Danielle asks "I'm nervous about getting and IUD inserted inside me, can you be put to sleep for IUD insertion?"
Yes Danielle, you can.
There are a few different ways that IUD’s are inserted. Basically it needs to end up inside your uterus or womb. But the methods of putting it there vary a bit.
The most scary is to do it without any anesthetic, local or otherwise. The IUD has to pass through your cervix and sit inside your womb. Without any medication, this tends to be rather uncomfortable. If you aren’t having anything, at least take some Tylenol ahead of time to dull the pain a bit.
The next step to painless is lidocain gel or another local anesthetic. This gel is inserted inside your vagina and left to sit for a few minutes. At first it feels cold but then it become a warm feeling as the gel works to numb your cervix and vagina. Some doctors will even inject your cervix after the lidocain has done its job. You’ll barely feel that injection and in a few more minutes you’ll be so numb inside you’ll mostly feel only pressure during insertion.
An option is to also take a oral sedative. Valium is popular to help women relax for an IUD insertion. You’ll take it as soon as you get to the waiting room and then you’ll sit a while. By the time you go in you’ll be feeling calm and relaxed.
The totally painless option is being asleep like you suggest. There are a few options for how its done from an IV medication like midazolam (versed) to inhalation anesthetics like halothane or sevoflurane. Generally you wouldn’t be given propofol for just an IUD as there is no need for the deep sedation is provides. Using a lighter sedation level along with a local anesthetic is safer for you. No matter what method is used, you’ll be unaware during the procedure.
Typically you’ll remember getting into the stirrups and talking with your doctor. You’ll feel tired and a bit confused. And then time will have passed and you’ll be all done with IUD inside your body.
Follow your doctors instructions for after care and once you’re ready, enjoy all the benefits of long term pregnancy prevention without needing to take a pill everyday. Generally you won’t be able to get pregnant until the doctor reverses the IUD procedure.
Thanks for the question Danielle! If you have questions, hit us up and we’ll be glad to help.
