What to Expect the Day of Your IUD Placement

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are an incredibly convenient and reliable form of birth control. An IUD is more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. Once it’s placed, you don’t have to worry about contraception. 

There are no pills to take or injections to schedule. In the heat of the moment, you don’t have to worry about putting on a condom (unless you’re protecting against a sexually transmitted disease) or inserting a diaphragm.

Have you decided that an intrauterine device (IUD) is the right choice for your contraceptive needs? The OB/GYN team at Women’s Care of Beverly Hills in South Bay, Redondo Beach, and Beverly Hills, provides expert IUD placement.

Read on to learn what to expect during your IUD placement so you feel prepared and informed.

Before placement

We sometimes recommend you take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, an hour or so before your appointment to reduce discomfort during the procedure. Always let us know if you’re experiencing any symptoms of illness or if you think you might be pregnant.

Arrive at our office at the scheduled appointment time. We recommend you wear comfortable clothing and bring a sanitary pad or panty liner. Some spotting or light bleeding after the procedure is normal.

During the placement of your IUD

For the placement procedure, you lie back on an exam table with your feet in stirrups, just like you do for a pelvic exam. We then insert a speculum into your vagina to gently hold it open and get a clear view of your cervix. We clean the cervix and may use a special instrument called a tenaculum to hold it steady.

After measuring the depth of your uterus to ensure proper placement of the IUD, we insert the IUD through the cervix and into the uterus. This may cause some cramping or discomfort, but these sensations should be brief.

When the IUD is in place, we remove the insertion device and trim the strings attached to the IUD to an appropriate length.

After IUD placement

In the immediate days after IUD placement, you may experience some cramping, spotting, or light bleeding. These side effects are normal and usually ease up within a few days. You can typically resume your normal activities immediately after the IUD placement, although you may want to avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for the rest of the day.

Follow-up appointment

We then schedule a follow-up appointment with you to ensure that the IUD is properly in place and to address any questions or concerns you may have. It’s important to attend this appointment and be ready to ask any relevant questions. 

If you have any questions or concerns about IUD placement or contraception in general, reach out to Women’s Care of Beverly Hills. Call or use the online tool to book an appointment today.