'having an IUD fitted should not be painful.' experts say*
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*people who have never had an IUD fitted. 🙃🙃
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this week saw a huge conversation take over social media, discussing the need for pain relief when having a coil [or IUD] inserted as a contraceptive choice. Caitlin Moran wrote a think-piece discussing her painful experience with this, which was then mirrored by Naga Munchetty, who likened her experience to 'excruciating pain'. so - what's the deal?
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*trigger warning - some graphic description of IUD insertion*
➡️ having a hormonal or copper coil inserted is a procedure that usually takes around five minutes, and consists of a speculum being inserted into your vagina so your womb is visible. from there, the coil is inserted through the small opening of your cervix into your womb.
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*ok, the graphic stuff is over*
for many, this procedure [whilst deffo not the most fun] does not require pain relief, or they can handle the insertion with over the counter relief. but for many, the procedure is incredibly painful, with many people stating they fainted during the insertion, or had several days of pain following the procedure. currently, there is no pain relief offered for a coil insertion, with people simply advised to have ibuprofen or paracetamol beforehand. this leads to many choosing alternative forms of contraception, being put off the coil altogether.
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Dr Hannat Akintomide reported for the BBC that she was 'appalled that we are not offering people something so simple that could improve their experience', and offering a fast acting anaesthetic spray could be a simple solution in helping the pain some may experience.
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have you had the coil? what was your experience? do you feel that pain relief should be offered? let us know in the comments! 🗣️🗣️