IUDs are one of the most effective forms of birth control available — over 99% effective, lasting 3 to 12 years, and completely reversible. By almost every medical measure, they're a great option for a lot of people.
So why do so many people choose not to get one?
The answer, overwhelmingly, is fear of the insertion. And honestly? That fear isn't irrational. For a long time, the standard approach to IUD insertion has been: take some ibuprofen, lie back, and get through it. For many patients, that experience ranges from very uncomfortable to genuinely painful. And for some, it's enough to swear off IUDs entirely — even when an IUD would be the best fit for their body and their life.
That's not a patient problem. That's a care delivery problem. And it's one that has a solution.
The Old Way
Walk into most gynecology practices for an IUD insertion and here's what you'll get: a recommendation to take 600mg of ibuprofen an hour before your appointment. Maybe a topical numbing agent. Then a few minutes of a procedure that, for the provider, is routine — but for you might be anything but.
There's nothing wrong with providers who do it this way. For years, this was the standard. But standards evolve, and patients have been telling us for a long time that this isn't enough.
The Better Way
At our practice, we've built a multi-layered comfort protocol specifically for IUD insertion. It's not experimental — every tool we use is well-established in clinical practice. What's different is that we offer all of them together, proactively, instead of waiting for you to ask.
Nitrous oxide — The same thing your dentist uses. You breathe it through a mask during the procedure. It reduces both pain and anxiety, and wears off within a few minutes. You will need to bring a driver to your appointment if you choose nitrous oxide. Available for a $50 fee to cover the single-use mask required by law.
TENS therapy — Small electrodes on your skin send gentle pulses that block pain signals. Research supports its use for procedural pain, and many patients say it makes a noticeable difference.
Heating pads — Simple but effective. Heat on your abdomen relaxes the uterine muscles and reduces cramping during and after insertion.
Cervical block — Local anesthesia injected near the cervix before the procedure. This is the same concept as novocaine at the dentist — it numbs the area that's going to be worked on.
You don't have to use all four. During your consultation, you and your provider discuss what makes sense for you and build a plan. TENS, heating pads, and cervical blocks are available at no extra charge.
What About the IUD Itself?
We offer both hormonal and copper (non-hormonal) options. Hormonal IUDs like Mirena/Liletta release a small amount of progestin locally — they can lighten periods or stop them entirely, and they last 3 to 8 years. The copper IUD (Paragard) is hormone-free and lasts up to 10 to 12 years.
Your provider will help you think through which type fits your health, your preferences, and your goals. There's no pressure to decide before your consultation.
Why a Consultation First?
New patients start with a Sedation Gynecology Consultation before scheduling their insertion. This isn't a bureaucratic hoop — it's the visit where you and your provider get on the same page about what you want, what to expect, and what comfort measures to plan for.
It also means that on procedure day, there are no surprises. You walk in already knowing exactly what's going to happen, which makes a real difference for anxiety.
The Bottom Line
You shouldn't have to choose between the most effective birth control and a tolerable medical experience. IUD insertion with real comfort measures is available right now — it just requires finding a practice that offers it.
Ready to learn more? Book a Sedation Gynecology Consultation to discuss your options. You can also read more about our IUD services or learn about sedation gynecology.