IUD Insertion Experiences?

[Janine]

I'm going to be getting my IUD soon, namely the Mirena. I've read tons of insertion stories, but they seem to all be from women who have never had a vaginal birth. Can anyone comment on the pain or lack thereof during insertion if you already had a vaginal birth beforehand? I know everyone is different, but I would like to hear whether it was painful for others.

[nicolemariep]

I had my Mirena placed 6 weeks after my youngest son was born vaginally. It was super easy. About 10 mins before the proceduce the nurse offered my Advil for potential cramping and I took it cause I am a wimp. But really, having it placed was no different than a typical pap except it takes longer. It was slightly uncomfortable, mostly because I don't enjoy people having their hands in there. Oh, and the stuff they clean your cervix with is really cold. The "sterile speculum" exams that I had to have while pregnant hurt way worse, and I only had slight cramping for the rest of the day. I think it's easier if you've has a semi recent vaginal birth.

[willownz]

Not really painful. Dilating the cervix hurt a bit but mot as much as stretch and sweeps.

[veveland]

I've had Mirena twice, both times after vaginal deliveries. For mine, they set it up just like a pap, but then my OB counted to three and had me cough hard on the count of three (when she put it in). I felt one strong cramp when that happened, and that was it. I was a little mildly crampy the rest of the night, but nothing major.

[chunkydunk]

I have had 3 mirenas placed and each was about the same. A bit uncomfortable and right when they grab my cervix I get a cramp. I cramp a bit the rest of the day.

Not sure if it's really normal, but I have bleeding for a few days after. Nothing heavy though.

[TwoDarlings]

Both of my DDs were vaginal births and my experience with Mirena was the same as PP. It was quick, mildly uncomfortable and I had very minimal cramps afterwards. I want to say they lasted less than an hour. Overall, a better experience then I was expecting.

[Janine]

Thanks for all the stories! I had mine put in this morning. It really wasn't much worse than a pap smear. Just crampy. I would have to say that the worst part was when the doctor put some antiseptic spray on my cervix. Ouch did that burn! But even that wasn't that bad. What a relief. After reading all these stories elsewhere by women who had never had a vaginal delivery saying that it was the worst pain, I was a little concerned. I guess having two kids does enough damage to your cervix that a little IUD is no biggie. LOL!

[tygr2410]

Glad you had a positive experience. I had horrible cramping, to where I needed pain killers, for 3 days and regular cramps for a week!

I also had mood changes and violent thoughts, as well as hairloss, bloating and weight gain. It was the worst thing ive ever done, and had it removed 3 months after insertion. I hope that doesn't happen to you or anyone though, but it's important to know so you can be on the lookout for side effects over the next month or so.