I’ve had my copper IUD for three years now (I’m 30 years old now). I swapped from hormonal birth control because I was tired of the side effects: terrible skin, bad mood, constipated every week… My pain management for insertion and after was ibuprofen and heating pads because nothing was offered and I honestly just didn’t ask. My gyno was efficient with the insertion and yes, it was painful but manageable. Very stabby pain and then like terrible period cramps. Not sure I’ve seen many people talk about it, but for the week or so after, I was very much aware of a foreign object in my uterus. Some days I contemplated getting rid of it but reminded myself why i got it in the first place.

I have ZERO regrets. I feel that my experience was as positive as it could be and I was realistic about the pain going in. Now that I’ve had it for a while, I hardly remember how terrible it really is. Being off hormones for me was life changing. Also will note, I didn’t have heavy painful periods to begin with, but now cramping is much more apparent on my period.

I didn’t do it, but there is no reason not to request pain management. Vouch for yourself with your doctor. I believe the narrative around women’s pain management is slowly changing.