CDC updates guidelines for IUD pain management

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DENVER (KDVR) — Last month, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new guidelines for intrauterine device pain management.

IUDs are becoming more and more popular in the U.S. for contraceptive use, heavy menstrual flow and treatment for endometriosis. But as their popularity has risen, so have the horror stories.

“It was actually one of the worst pains that I’ve ever had,” Micah Alexander said.

Five years ago, Alexander had an IUD inserted, and she said it was an experience she will never forget.

“The doctor didn’t tell me how painful it was going to be and didn’t tell me to take any sort of pain relievers beforehand,” she said. “It was just extremely painful. Like, even the rest of the day I had to take the whole day off of work, and I was just laid up in bed.”

Stories like this are not all that rare.

“My friends, some of them have wanted to get an IUD but have held off because they’ve heard that it’s such a bad experience,” Alexander said.

CDC focuses on IUD pain management

This is something the new guidelines are hoping to prevent. The CDC’s new guidance includes a new recommendation that patients should be counseled on pain management before the procedure.

“The new CDC recommendation for IUD insertion essentially brought to light or brought forth some of the issues of pain with IUDs,” said Dr. Mandi Beman, a gynecologist surgeon with AdventHealth Porter.

AdventHealth Porter has already been putting this new guidance to use for years.

“It’s always been my philosophy to be a provider who gives options,” Beman said. “There’s never a one-size-fits-all for a patient when we’re talking about medicine or medical problems or surgeries or what have you.”

Beman said she offers patients anything from ibuprofen to sedation, and she said they are the only ones in Colorado to offer in-office anesthesia for the procedure.

“Our goal is just to make everyone feel comfortable, but what makes one woman comfortable may not be necessary for another woman,” Beman said.

When Alexander came to get her IUD replaced at AdventHealth Porter, she said the experience was completely different than her first one.

“One of my first appointments with Dr. [Olga] Muldoon, she mentioned that they have pain management for IUD insertion. Which, I was pretty nervous about getting mine replaced. And I’ve heard it’s worse when you’re getting it taken out then put back in,” she said. “I had no idea you could get it done under … sedation. And it was such a good experience. It was really quick.”

Beman said the goal is to make the experience as easy and comfortable as possible so women will be more likely to continue to seek care.

“It makes me just thrilled to have the opportunity to help patients in that way. Help them feel comfortable,” Beman said. “Again, have a positive experience at a doctor’s office, which then hopefully will promote their willingness to see doctors in the future.”

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Rachel Saurer

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