Lidocaine spray or cervical block for Mirena coil insertion?

[Grapes308]

I am planning on getting a coil for the first time ever, as part of my HRT. I asked about pain relief and have been told they can use lidocaine spray or I can have a cervical block. I was wondering what people's experiences with this two options have been? I would prefer not to get an injection but I don't know if the spray will be sufficient for pain relief?

I’ve had 2 coils without pain relief, nothing required in my experience. I’ve had in injection when I had a lletz treatment and it was excruciating, far more painful than just getting on and having a coil put in. I’d opt for the spray if you’re worried about pain.

I had
mine inserted at a family planning clinic, first time with injection, second time with nothing as they said it wouldn’t be needed as they do them all the time and it shouldn’t hurt. It didn’t. Just don’t get it done at GP surgery like I did i the first time (bloody ouch!)
Go to a family planning clinic where they do them all the time.

I don’t think I had either (unless they do it as standard without telling you) and it was fine. Momentary discomfort similar to a particularly bad period cramp.

I have average pain tolerance.

I think possibly I took paracetamol beforehand in anticipation, but I don’t really remember.

And yes, family planning clinic!

I didn't have anything for mine. It didn't really hurt.

I didn't have anything either, it didn't hurt at all

I had no pain relief either and it wasn’t half as bad as I’d expected. I drove back to work straight after it.

Mine was put in by a gynae, I fainted , not pain but because it pressed on a nerve. When I get it taken out it’ll have to be at the hospital. Had it in.5 years now, hrt, and it’s been fine . I also had to stay off work for a day, in discomfort and disorientation from the faint, and worked from home the next day.

Dear OP, many women have no discomfort or very minor discomfort. Others (like me) have very severe pain. You won't know how it will affect you until you have it done. On that basis I would start with the spray but reserve the right to go to the cervical block if the spray is insufficient. Look up how long the spray takes to take effect just in case they try and rush. Also make sure you have a chaperone (regardless of the sex of the person inserting it) as they can support you to ask the procedure to stop if you need it to.

The Lidocaine spray is very effective. It’s mostly used to numb you where they put the clip on to hold your cervix. It won’t really stop any of the cramping. Neither would the cervical block

make sure you also take painkillers about half hour or so before your appointment

I'm on my second. I find smears very painful, they are bearable of the nurse can use a small speculum, not if she can't. It varies! First insertion was fine by the specialist GP and hurt. A lot. I took paracetamol beforehand.

2nd time - removal and insertion - I asked about help with pain and was recommended that mindfulness is very helpful. At the GP surgery we established (due to pain that I couldn't tolerate) that I'd need some anaesthetic so I was referred to the gynae unit at the hospital. I didn't get seen for another 9 months but I was then given a mini inhaler of gas and air and it took the doctor minutes with no discomfort to me. It's now on my notes to have this one removed in that way and I'll fight to the death for it!

My sister is on her third, and she says she can practically sneeze it out. No discomfort at all. It's a very individual thing!

Thanks everyone for your replies. I should have said that I find smears very painful so want to be prepared for the coil.