I’ve heard IUD insertion can be painful. What pain management options are available at Planned Parenthood?

Intrauterine devices (also known as “IUDs”) are a popular long-lasting form of birth control that are 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. However, for many folks, the insertion or removal process may cause varying levels of discomfort. 

You should always have power and control over your own body and health care decisions, which is why we offer IV sedation to make the IUD insertion and removal process easier

Everybody's experience with IUDs is different. 

If you’re worried about having a procedure that might have some discomfort or you've had a negative experience before, please remember: You should feel empowered when you're choosing your birth control method, not like it's gonna be a traumatizing experience. 

Sedation for IUD insertion is now available at the Planned Parenthood health center in Fairview Heights, Illinois. Get all the benefits of this long-lasting, effective birth control method — without the painful placement process.

At Planned Parenthood, we offer various options for pain management. Before you get your IUD, your health care provider will review your medical history and determine the appropriate level of sedation for you. 

IV sedation involves administering medication through an intravenous line to induce relaxation and reduce anxiety. Once the IV is in place, you'll be brought to the exam room where the procedure will take place. Your provider will not begin the insertion process until you are comfortable. Then they will perform a pelvic exam, determine the size and direction of your uterus, place the speculum, and insert the IUD. Your provider will ensure you have adequate sedation from start to finish, that's from before pelvic exam until speculum is out. You’ll be monitored in the recovery room for about 30 minutes or so as the medicine wears off. Plan to have someone available to drive you home.

If a higher level of sedation is what you think you need, please talk with your provider.

Since an IUD is preventive care, it’s completely covered by most health insurance plans. This means that the care is provided at no cost to you. Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri accepts many types of health insurance. Please bring your insurance card with you to your appointment. We will bill your insurance for sedation services.

If you don’t have health insurance, that’s okay! You may qualify for reduced-cost or no-cost health services. Call us for more information about financial help.

Sedation for IUD insertion and removal is now available at the Planned Parenthood health center in Fairview Heights, Illinois. Call us at 618-277-6668 for more information. We look forward to caring for you!