FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — Planned Parenthood this week began offering sedation for patients during insertion of an intrauterine device, an increasingly popular form of long-acting birth control, after more women are sharing about their painful experiences on social media.
“Our patients and patients across the country are raising awareness about their negative experiences, specifically with the IUD insertion process — and are asking for better pain management options,†said Dr. Colleen McNicholas, chief medical officer for .
“We listened to their needs and are pleased to now offer sedation for our patients who prefer it — one of the few providers offering this care routinely in the outpatient setting.â€
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Over the last two decades, more women are choosing to get IUDs because of their long-term effectiveness, ease of use, and their many non-contraceptive benefits, including lighter periods and cancer prevention, providers say.
When the piece of flexible T-shaped plastic is inserted in the uterus, it can work for up to three to 12 years and can be removed any time. It is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
According to a of women ages 15 to 44 who have had sex, the percentage who had used an IUD during 2015-2019 was almost three times the percentage in 2006-2010, going from 7.7% to 21.4%.
Some women experience pain as the device is pushed through the cervix into the uterus. Placement of the IUD in the uterus can also cause severe cramping, sometimes lasting for days.
providers underestimate women’s pain during IUD insertions. In one study of 200 women, the women reported an average maximum pain score of nearly 65 on a scale of 0 to 100. The average reported among their providers, however, was about 35.
In the past, IUDs were mostly used by women who had already given birth, and they may report less pain during insertion of an IUD because the cervix is more open. But as more women choose IUDs who have never given birth, experiences of pain are coming more to the forefront.
Numerous women have documented , which have prompted others to share about their experiences as well.
of #IUD on TikTok found that of the videos sharing patient experiences, all had a “negative or ambiguous tone†and nearly 97% highlighted pain and other side effects.
Of videos conveying patient experiences, all had a negative or ambiguous tone and 96.8% highlighted pain and other side effects related to IUDs.
“Sexual and reproductive health care services can make patients feel vulnerable, anxious, and fearful, and in some cases, resurrect prior negative or traumatic experiences,†McNicholas said. “Truly centering patients requires a trauma-informed approach to care.â€
Not all patients need sedation, she said. Some may choose none or just pills that can help with anxiety.
Others can get an IV that provides a combination of anxiety and pain medication, which causes them to be very sleepy and unlikely to remember the procedure. Some may need an even higher level of sedation.
Many primary care offices where women may get IUDs are not equipped or staffed to provide intravenous sedation during the procedure. However, some family planning clinics like Planned Parenthood are able to offer the service.
In addition to IUD insertion and removal, intravenous sedation is available for procedures such as cervical cancer screening, vasectomy, colposcopy (LEEP) procedures, and uterine biopsy at Planned Parenthood’s Fairview Heights clinic.
Sedation means patients will be in the clinic a bit longer, up to an hour as the medicine wears off, and need to have someone with them to drive them home.
The executive director of the l, a nonprofit that for more than 40 years has administered the state’s Title X family planning funds for low-income Missourians, said the new service will help decrease barriers to accessing contraception.
“Patients know their bodies best,†Michelle Trupiano said, “and this is another tool to ensure everyone can access care that’s right for them.â€
To make an appointment, patients can call 618-277-6668.