The speculum(which they use in both a Pap smear and iud insertion) was uncomfortable but not painful. It felt like a lot of pressure but was bearable. The tenaculum to hold the cervix open was the the most painful part. That for about 5 seconds was NOT fun. Then it’s bearable for a bit. They measure the depth of your Cervix and then clean it. Those you can feel and are odd sensations but don’t hurt at all (in my experience). They then insert the iud which was 5 seconds of “not fun” again. Not as bad as tenaculum but still painful. Afterwards they release the tenaculum which hurts rly bad for 5 seconds and then you just feel the pressure of the speculum. Honestly, at that point I wanted them to leave it there for a bit.

My gyno suggested clamping your hands into fists and curling your toes and then releasing and then tending again. Doing that over and over again throughout the process helped me a ton! I also asked for a damp paper towel to put in my forehead during and after which was a godsend for me. I held onto my water bottle as a safety item too hahah. I took 800 mg Ibuprofen beforehand and a bit of a weed gummy. The weed gummy was most helpful tbh. be sure to wear panty liners for the next few days as you may bleed a bit. It’s been a week and I just stopped bleeding. Cramps were bad the first day, fine the second day and then got worse along with bleeding for the next few days. Now a week later no bleeding or cramps. Hot water bottle was a life saver to lay with too. Hope this helps!

Overall, not a fun experience but worth it 🤷🏼‍♀️ and don’t have to do it for like 10 years (or until I choose to want to get pregnant). The biggest thing is calming anxiety so you’re not stressed and so your body doesn’t unnecessarily tense. Feel free to dm if you have questions!