Getting an IUD is one of the best decisions you can make for long-term contraception — over 99% effective, lasting 3 to 10 years, and completely reversible. But finding the right place to get one inserted matters more than most people realize.
The difference between one practice and another isn't the IUD itself — it's what they do about your comfort during the procedure. And in the DC metro area, that ranges from "here's some ibuprofen" to a full sedation gynecology protocol.
What to Ask When Choosing Where to Get Your IUD
Before you book, ask the practice these questions:
What pain management do you offer during IUD insertion? If the answer is just ibuprofen and maybe a topical numbing gel, that's the bare minimum. Modern practices offer cervical blocks (local anesthetic), TENS therapy, heating pads, and some now offer nitrous oxide.
Do I need a separate consultation first? Some practices insert on the first visit. Others want a consultation first to discuss your options and plan comfort measures. A consultation might feel like an extra step, but it means no surprises on procedure day.
How long is the appointment? If they're scheduling 15 minutes for an IUD insertion, they're rushing. A practice that schedules 30-45 minutes is giving you time to get comfortable, ask questions, and recover.
What IUD brands do you carry? The main options are Paragard (copper, hormone-free, up to 10 years), Mirena/Liletta (hormonal, up to 8 years), Kyleena (lower-dose hormonal, up to 5 years), and Skyla (smallest hormonal, up to 3 years). A good practice should offer all of them.
IUD Insertion at Metro Area Advanced Practice Healthcare
We're located in Kensington, MD — about 10-15 minutes from DC, right off Connecticut Avenue. Patients come from Silver Spring, Bethesda, Takoma Park, Wheaton, College Park, Arlington, and across the metro area.
Here's what IUD insertion looks like at our practice:
Step 1: Consultation. New patients start with a Sedation Gynecology Consultation — in office or via telehealth. We review your health history, discuss IUD options, and plan your comfort protocol. You decide what comfort measures you want.
Step 2: Comfort measures. On procedure day, your provider sets up whatever you chose — nitrous oxide, TENS therapy, heating pads, cervical block, or any combination.
Step 3: Insertion. The procedure takes a few minutes. Your provider talks you through each step and checks on your comfort throughout.
Step 4: Recovery and aftercare. You rest briefly, get aftercare instructions, and your NP follows up via the patient portal.
Nitrous oxide is available for $50 (covers the required single-use mask). TENS therapy, heating pads, and cervical blocks are available at no extra charge. All patients who choose nitrous oxide are required to bring a driver.
Choosing Between IUD Types
The short version:
Want hormone-free? Paragard (copper). Lasts up to 10 years. May make periods heavier initially.
Want lighter or no periods? Mirena/Liletta. Lasts up to 8 years. Most common hormonal option.
Want a lower hormone dose? Kyleena. Lasts up to 5 years. Good middle ground.
Want the smallest option? Skyla. Lasts up to 3 years. Smallest device available.
Not sure? That's exactly what the consultation is for. No pressure to decide in advance.
Insurance & Cost
IUDs are classified as preventive care under the ACA, which means they're covered with no out-of-pocket cost by most insurance plans. We accept BCBS, Anthem, Cigna, UHC, Aetna, and CareFirst. We don't accept Medicaid, Medicare, or Tricare. If you're uninsured, contact us about patient assistance discounts before booking.
Getting Here
Address: 3720 Farragut Ave, Suite 202, Kensington, MD 20895
Parking: Free
Metro: Near Forest Glen station
From DC: About 10-15 minutes up Connecticut Avenue
From Silver Spring: 5 minutes
From Bethesda/Chevy Chase: 10 minutes
From Arlington/Alexandria: 20-30 minutes depending on traffic
Schedule your IUD consultation online or view our full IUD services page for more details.