IUD Insertion Explained

We know patients feel anxious about getting an IUD placed due to stories they've heard or even past experiences.

At FPA Women’s Health, we believe that understanding what to expect can help ease any worries — and we’re proud to offer a range of pain management options for IUD insertion to make the experience as comfortable as possible. Let’s walk through how the process works based on the option that’s right for you.

Before IUD Insertion

Every person’s pain tolerance and experience is different — and we honor that. When you schedule your appointment in-person, online, or over the phone, we’ll ask if you’d like to explore pain management options.

If opting out of a pain management option, taking ibuprofen approximately 30 minutes before an IUD insertion is a great evidence-based method to alleviate discomfort.

When it’s time for your appointment, our clinicians take time to explain every step clearly, so patients know what to expect and feel empowered to ask questions or voice any concerns.

The IUD Insertion Process

Without Pain Management (Standard Approach)

This is the original method most patients have experienced. It’s quick and tolerable for many:

• A gentle pelvic exam is performed to assess the uterus.
• With your consent, a speculum is inserted to visualize the cervix.
• The cervix is cleaned with a solution (typically betadine).
• An “atraumatic” instrument is used to hold the cervix in place.
• A slim instrument (about the size of a pen tip) is inserted to measure your uterus — expect a brief, sharp cramp for 5–10 seconds.
• The IUD is then inserted and deployed, often causing a second short cramp.

The entire process usually takes less than two minutes. Cramping may occur a few hours afterward, and some patients resume their normal activities right away.

With Local Anesthesia

Local anesthesia involves numbing medication injected around the cervix:

• You remain awake while the provider gently applies a numbing injection.
• A speculum is inserted, and the cervix is cleansed.
• The IUD insertion follows the same steps as above, but most patients experience significantly reduced pain.
• You may still feel some pressure or mild cramping during measurement and insertion.

Recovery is quick, and you can typically resume your day as usual.

With IV Conscious Sedation

IV conscious sedation offers a more relaxed experience:

• Sedation medication is administered via IV before the procedure.
• Once the sedative takes effect, the clinician proceeds with the insertion steps.
• You are still conscious but deeply relaxed and may not remember the procedure at all.
• Afterward, you’ll rest in a recovery area and need a ride home.

Patients choosing this method often experience minimal pain and anxiety.

With General Anesthesia

General anesthesia is for patients who prefer to be fully asleep:

• A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) administers general anesthesia.
• While you are fully unconscious, your provider performs the insertion using the same clinical steps.
• You'll wake up in our recovery room and be monitored before discharge.

General anesthesia is offered at select FPA Women’s Health locations and requires scheduling and preparation in advance (such as fasting and transportation).

When you schedule your appointment, we’ll ask if you’d like to explore these options so we can tailor your visit accordingly.

After Your IUD Is Placed

It’s totally normal to have some cramping or light spotting for a day or two after your IUD is placed. A heating pad and over-the-counter pain relievers can go a long way to help you feel better.

If you opted for sedation or anesthesia, we’ll give you clear after-care instructions, including how much rest you might need and making sure someone’s available to drive you home.