As many of you know, I have the Skyla IUD. I get a lot of questions on Tumblr about how it feels to have one inserted and how much it hurts. Since I had mine put in three years ago, when I was 17, I didn’t remember the feeling too well until I recently got it replaced.
But I was coming up on the end of my third year with it so I got a new one!
I am in love with my IUD! It’s so easy, effective and safe. I almost never get my period, I have never had a pregnancy scare and it doesn’t mess with my hormones. All my friends who have gotten an IUD also love it, but everyone is different so your experience may not be the same as ours.
What is it:
An IUD is a T-shaped device that is either copper, which is toxic to sperm, or it contains hormones that prevent pregnancy. Your doctor will insert the IUD into your uterus and two tiny strings at the bottom of the T will remain outside the cervix. Other than abstinence, IUDs are the most effective form of birth control!
Before they insert it:
Before you get an IUD, they will give you an STD and pregnancy test. They will usually do this on the same day as the insertion. They will not give you an IUD if you currently have an STI because it can result in serious health problems. And, for obvious reasons, you can’t be pregnant.
IUDs remain inside you for anywhere from three years to ten years depending on which one you get. Right now there are three options: Skyla, Mirena, and Copper IUD. Your doctor will go over each type of IUD and, together, you will decide which is the best one for you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! They will also have you sign a patient consent form.
How they insert it:
The IUD insertion is similar to getting a pap smear. They’ll give you a gown and ask your to remove your clothing from the waist down.
The gynecological chair has metal stirrups at the end of it that you’ll put your feet in and your doctor will then ask you to slide your bottom all the way down to the edge of the seat so they can position themselves in-between your legs. It might be intimidating to have someone that close to your vagina, especially when it’s not sexual, but you have to remember that whoever is inserting your IUD is a professional! They went to medical school and look at dozens of vaginas all day, everyday.
First, they will insert a metal device called a speculum (which resembles a duckbill) into your vagina to hold it open. This allows your doctor to see your cervix.
Next, they will insert a metal scissor looking thing called a Tenaculum Forceps which gently pinches the lips of the cervix, adding some pressure to align your cervical canal with the uterine cavity. The Tenaculum Forceps are left in your vagina for the remainder of the procedure. It’s keeping your cervix open!
Your doctor will then insert a metal rod that will measure the distance from the bottom of your uterus to the top of your uterus to figure out where the IUD will sit. The uterus should be around 6 to 9 cm. I personally find this part pretty uncomfortable. This is the furthest they will go inside your uterus-a spot that is never accessed unless your cervical canal is opened. It’s the farthest part up in your vagina to your uterus, which is never accessed unless they open your cervix canal. It can feel a little crampy because your uterus is not used to having anything in it so take deep breathes! I recommend taking some Advil or any NSAID about 45 minutes before your insertion. And don’t drink any caffeine. Once they’ve measured you’re ready for insertion!
Your doctor will insert the insertion tube through the cervical canal and into your uterus while your cervix being held open and your vagina being held open with another the device (speculum).
While the tube is up in your uterus, they will pull the slider back and release the IUD into your uterus. Then they will push the IUD up to the top of your uterus until it’s in the right place and then slowly pull out the tube, leaving the IUD in place. And boom! You have a brand new IUD! The tiny strings of the IUD will hang out of your uterus and into the very top of your vagina! No, your partner will never be able to feel your IUD, unless they have a speculum and are holding your cervix open LOL. They may be able to feel the strings, but it’s unlikely. If the strings are uncomfortable for you, you can have your doctor trip them.
Since your uterus is not used to having anything inside it (if you haven’t been pregnant before), it will most likely cramp. This is because your uterus is confused and the cramping is its way of trying to figure out what’s inside it. I would suggest bringing a friend to your appointment or arranging to have someone pick you up and immediately going home to nap. You will probably cramp for a few hours and that’s completely normal. The recovery is different for every one. Some people experience a ton of pain and some find it more tolerable. You may spot over the next few days and it may take a few cycles for your period to become regular. With the hormonal IUD, some women don’t get a period at all (I’m one of those). Don’t hesitate to call your doctor if you’re having irregular bleeding, any pain, etc.
How they remove it:
The IUD is removal is very similar to the insertion. Using the same devices to hold open the vagina, your doctor will grab the IUD and have you cough as they gently pull it out. This can cause a cramp-like feeling and you may have some spotting from some of the uterine wall coming out with it. Sounds scary but it’s completely normal!