Getting an IUD? Here's how to make the insertion bearable
Are you going to try it soon and choose to have an IUD inserted? I'm going to save you from the horror.
Okay, now let's be honest: if your friends are still scaring you with their stories, it's time to start thinking in solutions and how to make the insertion as pleasant as possible. Side note: A spiral only helps against pregnancy and does not provide protection against sexually transmitted infections.
Why did I choose the spiral?
Well, a spiral releases local hormones, only where they are needed: my uterus. I'm also quite forgetful, and I would forget to take the pill at least once a week. Are you unsure whether a spiral is right for you? Here you have insight into why it might suit you. A spiral fits perfectly with my chaotic life. But to get to the point: the insertion of that thing gave me so much anxiety. Still, I did everything to make it as painless as possible, because who doesn't want to get through that appointment without drama? I’ll give you my ultimate painless spiral insertion hacks, so you can say “ahh, terrible!” a little less and “oh, that wasn't so bad!” a little more.
Spiral super breakfast
Yes, you heard it right. The super breakfast is one of the most important preparations you need to make. It may happen that you feel lightheaded during the insertion. Therefore, it's important to eat enough and well. Not too much, of course, because all the nutrients need to stay in your body – to put it nicely. A spiral super breakfast that turns you into a real power woman during the insertion is: a whole grain sandwich with avocado and a boiled egg, along with a small bowl of mixed fruit (like a banana and a handful of berries) and yogurt. Oh, and don't forget to drink enough water. Eat about 2 hours before your treatment.
A more bearable pill, because why make it difficult?
A painkiller is really your best friend, so definitely not skipping! If you take a painkiller 1 hour before the insertion - this is after eating, it can ease the pressure on your nervous system a bit. Not sure which pill to go for? I would go for the strongest painkiller you can find. In the Netherlands, the strongest you can get without a prescription is ibuprofen. Prep is key, so be well prepared by taking your painkiller.
Your spiral-saving pelvic floor muscle
Learn to relax. Yes, because speaking of prep : you can start this earlier, so you know exactly what to do during the insertion. If you know how to relax your pelvic floor muscles, it makes the insertion of a spiral much smoother and less painful. Here everything about relaxing your pelvic floor muscles.
During the insertion of your spiral: The duckbill
This metal clamp that keeps your cervix open during the insertion of your spiral sounds quite scary in theory. But I have the tip: ask for a plastic/smaller duckbill. Yes, you read that right. Often, doctors have those smaller or plastic versions just lying around in their cabinet. Sounds like music to your ears, right? If you do get the metal version, ask if they can warm it up with warm water. They usually do this themselves, but it's nice to know that it can be done if they forget. Lubricant is also always used during the treatment, and don't be shy to ask for an extra pump.
Breathe. Seriously. Breathe.
When you're lying there thinking: “Is this it? Can I go already?” or “What is she doing now, ouch...”, think of: breathe. Do it slowly, breathe in through your nose and slowly out through your mouth. This not only helps with relaxation, but by focusing on something else, the insertion of your spiral will be over in no time. It sounds like a no-brainer, but believe me, it helps a lot if you're feeling panicky.
Know how the insertion of a spiral goes
If you read a bit about how the insertion works, you know what to expect. Ask the doctor to explain clearly what she is doing and what the next step is. This way, you know how long you still have to lie down and when you need to focus more on your breathing.
The most bearable?
You can discuss in advance whether you can have anesthesia at your cervix. The worst pain will then be alleviated, making the insertion much less painful.
After the insertion of your spiral
For me, the pain was bearable and it was quite manageable when the spiral was finally in. I immediately jumped on my bike and went to work. For some people, this is not the case, and I would recommend driving and not planning anything on the day of the insertion. A warm water bottle and a nice bed often work wonders for people who still have discomfort after the insertion.
