CDC issues new guidelines on pain management for IUD procedures

With IUDs growing in popularity, the CDC is now recommending that doctors provide pain management counseling for the procedure. Dr. Celine Gounder explains what this change means for women considering this highly effective birth control method.
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[@acivilright]

I got an iud two months ago. I discussed pain control with my doctor because she is an mvp. I had a topical lidocaine applied to my cervix which did help with the pain some. It was uncomfortable and not pain free, but it was not that bad for me. But I also have endometriosis so my pain threshold is higher than most. I have to say the IUD though, once in? The best birth control method I have ever used. Easily. I use birth control for my endo, and so far my cramps are less painful and much milder flow with an iud. Also no changes in mood, no skin issues. I don't regret getting it. And I intend to let other women know about IUDs. That said I am very happy to see people caring about making these procedures less painful. Pro tip: get it placed near the end of your period when your cervix is already open some. Especially if you are a childless cat and dog lady like myself. 😂

[@Nope_notabot]

Men distracting from topic of women’s pain by passing papers is apropos.

[@tia323araceli]

All men need to see what these devices actually look like

[@DoodyDoes]

The timing of this segment is crazy... I tried to get an IUD just yesterday, and I still can't walk today... The pain of the procedure was so large I was crying out and sobbing for HOURS. My organs felt like they were being rearranged with knives, and I have a decent pain tolerance, but these tools and NO medicine or relief was torture. I had nightmares last night from the procedure, despite the doctor being so amazing and supportive. They only say "take 600-800mg ibuprofen 1 hour before the procedure," but not only is it NOT enough, but I thought it wore off before the insertion because it hurt so bad and the clinics get so behind that I wasn't seen until 2 hours after my appointment. I didn't even realize that was one of the tools used on me, and that explains my excruciating and tearful experience. I wasn't even able to get the IUD in, but I still hurt like I'm recovering from horrible invasive surgery. All for nothing. Women's health research is a joke because there's not nearly enough of it, and no one cares. Having outdated and under-researched tools and procedures like this with no pain relief or foolproof countermeasures is ridiculous in today's modern world. But this segment gives me some hope things will improve for women, and I don't need to be punished for trying to prevent pregnancies. All while women and abortions are being demonized when other birth control options fail, and they are not prepared or able to bring life into this uncaring world. CORRECTION EDIT: fixed a sentence since my ibuprofen should've still been in effect and not worn off during the procedure

[@acivilright]

I'm sorry you went through that. I also took two ibuprofen prior and was seen 45 minutes after the appointment was supposed to start and about an hour after taking the pills so it was likely in full effect when I had my IUD inserted. Pain management is crucial. My obgyn offered me Xanax before, but she said I'd have to have someone drive me to and from the appointment for that, so I declined it. I'm also an RN though and I've also had endometrial biopsy unmedicated before, so I already knew that it is painful and if I didn't ask no one would offer.

[@acivilright]

Oh: point about ibuprofen is it takes 30 minutes to an hour to kick in, should be effective up to 6 to 8 hours after taking it.

[@DoodyDoes]

@@acivilright You're right, I looked the ibuprofen up and it should've been working like you said, so thank you for correcting my ignorance. That's crazy that the medicine was in effect though, and it was still that painful!! Your sympathy is comforting too, so you have my gratitude. I was told I'd feel "bad cramps" and whatnot, but that didn't translate the pain's severity. And not much else was said about the pain levels, or a scale, or reference. I've had bad debilitating cramps once or twice, but the procedure was beyond my expectations haha. Experiences differ so much too between women, but I think my biggest hurdle was a) having not had a child before b) not having a period in quite some time due to cycle irregularity (hence the IUD), so I wasn't on my period or just finished it and I didn't have a softened cervix, and c) perhaps even in the best condition, my cervix just doesn't want to be messed with. My biggest regret was just not understanding the pain tolerance needed or much of these conditions (previous birth, or period cycles) before walking into the insertion that day

[@Sunshine-do3yv]

You are exactly right❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹 it's a harrowing experience, this segment may make a difference...the friggin ,minute Pain management is mentioned we are all doomed.....I am emotionally physically scarred....I feel your pain..❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹 just wanted you to know you were heard💙💙💙👋

[@jenkuc1797]

I tried doing a hysteroscopy awake and they only numbed me to get the equipment into my uterus. Sadly and maybe gratefully the camera wasn't working well, so the full procedure wasn't done. I opted for being put under to try the procedure again. The pain was so unbearable for being awake for that procedure.

[@judytran3514]

If men were getting this procedure, pain management would have been instituted long ago.

[@ervinwilliamson7132]

Not in this current world of woke medicine. Pain management is immoral and mentioning pain qualifies you as a drug seeking liar. Adults are now children and children are now adults. Didn’t you get the communique? 50yrs old paying your own insurance and in pain=liar. 12yr old male who’s goal is to some day have an IUD= let’s roll out the red carpet

[@jusletursoulglobaby]

the fact that the CDC has to make recommendations like this is insane. i guess its not as insane as a doctor NOT LISTENING to the person theyre treating

[@cherylfox2149]

I think the CDC needs to have a conversation about all gynecological procedures. Doctors will remove chunks from the uterus to check for pre cancer cells and all they offer is a pad for bleeding. And almost worse is the nurse watching, as the women is writhing in pain on the table and assuring them that ' it's just a little pressure' ..absolutely pathetic!

[@pipermaisiemae1999]

Lidocaine injections? Seriously? How about propofol ? Heaven forbid we offer relief for something that men don't need. Colonoscopy has very little pain, but everyone is sedated. Let that sink in..

[@pisceswit]

Profofol. 🤦🏻

[@pipermaisiemae1999]

@pisceswit rules of engagement are while commenting on someone's comment, you lose all credibility when you spell the word incorrectly 🙄

[@acivilright]

Propofol is a bit much, but my obgyn did offer to knock me out to do it. I declined because of the cost and just went with topical lidocaine and ibuprofen. 🤷🏾

[@pipermaisiemae1999]

@acivilright well I figured if it's acceptable for colonoscopies, then it should be for this. Just remember they used to give colonoscopies in the doctor's office also. I've never had an iud but have read horror stories about them. I was a military wife who literally was told nothing was wrong and made me feel like an idiot until it got so bad. Finally, they sent me to a gyn instead of the assigned family doctor. He took me in for a cyst removal and closed me up to tell me I needed a complete hysterectomy. Then, after the hysterectomy, he lied and told me one overy looked good and the other one would take a hammer and chisel to get out. I lost 2 liters of blood, and he had to close me up. Then my periods came back. A year later, I was laying in the mayo clinic fighting for my life. All because doctors do not care about women's pain. My 34 year old daughter just had a complete hysterectomy after dealing with Endo for many years. I appreciate that some women don't experience the agonizing pain that others do. But I promise you some women absolutely need to be put into a twilight sleep for the procedure. My girls will bleed and cramp for days. With debilitating pain after a pap smear. I'm not talking for myself, obviously. I would like for women to be treated with the same respect as men would.

[@neonpandas]

Insert/removal pain aside (I just took ibuprofen), I had the copper IUD for one month (hated it) and it messed up my body for nearly a year. I was bloated all of the time and looked 5 months pregnant which only began after I got it inserted and lasted months after I got it removed. I also had excruciating cramps. Having one was one of my worst experiences as a woman. The symptoms were far far worse and long-term than the initial pain of insertion. For reference I was offered prescription medication but I refused to take it since it’s used for abortions and I was afraid of the side-effects of the medication.

[@LakesaCarter]

I have one to stop my bleeding but mine be feeling like it's going come out sometimes or it just might me in my mine lol

[@jillrichards3674]

I had an IUD, it never bothered me, my husband a tiny bit, but we had a hard time conceiving after it was removed. I'm blown away they're saying it hurts to have it put in. It never hurt me one bit? What the he'll is going on?

[@DoodyDoes]

@@jillrichards3674 Not only do things differ from woman to woman, but it also depends on a lot of things. Like your period cycle. My Dr recommend that you have your procedure during or after your period when the cervix is softest and most relaxed so they can quickly measure the uterus and insert the IUD. Also depends on if you took meds and how effective they are/were, as well as the brand or even type of IUD. But the biggest factor is if you've ever had children or not already. Women who have had babies before tend to have a much easier time than women who haven't

[@acivilright]

The pain varies from person to person for various reasons. For example, when you get it inserted is important. Ideally you are on your period at the time of the procedure, when your cervix is already open some. Also, if you've been pregnant before it will be easier and possibly less painful for you because your body has had an open cervix before. Also, pain thresholds vary. If you have a high pain threshold, it may not be very painful, but if your threshold is low it may be unbearable. I have endometriosis and I have a high pain threshold and when I had mine inserted I would say I felt mostly uncomfortable and some pain but not horrible pain. This is why doctors should be having the discussion about pain management when they schedule and up to the time of the iud appointment. If they're not, they're doing you a disservice. I only know all this info because I'm an RN and research procedures before I have them and also advocate for myself. You shouldn't have to be a health care provider yourself to be as comfortable as possible in a procedure. 🤷🏾

[@markcosenza3274]

I remember the CDC giving BLM approval to riot and burn buildings during protest. Everyone else, stay locked up!😂😂

[@acivilright]

Sir, this is a Burger King. You requesting quail and a side of angel tears, and all we got is burgers... 🙃🙄

[@StefaniaCzech]

and you will get your IUD inserted asap! 💯

[@gmwilliams4314]

In my opinion, President Biden must pardon his last surviving son on the way out the door. The Republicans can impeach him on his final day in office for being a loving father.❤