IUD Replacement

Submitted by Worf0fWallStreet t3_z7z6cv in washingtondc

I need to get my IUD replaced soon and am having some major anxiety over it. When I had mine inserted it was the worst pain I’ve experienced, even compared to the several broken and dislocated knee incidents I’ve had. Are there any practices in the DMV that will numb your cervix before removal and insertion?

I talked to my physician about it and she seemed surprised that I would ask for such a thing and said no. I know many of my girlfriends had a similar painful experience so I’m not sure why this is such a surprise request.

Edit to say thank you so much to everyone for your advice and kindness! I’m very glad to know that at least a few physicians out there are acknowledging how traumatic this very necessary device can be to insert. Hopefully our medical system with start listening more to women and providing for us instead of dismissing our needs and experiences. You all are amazing!

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saiph t1_iy9uro7 wrote

I had my IUD inserted by Kendall Adams at NOVA Physicians to Women, and she rx'd misoprostol the night before to soften the cervix and did a lidocaine injection the day of. I get the impression that this is something they do at their practice as a matter of course, and they offered it before I even asked about pain management. I appreciated that they were proactive about bringing it up, which gave me the option to opt out instead of putting me in a position where I had to ask (or worse, beg). It felt very validating and empowering. Also, she's just a very kind and patient doctor with a great bedside manner.

(FYI, my insurance did not cover the lidocaine, but the practice was very clear that might be the case in advance.)

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sh-ark t1_iyb7t1h wrote

if you don’t mind sharing, how much was the lidocaine?

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MidnightSlinks t1_iy91juq wrote

Some won't do direct numbing because a lidocaine injection is often more painful than the insertion would be and it makes the appointment longer. You may have better luck asking for a 1-dose prescription of Valium to take before your appointment. This is standard procedure for LASIK as it helps with anticipatory medical anxiety as well as any anxiety you'll feel from pain that might arise. Also ask for a cervix softener and ask what's a safe high dose of Advil that you can take an hour beforehand.

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ConsistentSyrup8168 t1_iy97i74 wrote

just piggy backing on this comment- reiter hill does it (i went april 2022)! it is so annoying that providers say that because it usually stands to reason that the lidocaine is more painful than the insertion if… you’ve had an injection and subsequently been numbed! if a provider tells you this it’s perfectly ok to push back!

edit bc i see now that a commenter below didn’t have the same experience— their downtown/south dupont location near 21 and M did do it!

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ecospartan t1_iya26wt wrote

Good to know! I go to that location and will be discussing switching my method at my appointment next week. I tried an IUD years ago and it didn’t work well for me but I’m open to trying again.

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anna-thilly t1_iyaex66 wrote

Popping in to say you should talk to your specific doctor about it. I went to Reiter hill in the same DuPont location to get my IUD replaced in Oct 2021 and received no pain management. (Spoiler alert - it was terrible)

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ecospartan t1_iyakc7u wrote

I will! Definitely will be exploring my options. I’m so sorry that happened to you. When I had mine done I’m 2018 for the first time before I moved to DC it was not a great experience for me either.

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rock_out_w_sox_out t1_iy8wchv wrote

I’ve had all my iud replacements done at planned parenthood locations. It’s worth a call to see if they’ll numb you. Ive found that they generally take womens’ pain seriously.

Capitol women’s care on k street (I believe)

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sikaj t1_iy8ya5z wrote

I will say that the planned parenthood on 4th st NE does not offer this. Good luck OP. I really do hope that you find someone

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SchrodingersCatfight t1_iy9z24y wrote

I went to PP for my first insertion and they were great! Even if they don't numb you, I honestly found it relatively manageable because they were so fast and efficient.

Had my second insertion at CWC and it was a NIGHTMARE. I'd gone for surgery with them and was doing a combined follow-up and insertion with the surgeon and he had to do it TWICE because he didn't seat it correctly the first time.

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ottereatingpopsicles t1_iya36ru wrote

I went to CWC, it didn’t really hurt, just a pinch and less than getting a shot. They did it during my period (so cervix is more open naturally) and told me to take ibuprofen ahead of time.

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SchrodingersCatfight t1_iya3pj6 wrote

Yeah, I think CWC as a place is hard to assess because there are so many offices and doctors! I was already a little salty at this guy after he expressed vocal disbelief that I'd had my copper IUD for the full 10 years. Don't know what to tell you, buddy, I def don't want kids.

The double insertion was the cherry on top.

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ottereatingpopsicles t1_iya49ng wrote

Wow that’s truly awful. You should name your OBGYN for the OP. Mine is Kenneth Blank, he was good

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SchrodingersCatfight t1_iya4pb6 wrote

I didn't think I'd remember him since it's been a few years, but it was Brad Norman. He works out of a couple of their locations.

No complaints about the surgery he performed but he was truly living up to the stereotypes about surgeons and bedside manner with the IUD stuff.

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EternalMoonChild t1_iyasq90 wrote

It’s definitely dependent upon provider. I had a horrific experience there trying to get my implant replaced.

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ActuaryPersonal2378 t1_iyaf3jy wrote

>https://metroarea.health/

Oh man the Carol Moses Center IUD insertion for me in 2017 was the worst pain I felt in my life - worse than my first IUD (I think my OB at the time gave me misoprostol for my first one)
My Planned Parenthood IUD experience has made me avoid going to the OBGYN for 5.5 years

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TwittySpr1nkles t1_iyankgz wrote

Capitol women's care did my 2nd one with numbing (at the now closed Arlington office). My current gyn at Inova did not use numbing for my 3rd.

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Empty-Monitor-3876 t1_iyd1avh wrote

I had a good experience at planned Parenthood, however the pain management wasn't great. I was offered three Advil prior to my kyleena insertion

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bookwyrm13 t1_iydtqb8 wrote

I had my Mirena replaced about 4 years at Capital Women's Care on K with Dr. Bajaj. I had a pretty awful first insertion elsewhere and was super anxious about it. They didn't offer anything to numb, but they did prescribe Xanax and that seemed to help - it was much less painful than my previous experience.

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ElsieDCow t1_iy9a9f4 wrote

Ro Tucker at Metro Area Advanced Practice Healthcare does.

She injects lidocaine and has a tens unit and heating pad for use during the procedure. And she’s good people!

https://metroarea.health/

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jamie2345891 t1_iy8v8i8 wrote

Good luck! There has been conversation recently about doctors not taking women’s pain seriously. There are practitioners who do offer pain relief but they seem to be far and few between. I wish I had suggestions of who. Hopefully this thread can help!

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Of_the_oak t1_iy95nl1 wrote

I cannot tell you where to go, but I can say that the Georgetown hospital turned down my request for anything like this. So probably avoid there?

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kateln t1_iyae11p wrote

Fun fact, that may be little known, Georgetown University and Hospital are Catholic affiliated, and Catholics are not fond of birth control.*

https://www.georgetown.edu/who-we-are/our-history/

*As this is Reddit I feel I need to specify that it's the "Catholic affiliation" part that may be little known. Not the "Catholics hate birth control" part.

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Empty-Monitor-3876 t1_iyd13xr wrote

I'd also like to add that Georgetown University Health Center hasn't always been so great about granting their students full access to emergency contraceptives (Plan B). And yes the Catholic affiliation deffo plays a role in that.

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lafemmedangereuse t1_iyd97d1 wrote

I’m shocked they would insert an IUD at all — I was told they couldn’t for that reason. (I will say, though, that I’ve had nothing but amazing experiences with the high risk (maternal fetal medicine) obgyn practice there and labor & delivery!)

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Capable_Meaning t1_iy9qepu wrote

Kaiser Capitol Hill did a numbing shot, it was so much better than the first time I got one in. Yes it stung a little but the painlessness of the iud insertion was 100% worth it.

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silversaint99 t1_iy8xbbt wrote

would *not* recommend reiter hill johnson for this. normally i find their doctors to be super kind and patient-focused, but for my insertion they wouldn't do anything for pain besides have me take advil + a cervix softner before my appt. i openly cried on the table when it was inserted lol. they also trimmed my strings too short to feel them, so i just have to trust it's there in between annuals.

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novapeachlover t1_iycm89h wrote

This happened to me as well at Reiter Hill. On top of the excruciating pain, the doctor didn’t insert the IUD correctly and I had to have it removed a few weeks later.

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AiReine t1_iy9ysj3 wrote

Bloom OB/GYN offers nitrous oxide/laughing gas for pain and anxiety during IUD insertion which has been shown to help but I know BCBS doesn’t cover the cost so it’s (iirc) a $75 additional charge.

(I opted not to because I’m a cheap ass and instead just asked the NP if I could listen to a guided relaxation video on Youtube and she was more than fine with it. They’re great.)

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thecookout t1_iy90rx7 wrote

Physicians and midwives will give you something to soften your cervix to ease the pain, and would probably be willing to discuss options. They are fabulous.

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spectroscopissed t1_iy98hvz wrote

I LOOOVEEE them, no questions asked they got me an ultrasound appointment when I said my IUD felt off and I wanted to make sure things looked normal.

Also OP do you for sure need yours replaced? If it's Mirena the FDA recently extended how long you can have it inserted (8 years instead of the original 5- they've been extending it year by year as more clinical test results become available. But periods may come back.) Sending good vibes and hope your replacement is as painless as possible. My first insertion had me sore for a while so your stress makes perfect sense- sending hugs

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alengthofthread t1_iya3h4g wrote

I just discussed IUD replacement with my NP there and had a really productive discussion on my options for pain management. From my NP she is not able to do the shots but I could have another doctor in the practice who is trained and does it. I even said the cramping was really what made it miserable for me and she said the cervix softener she usually prescribes could have cramping as a side effect so that may not be a good option for me. Felt really listened to and was good to know what my options will be when it’s time!

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Where_is_it_going t1_iyd95w4 wrote

I didn't ask for any additional pain management from them (my first insertion was almost painless so I didn't expect to need it), but I got an oral cervix softener from them and it did not help at all. My removal and reinsertion was genuinely some of the worst pain of my life.

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Avocadofarmer32 t1_iy8xq8h wrote

Had the same issue. My sister is actually a nurse and does a lot of these surgeries. You would just go to an outpatient surgicenter and be put under and then have it taken out/ put back in. You can pm me if you want more info!!

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marzgirl99 t1_iy92y25 wrote

This is why I’m so scared of IUDs lol. Might do nexplanon instead

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plutopius t1_iybn4a7 wrote

Everyone I know with Nexplanon has had horrendous side effects and got it removed.

Despite me screaming in pain for a half hour during the insertion, the Kyleena IUD has been well worth it.

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chapstickaddict t1_iy9mkq8 wrote

I recently had mine replaced at an Inova affiliated office. Per my doctor, Inova doesn’t allow them to numb the cervix. She did prescribe misoprostol to soften my cervix and recommended I take both acetaminophen and ibuprofen beforehand. I was similarly anxious since the original IUD placement was so painful but it wasn’t nearly as bad this time. I recommend taking the rest of the day off and getting cosy with a heating pad.

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sunshowered t1_iyacu6y wrote

“Doesn’t allow”??? That is insane. I just found out that in Australia they PUT YOU UNDER for an IUD insertion but you can’t even get lidocaine here?? Savages

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Whiskers4Life t1_iyayfg0 wrote

I would actually consider flying to Australia for my next reinsertion. My last one was so painful all I could do was lay there any cry.

Why does the US not take women's pain seriously?

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SaladLongjumping5126 t1_iy8ydvz wrote

I also asked for some sort of pain relief before I got mine done and was rejected. That being said, my Dr was very kind and did her best to make it a calm and comfortable experience (as did the nurse that was assisting, she was great). They were also very understanding when I had a little panic attack afterward lol. I went to Mary's Center in Petworth. Hope you're able to find someone that does some numbing/pain relief, but if not I can also send you the name of my gyn if you'd like.

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Lady-Amalthea-Psy t1_iy94x2d wrote

When Igor my first IUD my GYN prescribed misoprostol to take the night before and I took advil before going to the office. Maybe yu can ask for that when you set up the appointment?

edit: “I got”, not Igor, although not a bad name for an IUD I suppose 🤦🏻‍♀️

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ParkingAntelope2 t1_iyb281i wrote

I really thought Igor was either your physician or a fun nickname you’d given to the IUD.

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toga_hart32 t1_iy982zb wrote

Dr Warner at Warner Wellness Clinic did mine and it was so quick and minimally painful - He is the best OBGYN I have ever gone to, and while I'm not sure if they do anesthesia for it, you could certainly ask and there would be no judgement around it

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katieosnap t1_iyax59h wrote

Can confirm. Dr. Warner is the best. He put mine in and was super quick. I also had a D&C at the same time which meant I was eligible for a pain shot in the arm. I was a bit loopy so I don’t know what it was. When I get mine replaced next year, I’m not sure if I’ll be eligible again. It doesn’t hurt to ask!

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kateln t1_iyadjdx wrote

I had mine done last month at Liv by Advantia on U Street. They numbed the area with lidocaine, and honestly it felt like mild cramping.

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betzle t1_iybbgdr wrote

I didn't have this done there but came to recommend them, they seem pretty understanding and absolutely professional.

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palebluedot1984 t1_iy90uzo wrote

I had a similar experience with the IUD, so instead of replacing it, I got Nexplnon instead. Best decision ever.

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Loose_Cover_1246 t1_iy9juk8 wrote

Yes! Dr. Sheetal Sheth, with the GW Medical Faculty Associates (the Bethesda practice). She numbed my cervix before insertion and is just generally a fantastic doctor who puts the patient first. Unfortunately, she has quite a long waiting list, but if you can't get her specifically, maybe another doctor within GW MFA would do this too.

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alengthofthread t1_iya30xb wrote

My old doc at GW MFA also did numbing shots before insertion too! Didn’t have any pain at all with insertion (though the cramps afterward were really brutal). My doc did see this wasn’t standard across the practice - though this was 5 years ago!

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Illustrious-Fly3879 t1_iydjkkd wrote

I just got one in for the first time at GW MFA and the doc suggested the numbing shots - I didn't know that was even an option and man oh man did she save me from a world of hurt. She said always ask for the shot while you're making the appointment and if they say no, bail. She also said take ibuprofen before going, otherwise they'll give you some and wait for it to kick in before administering the numbing shot and inserting the iud. they were also great about giving me time to just sorta veg out while the shot wore off.

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Gilmoregirlin t1_iya1rg4 wrote

I don't have suggestions but my best friend said the pain was almost as bad as giving birth with no drugs, she almost passed out.

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greentotoro3 t1_iy97nsx wrote

I can’t really contribute on where to go as I had it in my university health center and the insertion itself was not terrible but 2 hours after that I called my partner crying in pain. Solidarity to you, sister ❤️

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tutengag t1_iyaso2p wrote

I just got mine done at OBGYN Associates of Silver Spring under full sedation.

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The_Empress t1_iyauisl wrote

I have searched high and low for a physician that will insert an IUD under partial / twilight sedation. I know that “the length of the procedure and relative discomfort compared to other procedures does not warrant the risks” but I’ve had so much trauma associated with all of that, that I really, really, really don’t want to be further traumatized by an IUD insertion.

Every doctor in the DMV that I’ve reached out to has said that the procedure is over so quickly that they don’t want to risk anesthesia. While valid, we give people pain and anxiety management for a tooth extraction. People’s pain is valid even if it’s inconvenient to manage.

I briefly came across a doctor with a practice in Annapolis (on mobile so I can’t link right now) who has admitting rights at a hospital nearby and is open to doing the insertion at the hospital. You need to be an active patient (so schedule, on board, get a routine PAP / etc), and then come in for an IUD consult. An attempt will be made to place the IUD the traditional way (with some symptom management like laughing gas). If it fails, you’d return to do so at the hospital. I opted against seeing him because his front desk person just said “he doesn’t prescribe any opioids if that’s what you want” the second I asked about what they offer for pain management.

The Dupont Clinic will do whatever you want but all costs are out of pocket (and they don’t carry the copper IUD in house if that’s what you would be interested in). The cost is about $1800. I decided against it just because I have never had an IUD before and would be out the money if my body rejected it or something. But I’ve heard only positive things about the clinic and everyone I talked to was extremely sweet.

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Affectionate-Ad-1342 t1_iy9l209 wrote

My doc didn’t offer it, but CWC on L street is where she is at. She was incredibly kind and sympathetic. Scheduling is a little all over the place with CWC (has anyone else experienced that?) but my doc was super sweet and so quick. While painful, she was as nice as can be which made it more bearable.

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ActuaryPersonal2378 t1_iyafg2h wrote

Oh man just an FYI the PP Carol Moses Center IUD insertion for me in 2017 was the worst pain I felt in my life - worse than my first IUD (I think my OB at the time gave me misoprostol for my first one)

My Planned Parenthood IUD experience has made me avoid going to the OBGYN for 5.5 years

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lc1138 t1_iydapdg wrote

Can I ask why you would get the IUD again? Just go for nexplanon if you can. This is why I avoided the IUD. Not worth the insertion process.

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Worf0fWallStreet OP t1_iyddng2 wrote

For me, it is absolutely worth it because my priorities include 1) not getting pregnant, 2) using forms of birth control that are compatible with my high blood pressure, and 3) not having a period. For #3, having not had a period for so many years, I don’t think I could ever go back to that misery.

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lc1138 t1_iyde5ia wrote

I do not get my period on nexplanon. Not many people do. The implant is 99.99% effective. I’m not sure how it interacts with people who have high blood pressure, but those other two things you most likely would not have to worry about!

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Worf0fWallStreet OP t1_iydegej wrote

That’s good to know, I’ll have to talk to my physician about that as an option! I only have one girlfriend who had it and she wound up with worse periods, so I have always thought to avoid it.

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lc1138 t1_iydemg2 wrote

I gotcha. Yeah I was on depo before nexplanon and also did not get my period on that. My OB/GYN told me that since I stopped my period on depo my body would most likely react the same to nexplanon. Depends on the person I suppose!

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Verag7 t1_iydix7v wrote

I never had any pain meds, but I’ve had 3 IUDs removed for expelling. Other birth control methods are contraindicated for me due to other medical issues. The removal for me at least was not nearly as bad as insertion. I honestly had no idea I could’ve gotten medications….. wow

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APO_AE_09173 t1_iy9xtwf wrote

Request that your OBGYN insert during your period. It is far less painful.

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barkeepersbuddy t1_iybe5wq wrote

I just had mine removed and felt nothing. My doctor said that generally removals are not painful the way that insertions can be for some people. I hope that ends up being the case for you, too!

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Shop-Crafty t1_iybbuwy wrote

Maybe IUD isn't good for you. Sorry you have to deal with the pain. GL

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