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Would you ask for local anaesthetic for an IUD insertion?

4 replies

FireHorse2026 · 19/05/2026 12:37

Just that really. I've had three IUD insertions previously. The first one was before kids and very painful, the Dr dilated my cervix (without telling me that was what he was doing) and the tenaculum they use to steady your cervix kept slipping off so he kept reapplying it. Just horribly painful all round. The second one I was getting the first one replaced and didn't feel a THING. I don't know what witchcraft she was using but seriously, no pain at all. I remember her saying she was going to use local anaesthetic but don't remember any pain from it. The third one was after having kids and again was very painful, the pain came from the IUD going in (too far, it ended up embedded in my womb and had to be removed a week later) but also the tenaculum was incredibly painful the whole time it was on my cervix.

I really want to get an IUD as I got on really well with it before kids and it just ticks all the boxes for what I want from birth control. But the pain...

I'm not in the UK so I've looked around and there's a clinic that will do local anaesthetic injections for an IUD but the Drs opinion was that it's not worth it as the injections themselves are painful and it just prolongs what can be a very quick procedure. I really don't know what to do.

Has anyone had it down with local anaesthetic (and not by a witch who can magic away pain) and how did it compare to without?

OP posts:
whattodoforthebest2 · 19/05/2026 12:51

I've said, yes, but only because you've had bad experiences in the past. I've had them inserted several times and have hardly ever felt anything, so I think your experiences may be the exception. So do it, to be on the safe side.

Nemorth · 19/05/2026 12:55

Had mine done yesterday. Asked for local because the second time I had the mirena inserted my cervix went into spasm. No point risking that.

The nurse gave me 2 injections of local. Not sure why 2, must have needed it.

The first time I had one inserted I didn’t feel a thing. I think it’s just luck/timing/experience of the HCP/where you are in your cycle.

WhereAreWeNow · 19/05/2026 12:59

I has my second one under GA. I don’t know if local helps. I think the injection to deliver the local might be quite painful in itself.

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TheOliveFinch · 19/05/2026 13:02

I took Ponstan before mine that really helped to reduce the cramping

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