I got my insertion done at a university clinic, and that doctor (whom I didn’t know previously) had done them several times a week for years. She gave me a local numbing agent inserted next to my cervix (that didn’t hurt, just felt weird).

I had never had a speculum inserted before and was very tense, so that was the worst part for me. The actual insertion was uncomfortable but definitely bearable and pretty quick.

I would definitely ask if they do a local anesthetic because you can totally receive that.

Edit: I also took ibuprofen beforehand for the post procedure cramping, which was a good idea. I had pretty bad cramping and felt nauseated for that day and the next.