Readers Respond: What Is Your IUD Removal or IUD Insertion Experience?

Never try to remove your IUD by yourself or ask an unqualified person to do so as this could cause serious damage.

Are you wondering what to expect during your IUD removal or insertion? Be prepared. Learn about possible complications. See what other women have experienced during their IUD removals and IUD insertions.

Also, feel free to share:

• What Led You to Choose an IUD?
• What Advice Convinced You to Get an IUD?

Painful!

I had my Mirena placed about a year ago. It was the most pain I have ever been in. I had even taken a percocet before I went in and it didn't help at all. I was sweating, nauseus, and very light headed. I have never had children, but if the pain is anything like this, I will not be having them. I do however feel like the pain was worth it. I think I had one period after it was placed and haven't had one since. I get some cramping once in a while but it isn't too bad.

—Guest Kellpdx

Ive had two Mirena's inserted removed

My first IUD was inserted after my second child was born in 2002. The insertion was a little more painful that a pap smear. I was nervous, but it was easy. No bleeding. No spotting. Nothing. By the time I was dressed and leaving the doctor I had all but forgotten about it! I had that Mirena IUD removed 5 years later. That was a little trickier. My doctor couldn't see the string. It was uncomfortable for awhile. Then he started talking about having to dialate me to get it. I told him we'd just have to wait. There was NO WAY I was being dialated! He tried once more (using these long tweezers) and got it. I felt the initial tug and then it was out. That same day he inserted the new one. It was easy and painless. Yesterday I had that one removed. It has been 5 years. He removed it on the first try. Again, I felt the tug. As soon as I felt that I breathed out slowly and it was out! I've had no bleeding and only a little cramping. Stay relaxed and you'll be fine!

—Guest Coco

Paragard removal

Insertion was not painful at all for me. I went to have my paragard IUD removed yesterday because it has been in for 10 years. It was VERY painful! He had to put an instrument in to move down my cervix because it was so deep. He was still unsuccessful. It is still in the right place, but the strings are too short. I am scheduled to have surgery in 2 weeks to have it removed now. Never again!!!

—Guest Jennerj

LisaO

I had the Mirena put in 5 years ago. It did not really hurt going in but it did hurt when the DR. was trying to place it. The pain quickly subsided afterwords. I loved having the IUD since it stopped my periods that were always pretty bad. I loved not having to worry about the birth control. I just had it removed and although it was short lived the pain was pretty intense when she pulled it out. I had some cramping for about an hour and immediately started my cycle. I miss having the IUD already but debating on if I want to do it again. The doctor said that next time I should take both Ibuprophen and tylenol

—Guest LisaO

Worst pain ever

I have had the mirena in for four years now. First couple of years i had all kinds of side effects. The insertion was the worst pain i've ever felt considering i haven't had children and i am 42. My Dr. didn't even tell me to take so much as a Tylenol. He actually told me it was no different than my annual pap. Please take my advice and look into other people's experiences regarding insertion because my pain was awful. I bawled my eye's out and the Dr. asked me did it really hurt that bad? Really! The tears weren't fake and driving home alone was awful as well. Very dizzy at the wheel and nausiated. Good luck.

—Guest Davetta

Mirena IUD insertion

OMG! I had the IUD inserted this morning and the pain was indescribable. I have given birth and it was painful. I was sweating, nauseous, and almost fainted.

—Guest Smith

horrifying...

I had my second daughter in Sept 2011, was nursing when I got the mirena at 8weeks postpartum. Nursing leads to low estrogen levels, which leads to sensitive vaginal walls... My cervix is also considered "deep" and turned slightly, so the obgyn told me it would be a little uncomfortable for me.. well let me just tell you, after having two children--mirena takes the cake...it was the worse pain I have ever experienced in my life.

—Guest ADJ

No Pain, No Gain... I guess :s

I'm 19 and have experienced two abortions. I chose the Paragard IUD to prevent those traumatic experiences from ever happening again! The first time I got it, the pain was expected and cramps only lasted on that day and I felt none after a night's sleep. I had sex at the end of the second day, and everything felt fine. However, during the evening of the third day when I checked for the string, I felt the bottom of the IUD. The device partially expelled, and I had it removed by a doctor the afternoon after. When I told the doctor who inserted my first IUD of the previous expulsion, she looked a little surprised, but was sure that the second one would stay put. So, I got another one inserted. It has been three days so far and I still feel cramps, not as bad as the first day though. I checked for the strings and they're there, and I don't feel the device.

—Guest Alice

LOVE IT!!!

It seems those who haven't had children have problem/more pain. I've had two kids and found the insertion to be a little uncomfortable, but I had it done on my break then returned to work immediately after (I worked at the clinic where I had my Mirena inserted). I've had my Mirena for 4yrs and I've never had problems, and I love that my periods have ceased. I want to have my Mirena removed at my 5yrs and then the new one inserted at the same time!

—Guest Guest T

love mirena

I had mirena put in 6 weeks after having my son via c-section. My dr. Had to poke my cervix to get the mirena in and after placing it I was aked are you ok? I asked yes, why should it of hurt? I had no pain and wasn't even aware the mirena had been incerted. My strings are exactly where they were almost 18 months ago. I couldn't be happier with it!

—Guest jess

worked fine for me

I had my Mirena put in 2 months after my sone was born 4 years ago and have been pleased with my decision. Yes it hurt a little to put it in but the pain only lasted an hour. Since then I have not had a period and the freedom of not worrying about birth control has been fantastic. It has been wonderful and I recommend Mirena to anyone who asks. I have not had mine replaced yet.

—Guest beckyG0987

ok so far i think..

i have 3 kids. i took nothing, i expected a pinch going thru my cervix but never expected to feel like an arrow shot me thru my right side?! eventaully she said it was normal?! ultrasounds before and after show things are ok. i feel alittle sore and had some cramping driving in the car to work 2 days later.

—candyperfumegirl69

painful removal

My mirena iud was not able to be removed using the strings. Two people were unsuccessful at removal. A specialist had to remove it using specialized tools. It has by far been the most painful thing I've experienced. I even started to sweat from the pain. Even an 800 mg ibuprofen did next to nothing to stop pain. If I knew that getting it removed could be that painful I would never have gotten it to begin with. I really think there should be some place to report how many have to be removed this way and that women should be informed of these numbers prior to insertion. We should have the right to know. I appreciate this as a place to share such information.

—Guest mel

Scared for removal

Hey everyone, I got a non-hormonal IUD 4 years ago and I found it very painful during insurtion and am now very nervous to have it removed. I went to my family doctor but he wasn't able to locate the strings (I am assuming they were cut to short because I have never noticed strings even from the beginning) so he is sending me to a specialist and now I am even more freaked out. From reading your comments I am at least assured that the removal isn't as painful as insurtion has anyone else had difficulties removing your iud, and how did you over come that?

—Guest Katie