If you and your women’s healthcare provider have discussed your birth control options and have chosen an intrauterine device or IUD, you likely wonder how it will be placed. Will there be pain? Will it take long?
Here’s what you can expect before, during, and after your in-office IUD insertion and where you can go for comprehensive women’s healthcare in Washington.
When to Place an IUD
Your intrauterine device will be placed through your vagina and cervix and into your uterus during a simple in-office procedure. You will undergo this short insertion when you fully understand the reasons for the device and how to take care of it as you use it over the next several years. Your nurse practitioner will explain the type of device you are receiving and how the small plastic and copper IUD works to prevent pregnancy.
In general, you should be in good overall health and not pregnant when you receive your IUD. Also, women who are monogamous and have been previously pregnant tend to retain IUDs more successfully than women who have never been pregnant or have multiple intimate partners.
So, it’s important, to be honest about your sexual and pregnancy history with your nurse practitioner before your procedure. You can undergo the procedure at any time during your monthly cycle.
Preparing for and Receiving an IUD
You may take some over-the-counter pain medication, such as Tylenol or Motrin, before coming to the office for your IUD insertion. Some mild discomfort (cramping) happens as the cervix is opened and the IUD is placed within the uterine cavity.
In the treatment room, you will don a gown and be positioned on your back on the exam table. The nurse practitioner may use a mild anesthetic to prepare your cervix for a quick manual examination to determine the position of your uterus.
Then, a small instrument will open the cervix and insert the IUD into its proper location. The instrument also measures the uterine depth to ensure the organ is not damaged in any way. When the instrument is withdrawn, the intrauterine device stays in place because of its T-shape. A short string remains attached to the IUD to facilitate removal, so you can check the position of the device periodically.
Most women tolerate the insertion treatment well, particularly those who have previously given birth. Cramping and lightheadedness may happen, but these resolve quickly.
In all, this gentle, safe procedure takes just a few minutes.
Aftercare
You can drive yourself home after IUD insertion, but many women prefer having a trusted companion. Be sure to rest at home and resume work the next day.
Also, you may see some light, brief spotting. Your provider will tell you when it is safe for you to have sex when you should check your IUD placement at home, and when to come back to the office for an examination.
Your IUD–whatever the brand or type–likely will stay in place and prevent pregnancy for six to 10 years. Be sure to check the strings once a month, and contact your women’s healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about its placement or side effects.
Women’s Healthcare at FamilyCare of Kent in Washington
Here at FamilyCare of Kent, our highly skilled nurse practitioners want to provide you with the most effective birth control with as little discomfort and hassle as possible. That’s why we offer paracervical blocks during IUD insertion. Our nurse practitioners are experienced in a wide range of primary care and women’s health care assessments and treatments and are committed to making the IUD insertion experience comfortable for you.
If you are considering getting an IUD or would like to hear your options for birth control, make an appointment at FamilyCare of Kent today. Call us at (253) 859-2273 or request an appointment via our online form now. We look forward to serving you!