In recent years, the conversation around pain during IUD insertion has grown louder.
Most notably using #iud and #iudinsertion on TikTok, Patients have shared stories of intense discomfort, anxiety, and feeling unprepared for the level of pain involved.
Yet even in 2025, only 1 in 20 women who received an IUD were given pain medication.
We’ve been listening to these conversations, reading the research, and—most importantly—hearing our own patients. That’s why FPA Women’s Health now offers new pain-management options for select gynecological procedures.
Whether you prefer numbing medication or being completely asleep, you deserve the full range of options for procedures that can cause discomfort.
While our team can help you determine the best choice for your needs, our online scheduling portal can also guide you to the right pain-management option.
New Pain-Management Choices
When booking one of these appointments:
You’ll see this message:
“Most patients tolerate this procedure with no anesthesia. However, we offer a wide range of anesthesia options – we want you to feel comfortable. Would you like anesthesia for this procedure?”
Local Anesthesia
A medication is injected directly into the cervix or surrounding area to numb only the treatment site. You remain fully awake and alert, and you may still feel mild pressure or cramping, but the sharp pain is significantly reduced.
- Pros: Quick recovery, no fasting needed, minimal side effects, available in all 25 offices.
- Cons: You’ll still be aware of what’s happening, and may feel some discomfort.
Sedation (IV Conscious Sedation)
Medication is given through an IV to reduce pain, relax your body, and make you less aware—or completely unaware—of the procedure. Many patients do not remember the procedure at all.
- Pros: Maximum comfort and anxiety reduction, often little to no memory of the procedure.
- Cons: Requires a surgical slot, a recovery period, and someone to drive you home; fasting is typically required.
General Anesthesia
At FPA, we also offer general anesthesia, administered by a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). With general anesthesia, you’ll be completely asleep and unaware during the procedure—a level of care that is rarely available at outpatient women’s health centers. This option is available with our CRNAs at the following FPA locations: Bakersfield, Mission Hills, Downtown Los Angeles, Downey, Long Beach, and San Bernardino.
- Pros: You are fully unconscious, with no awareness or memory of the procedure; best option for patients with high anxiety, past trauma, or severe pain concerns.
- Cons: Requires a surgical setting, longer recovery time, someone to drive you home, and additional pre-procedure preparation (such as fasting).
Why This Matters
For too long, many women have felt like IUD insertion has been underestimated—or even dismissed. Every patient’s body, pain tolerance, and emotional experience is different. For some, these procedures are quick and manageable; for others, they can be deeply uncomfortable or triggering.
By offering anesthesia options at the time of booking, we’re making it clear from the start that you have a voice in how your care is delivered. This isn’t just about reducing discomfort—it’s about respect, transparency, and giving you the confidence to choose what feels right for you.
Your comfort matters to us, and that means listening, believing, and responding to what you tell us you need.
Book with Confidence
The next time you schedule your appointment online, you’ll see your pain-management options built right into the process. Your comfort matters—and it starts with your choice.
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