30 minutes of the most horrible pain and my doctor still couldn't get it in. I have a pretty high tolerance for pain, but this was truly horrible, and, in my case, for nothing.

I had one put in about 5 years ago (had it taken out last year). I have a tilted cervix, so the doctor had to dilate me to get it in (which I wasn't prepared for). Still it was about 5 minutes of pain, followed by some cramping the rest of that day, but that was about it. For me it was WELL worth the piece of mind! FWIW the removal was incredibly easy (the doctor just grabs the strings and pull, it was less than a second of a slight pinch, and that was it).

I wonder how much of the different experiences have to do with the timing of the insertion?

I have always heard its best to do during your period.

I had mine done 4 months after my C-section(and my period hadn't returned yet). I found the clamping of the cervix to be painful. I didn't like it at all. Way worse than a pap, and I had taken a percoset and 600 mg of Advil prior to my appointment!

Having said that, once it was in it was fine, and I'd do it again. I had moderate cramping for about 3 days, but no problems since then (about 6 months ago).

Good luck. The nice thing is, even if it hurts, it really is only for a few minutes.

I literally jumped off the table when I had mine put in. My doctor gave me cytotex AND used local...but once it was in it was fine...cramped for about 2 days (Motrin did the trick)...the 5 minutes of discomfort was definetly worth it for me though

Mine was a bit tough bc my cervix wouldn't open. they hadn't told me to take ibuprofen, but I should have bc this apparently would have helped me relax and my cervix open. that was the toughest part. not much cramping afterward.

OP here -- Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences.
My doc recommended having the insertion done during my period as the cervix is slightly dialated. I'll be on the last day of my period, so hopefully it will still help. I'll take a few advil beforehand just to be prepared.

It's funny, I had my first pap in years a couple of weeks ago (I've basically been pregnant for the last few years so haven't had one done). I always thought paps were pretty uncomfortable, but after having had 2 kids (the second of which was huge and did a lot of damage on the way out) I didn't even feel anything when she did it the other day. I'm hoping that bodes well for a less painful insertion...

I took advil before my paragard. Wasn't painful for
Me - slight amount of discomfort.

I had anesthesia during my insertion too. I thought it was standard, but doing a google search I see it's not. I guess that's why I didn't feel anything.

Anonymous wrote:Those of you with painful experiences, did the doc not use local anesthesia?

I don't think they use anything. I'm a PP who said mine was quite painful, and it was, for 5 seconds. It wouldn't have made sense to give me a shot because that would have hurt too.

I pass out and then vomited for 3 days . horrible!!!

but then my doctor told me to try again during my period when the cervix is more open, and I did not have pain at all !
this was 2 years ago .

What do you mean by local anesthesia, 23:32? There's nothing to numb, really? I wouldn't think a cervical injection would be worthwhile since they're not really doing anything to the cervix beyond passing something through it.

I found the cervical clamp uncomfortable -- the rest was fine.

Somewhat painful for about 5 secs. Some cramping and spotting that day. Then absolutely nothing for 11 years! Woo hoo! I'm so glad I did it. Now, though, I have to get the bad boy out and I'm worried that it might be painful.

Those of you with painful experiences, did the doc not use local anesthesia?

I was really nervous beforehand as I'd heard the horror stories of painful IUD insertions. I forgot to take pain meds before which added to the anxiety. But it wasn't bad at all -- I'd rate it slightly worse than a pap with a couple days of cramping and 4-5 days of spotting.

My doctor kept telling me I would barely feel it so was unprepared for the horrible pain. My paps are uncomfortable too so I should have known better and taken one of the Valium in my emergency stash!