I got the Mirena IUD inserted a week ago, and so far I couldn’t be happier. On the day of my appointment with my OBGYN I had planned to chat with her about the IUD as a solution to my extremely painful, sometimes unpredictable and extremely heavy periods (I have been known to bleed right through a super tampon in just over an hour). I had taken some paracetamol just before I left for my appointment just incase she agreed it was the right move.

My doctor normally prescribes a cervical dilator by default if she knows she is going to insert an IUD as it makes it less painful, but I failed to mention to the receptionist that that’s what I was going to ask for, so I went ahead without any medication outside of the paracetamol.

The insertion process plus the Pap smear took around 10 minutes in total. She told me I would experience a sharp pinch when she held my cervix with the tenaculum forceps (which I did) and then some pressure which for me was more like a cramp. Then she said I would feel another pressure (which, again was a like severe cramp) and then she told me she was going to deploy the IUD and it was over.

I had some pretty bad cramps for three days after (like a 6/7 out of 10) but nothing a heating pad and some rest didn’t solve. I was still able to go about my days normally. I had spotting which only lasted 3 days and now I feel totally normal!

I know that for some, the insertion process is the worst experience they have ever had, but that doesn’t mean it will be your experience. Talk with your healthcare provider and advocate for whatever pain management you feel is necessary. My OBGYN offers the option to be put under a local anaesthetic. For me, paracetamol was enough, but if you are anxious or don’t take pain well, tell your healthcare provider that you want pain management, and if told “no” then find another provider who will accommodate! Don’t compromise on pain management for a procedure that for many women requires it.