Post by claudiakishi on May 12, 2020 10:51:10 GMT -5
I’m having my IUD removed in a couple weeks. The insertion was the worst pain I’ve ever had in my life (and I have endometriosis). I am nervous about the removal even though I’ve read it’s a less involved procedure than insertion. I can feel the strings and I know it’s in place (had a recent ultrasound).
I’ve never given birth and I know that affects the insertion pain, but can anyone attest to the pain of the removal? I’m super nervous.
UPDATE: had it removed today. I was terrified and had really worked myself up about it. The NP explained everything to me and was very reassuring. She said it wouldn’t be nearly as painful as insertion because there are far less steps. The speculum was uncomfortable, but not terrible. Then they clamped the strings with a tool and there was a quick, pretty painful cramp when they pulled it out which lasted for about 30 seconds. Then that was it. I have no pain right now at all and no bleeding. I did take some Tylenol about an hour before, not sure if that helped.
I didn’t mean to scare anyone off who was thinking about getting an IUD with my original post. I will definitely get another one when the time comes. Today I learned there is a family planning section of the hospital that works with people for whom IUDs are a struggle to insert. They apparently have all kinds of techniques to help with that pain, so I wish I knew about that when I had my first one inserted.
YMMV but my insertion was so painful I threw up in the room and couldn't drive home. My removal was like a bad period pain - so nowhere near as bad. I had ibuprofened up, but it was much better.
“With sorrow—for this Court, but more, for the many millions of American women who have today lost a fundamental constitutional protection—we dissent,”
I'm on my third Mirena, never been pregnant. The removal is super quick and I hardly felt anything. Insertion was also extremely painful for me (third time failed twice and then required sedation), so I think the removal part is nothing to worry about!
Post by wanderingback on May 12, 2020 10:58:00 GMT -5
Some patients we're just chatting away and I take it out and they don't realize it's out yet and I'm like all done, and they say really? Others, when I say ok take a deep breath and pull they say OW, then say they feel fine. I always offer a heating pad and most patients turn it down, hop up and go about their day. Some people take their IUD out on their own and have reported back to me that it wasn't bad at all. I think you'll do just fine!
Post by gibbinator on May 12, 2020 10:58:49 GMT -5
Getting mine removed was no worse than the mild discomfort of a pap test. Insertion basically felt like labour, so pretty terrible. Really looking forward to getting a new one in a couple weeks haha
YMMV but my insertion was so painful I threw up in the room and couldn't drive home. My removal was like a bad period pain - so nowhere near as bad. I had ibuprofened up, but it was much better.
Also no kids.
I passed out and almost threw up. I also couldn’t drive home. This makes me feel better.
melissa, if it helps, I’ve had two IUDs (both Mirena) and didn’t have pain on either insertion or removal with either one. But maybe that’s because I didn’t get one till after having two kids.
Sorry I can't help in regards to the pain of the removal but I'm considering getting an IUD and now your making me second guess that decision.
I’ve never given birth and I have severe endometriosis, so that contributed (I think) to the pain. I have to say though, it has been a godsend for my endo pain. Even after the pain I would (and will) still get another one.
Sorry I can't help in regards to the pain of the removal but I'm considering getting an IUD and now your making me second guess that decision.
If it helps at all, my insertion was NBD. I didn't even know I was going to get one that day. My OB was like, hey, you aren't going to have any more kids and it's free now so, do you want one, I have one in the other room. I went back to work after. I didn't know it was even supposed to hurt really bad until after it was already in. I wonder how much of this is also provider skill because I swear, it was in and I was done before I knew it. Best. Decision. Ever. Seriously, my IUD is one of my top 10 most life changing moments. No regrets. I haven't had a period in literally years.
FWIW, I did give birth vaginally and I did have an unmedicated childbirth, so my pain tolerance might be on the high side but normally I am kind of a wimp.
OP, mine is still in so I can't speak to removal pain.
Getting mine removed was no worse than the mild discomfort of a pap test. Insertion basically felt like labour, so pretty terrible. Really looking forward to getting a new one in a couple weeks haha
Will you update and let me know how it goes the second round? I’ll definitely getting another at some point because it’s been so helpful with my endo pain, but now that I know what to expect with the insertion I’m already scared.
melissa , if it helps, I’ve had two IUDs (both Mirena) and didn’t have pain on either insertion or removal with either one. But maybe that’s because I didn’t get one till after having two kids.
Sorry I can't help in regards to the pain of the removal but I'm considering getting an IUD and now your making me second guess that decision.
If it helps at all, my insertion was NBD. I didn't even know I was going to get one that day. My OB was like, hey, you aren't going to have any more kids and it's free now so, do you want one, I have one in the other room. I went back to work after. I didn't know it was even supposed to hurt really bad until after it was already in. I wonder how much of this is also provider skill because I swear, it was in and I was done before I knew it. Best. Decision. Ever. Seriously, my IUD is one of my top 10 most life changing moments. No regrets. I haven't had a period in literally years.
FWIW, I did give birth vaginally and I did have an unmedicated childbirth, so my pain tolerance might be on the high side but normally I am kind of a wimp.
OP, mine is still in so I can't speak to removal pain.
That's great news. I had two C-sections but still think my pain tolerance is manageable.
melissa , if it helps, I’ve had two IUDs (both Mirena) and didn’t have pain on either insertion or removal with either one. But maybe that’s because I didn’t get one till after having two kids.
That's good to know as I've had two kids too.
My doc told me time since birth is a factor. I got 2 in after births (like a year after) and it was fine. I just got one 10 years after my last birth and it hurt like a bitch.
Getting mine removed was no worse than the mild discomfort of a pap test. Insertion basically felt like labour, so pretty terrible. Really looking forward to getting a new one in a couple weeks haha
Will you update and let me know how it goes the second round? I’ll definitely getting another at some point because it’s been so helpful with my endo pain, but now that I know what to expect with the insertion I’m already scared.
Honestly, I will probably forget about this thread by mid-June so if I don't reply, feel free to re-tag me.
Post by tacoflavoredkisses on May 12, 2020 12:21:11 GMT -5
My first removal, the doctor told me to cough and he pulled it out. Barely felt it. Second removal the doctor just pulled it out and it was the tiniest of discomforts.
I have a VERY low pain tolerance and tilted cervix/uterus so I promise it won’t be terrible.
Sorry I can't help in regards to the pain of the removal but I'm considering getting an IUD and now your making me second guess that decision.
If it helps at all, my insertion was NBD. I didn't even know I was going to get one that day. My OB was like, hey, you aren't going to have any more kids and it's free now so, do you want one, I have one in the other room. I went back to work after. I didn't know it was even supposed to hurt really bad until after it was already in. I wonder how much of this is also provider skill because I swear, it was in and I was done before I knew it. Best. Decision. Ever. Seriously, my IUD is one of my top 10 most life changing moments. No regrets. I haven't had a period in literally years.
FWIW, I did give birth vaginally and I did have an unmedicated childbirth, so my pain tolerance might be on the high side but normally I am kind of a wimp.
OP, mine is still in so I can't speak to removal pain.
Yeah everyone is different, so it definitely doesn't hurt everyone and I don't tell everyone that it's supposed to hurt. Try to be realistic though. And yes I do think it makes a difference about who does it. People have different skills. Not to toot my own horn, but I will anyway .... Last week before an abortion a patient was freaking out because she said her pap smear experience was horrific. After the procedure she was so thankful and said it was much easier than her last pap smear. I've really tried to do my best to learn as many skills and tricks that I can to make exams/procedures as pleasant and painless as possible. Of course I'm not perfect and sometimes no matter what it's going to be uncomfortable, but there are definitely things that can be done from the beginning of the appointment to make patient's more comfortable.
My insertion felt like a knife being thrust through my vagina to my throat (seriously horrible). Removal was not nearly as painful, but I did pass out after (I have a strong vasovagal response). I think my experience is not typical, but removal was still painful, much more than a period cramp or however most people describe it.