IUD experience with vulvodynia

[u/atomic_love_]

Hi everyone, I thought I would come on here and share my recent experience of having my iud replaced. I developed vulvodynia last year and I was terrified of how it would go. I also have a horrible experience replacing my previous one. This time it was much better and of course there wasn’t zero pain but it was so much more manageable. My provider was incredibly nice and understanding of my past experience and current diagnosis. I took anti anxiety meds ahead of time, zofran, and 800mg ibuprofen. I was also on my period which everyone should be when they are having this done if possible. She used lidocaine jelly first to numb the entire area then used a paracervical block. I was very nervous for this since I have heard very mixed experiences. Mine did not hurt at all due to the numbing jelly used. The removal and insertion did hurt a fair bit but it was definitely manageable. She really took her time in between steps to make sure I was okay before moving forward. This really helped with the anxiety as well as I was prepared for each step.

If you need an IUD I would highly recommend finding a provider that provides adequate pain management. The very minimum of lidocaine jelly and paracervical block and make sure to take pain meds the night before and 1 hour before the procedure to stay ahead of the pain.