---
title: We Need to Talk About IUD Insertion and Pain
date: 2022-10-19T03:00:00-04:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/pain-management-iud-insertion"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# We Need to Talk About IUD Insertion and Pain

According to a study in the Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care, seventy-eight percent of women found getting an IUD to be moderately or severely painful. This Cosmopolitan article discusses the process of getting an IUD, IUD pain, and the steps that doctors can take to address it.

The process of getting an IUD usually takes about five minutes. It begins with a doctor using a tenaculum on the cervix. Next, they measure the uterus with a ruler. Then they use a device to deploy the IUD, remove the device, and cut the IUD strings. While the experience of getting an IUD can vary by person, many people report feeling pain.

For too long, concerns about IUD insertion were ignored or dismissed. Recently, the CDC stated that patients should be informed about the possibility of pain and given options to minimize it. These options include lidocaine and other anesthetics and should reflect the patient’s preferences. Still, there is a need to develop better methods for addressing IUD pain.

When it comes to getting an IUD, we can advocate for ourselves. We can ask questions about the process and work with our doctors to minimize our pain. If we don’t feel heard by our doctor, we can find another healthcare provider.

> In the medical community, the thinking is that even if IUD insertion is uncomfortable, it’s over quickly and you can get a decade of contraception for your trouble, says Jessica Horwitz, MPH, chief clinical officer at national women’s health care clinic Tia. It’s the kind of reasoning often rooted in the institutional dismissing of women’s concerns and complaints—a systemic (and sexist) issue that allows many docs to accept that 'discomfort' as status quo.

[Read the full article ](https://www.cosmopolitan.com/health-fitness/a42957255/iud-pain/)

SOURCE: Cosmopolitan • AUTHOR: Ashley Oerman • LAST UPDATED: August 7, 2024

![reproductive-health-supplies-coalition-Is-oKcKl7d0-1024x769](data:image/png;base64,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) Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition/Unsplash

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ contraception](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/contraception)
- [ contraception methods & access](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/birth-control-methods-access)
- [self-advocacy](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/self-advocacy)
- [IUD (intra-uterine device)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/iud-intra-uterine-device)
- [long acting reversible contraception (LARC)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/long-acting-reversible-contraception-larc)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
- We embrace a reproductive justice framework
- We don’t accept ads or sell products
- We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry
- We counter misinformation and disinformation
- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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## Finding a Perimenopause Specialist

JF recalls the research she did to find a perimenopause specialist in her area who would accept her insurance.

![My Story- Finding a Perimenopause Specialist](data:image/png;base64,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)

JF recalls the research she did to find a perimenopause specialist in her area who would accept her insurance.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-finding-a-perimenopause-specialist)

[ResourcesRead

## Avoiding Coercion in the Promotion of Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs)

This piece from the Guttmacher Institute critiques certain public policies regarding long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs).

![reproductive-health-supplies-coalition-fsl8vtn2U1k-1024x769](data:image/png;base64,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)

This piece from the Guttmacher Institute critiques certain public policies regarding long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs).](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/avoiding-coercive-promotion-of-long-acting-reversible-contraceptives-larcs)

[ResourcesLook

## Black Birthing Bill of Rights

The Black Birthing Bill of Rights is a resource for self-advocacy and for prompting policymakers and institutions to better support Black pregnant people.

![Black Birthing Bill of Rights scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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)

The Black Birthing Bill of Rights is a resource for self-advocacy and for prompting policymakers and institutions to better support Black pregnant people.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/black-birthing-bill-of-rights)

[ResourcesWatch

## Navigating Menopause

Dr. Laura Zucker and Dr. Parra Tomkins talk about menopause care, including the program they created called the Hot Flash Café to support their patients.

![An indigo background with purple swirls. At the top in white is the following text: "Navigating Menopause: Expert Discussion with Dr. Laura Zucker and Dr. Parra Tomkins." Below are headshots of Dr. Laura Zucker, Dr. Parra Tomkins, and Sarah Pillone.](data:image/png;base64,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)

Dr. Laura Zucker and Dr. Parra Tomkins talk about menopause care, including the program they created called the Hot Flash Café to support their patients.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/navigating-menopause-zucker-tomkins)