didn’t feel very good after the insertion, I think the IUD is worth it for me personally, especially considering that it can last for 5 years!
