My mum was not offered pain medication when she had cancerous cells burned off her cervix with a laser. They then acted shocked when she became tachycardic and began displaying shock symptoms. HER CERVIX WAS LITERALLY BEING BURNED AWAY WITH A FREAKING LASER!!!!! She said it felt like she was being electrocuted and burned from the inside out. Afterwards they told her there was pain medication available but they "didn't think it'd be necessary".
Wow sounds terrible, sorry your mum experienced that! I did have a laser treatment on my cervix, that was to treat erosion, and genuinely it did not hurt at all, like at all. I didn't have any pain medication either. I wonder if they were 2 different types of laser or what, because your mums experience sounds awful compared to mine.
We don't talk about "female" healthcare between my mother and I she got hot water shot in her cervix when I was a teen for precancerous cells but I wouldn't be surprised if she wasn't offended pain control
Why are women treated so poorly in the medical field? Why are we denied/not offered pain medication for invasive procedures? Why are we subjected to such harsh treatment? Its unbelievable, asinine. Men are given pain medication for any procedures below the belt, as they should be. Why are women so easily dismissed? Shameful. (This is a comment about the medical field as a whole, not about any doctor individually).
Deeply rooted misogyny, the patriarchy, people truly thinking women are less than and don’t deserve ease and comfort and compassion. Capitalism making healthcare for profit makes it even worse
Crazy feminist right here. Life is hard. Life is painful. If you want to live with all struggles removed, get some drugs and live on a couch your whole life.
This is not only problematic for women getting an IUD, but also for endometrial biopsies and office hysteroscopy. Could you please do a video on the effective pain control measures you do use? Thank you!
Had iud replace my and biopsy the same time… omg not offered anything as well but had pre medicated with Tylenol and then took sleeve when I got in the car. Had to sit for 20 minutes before heading home. This was my third IUD while the pain wasn’t any worse than I remover from first two placements the biopsy was killer. *I do have a high tolerance for pain so I can only imagine how other’s feel when getting IUD placed. I agree pain meds pre insertion should always be offered at the minimum.
I'm actually a little amused to find your comment because I was going to say something somewhat similar... Though I had my IUD placed after I had already had an experience of a doctor trying to do a uterine biopsy in the office. When I had the biopsy attempted in the office, I was having a pretty significant issue at the time. Had worked on losing a lot of weight and I had been pretty emotionally intolerant of hormonal birth control up until that point. Unfortunately the estrogen influx that I got from losing a significant amount of fat weight as well as taking a dosage of birth control that I now know was way too high for my body, and that influx inspired a dermoid cyst to start rapidly expanding... It was developing for probably around a month, as a had a very light but continuous. For about 5 weeks before I finally went to the doctor. Or at least, I made my appointment to see her about it, they sent me for like 2 weeks out but before I could get to that appointment, the cyst had grown enough to cause momentary ovarian torsion and I ended up in the ER which is where they discovered it, at that point it was between 6:00 and 7 cm in diameter. Obviously in order to monitor something like that, they do transvaginal ultrasounds, and in the course of a week I had three separate transvaginal ultrasounds along with the accompanying manual exam pelvics as they were instructing me to go back to the ER for any urgent change and pain... So I had the initial aggressive ER visit and then a checkup as I was waiting for my appointment and then another ultrasound done the day of this appointment was done. Between the ER and the day I saw my physician to talk about a game plan, I had gained another three centimeters in diameter so it's up to about 9 cm on this cyst that was becoming a bigger and bigger risk of rupture. It was with that 9 cm dermoid cyst and a body that was bruised and swollen from the aggressive probing it had received multiple times, my doctor puts me in stirrups and so she's just going to do an exam but then while I'm sitting in the stirrups she tells me because I've been bleeding so long she wants to do a uterine biopsy and without any warning or preemptive medications or anything, she puts in the dilator and I screamed. Mind you, I have a neurological genetic condition that is associated pain experiences estimated to be 2 to 3 times the average, with pain medication needing to be certain types at higher doses, I've lived through a lot of pain and I don't typically holler about it but that was something that you might as well have told me she put a steak knife through me. She was actually exasperated and got frustrated with me, told me fine, we'll just do it during surgery... And that's the thing I never really understood about that particular visit. Watching a dermoid cyst essentially double in size between its initial discovery and The removal less than 2 weeks later, I should think that an OBGYN could see that and expect that the area was going to be sensitive and sore in general but then to also know there is potentially other things going on and to be that insensitive when you know full well you're taking this person to the OR and you can do it with them completely unconscious without the aggressiveness. She was planning a d&c anyway, The only indication of possible cancer he had was family history and the length of bleeding, so it wasn't like it was vital information before she got in there, I was a second procedure being tacked onto an urgent surgery lol When I later went in to get an IUD with her several months after that surgery was completed, they gave me Valium. They didn't tell me to take medication for pain but they told me to take the volume because I had never had childbirth and I had struggled with the force dilation during that attempt at a biopsy so... Theoretically the volume was meant to quell my anxiety and help with muscle relaxant. I still involuntarily clung to the table when it was done. I only got to enjoy the benefits of having one for less than half a year because the 12 months or so after that were by far The most life-threatening and difficult months of my entire life, with several of her choices and potential mistakes being the reason why I can't have kids at all anymore lol
I had a hysteroscopy to collect cells to test for cancer, but my doctor did such a bad job applying the local anaesthesia that i somehow felt it in my brain and legs but not my pelvis. I couldn't relax at all which only made the procedure more difficult.
I was at planned parenthood a couple of months ago, and they recommended an IUD. When I asked the provider what she would do for pain control, she said they'd give me xanax. Um? I told her I wasn't anxious, and I had already told her my horror story of trying to get an iud about 15 years prior. When I asked for pain control, she looked at me like I was a green headed alien. My feedback to PP was that they should be at the leading edge of women's health advocacy. The research is abundantly clear that MANY women experience extreme pain with this procedure. I did not end up getting the iud, and really was given no solution for my presenting problem. America, yeah!
Planned Parenthood is notorious for not caring about women at all. If a grown man takes a young girl in there for an abortion they won't even bat an eye. They also prey on Black and POC communities
Planned Parenthood doesn’t give any pain meds ever. Well, nothing stronger than Tylenol so I’m shocked to hear they would give you a benzodiazepine?! That’s not for pain, it’s for anxiety.
@NotJessH yeah I know xanax is for anxiety, hence my confusion as to why they'd offer it to me when I asked about pain, not anxiety. They treated me like it was a psychological issue rather than a straight up pain issue. Pretty offensive of them- and medically sexist of them.
I got mine placed when I was 18 and I came into the office and the lady ask me if I took Motrin. I hadn't so I said "no why is it going to hurt?" And she was like oh no it's not that bad. It was the worst pain of my life. I've given birth vaginally unmedicated twice and had an episiotomy with no pain meds and I can still remember how painful getting the IUD place was. I was literally screaming and in tears in the office. Afterwards she just said "well now you know what childbirth will be like!" I was sobbing the whole ride home and my mom was totally shook. I took like four Advil when I got home and passed out. ETA: if you had a great experience and feel the need to tell me that...congrats? Unnecessary.
Wow I’m so sorry that sounds awful!!! I had a paragard placed after my third child(4 total), all vaginal and minimal pain med assistance, and the IUD placement felt like a tiny pinch. My OB was very skilled and sensitive, really a wonderful OB. I’m thinking the doctor mistreated you, wasn’t skilled at placement and rough, maybe? Gosh that is just terrible to be treated that way in a doctors office, by a doctor! Ugh it just burns me up.
@@MiVidaBellisima just listen to all the other women with the same story. Whether it was "supposed" to hurt that bad is irrelevant because it does for so many people
@@dm96177 Same, they took four samples with me… maybe it’s the standard? I’m not sure. I’m sorry to hear that you had to go through that too. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. 😣
@@dm96177 That's why I want to do everything in my power to avoid this procedure. They found abnormalities almost 1 year ago and I went to the colposcopy but I was on my period (noone told me you can't be) and even the speculum hurt so fricking bad. The doctor couldn't see anything so it was delayed. I canceled the second appointment as soon as I got home. I have made a second pap 3 months ago in hopes it cleared up on its own and got the call that it was still there. I literally can't do this. I already have some trauma related to pain in my vaginally area, Im pretty sure I would just break down in the office and get a panic attack.
I also had a cervical biopsy. I had to grip the table with everything in me to prevent myself from kicking the OBGYN through the wall. It hurt that badly. Two weeks later, I had the IUD appointment. It took me over an hour to do the pregnancy test because I was anxious and scared. I eventually did it and had no pain from the IUD placement, but after having the biopsy I'm sure there's no comparison with the pain.
I’m so happy this is being talked about! Apart from having to do my own research because my gynecologist barely told me what would be going into my body he said “it’ll feel like just a pinch, it’s nothing” When I stood up slowly and went to exit the office, I had to lay down in the waiting room almost passing out and in the worst pain ever. The receptionist had to put pillows to elevate my legs and the doctor didn’t once check on me while my mum ran to get me pain medication... Also didn’t know that I could bleed from it or that I couldn’t use a menstrual cup. Had to use Google for information... I would love love love more videos about IUDs ❤ Thank you so much!
A friend of mine is a GP nurse and she said patients come in all the time for accidentally pulling out their IUD with a menstrual cup, because they didn't know they couldn't use one. Education is really lacking there😢
I got mine this year in Scotland while I was living with my fiancé. The doctor there was so kind and made sure I was numb, gave me plenty of time to numb since I said I can take more than what’s expected. She poked the area lightly several times and made sure I was okay to proceed. I only cramped a little for maybe a couple minutes as she was measuring depth and was so apologetic I was even cramping. She did such a great job I was fine to walk around the rest of the day and we only paid £325 out of pocket for everything. She even checked placement that day to make sure she got it correct for the best chance of not needing to come back. Prior to this I was too afraid to get it done in the US because of the lack of care and pain management. Plus the price out of pocket was insane here.
I'm glad you had such a sympathetic doctor! She looked after you very well. I think this illustrates the difference between patient-centred care and profit-centred care. The first is what everyone should have access to and the second should be banned everywhere.
That's honestly why I hate this country so much. We as women are not taken seriously in regards to our health in this country. Many doctors in here don't care about their patients wellbeing but about the money they make from us. It's ridiculous. No wonder Europe is so ahead of America. It seems like in Europe they actually care about their people while here in the United States they don't care if you live on the streets or you off yourself.
When I got my last IUD placed, super recently after recovering from an abusive relationship, I was not prepared for the pain and literally screamed at the top of my lungs while she was placing it. I felt so bad for everyone else in the office as well as my doctor and nurse but they were so sweet and understanding. I have never felt pain like that before in my life and just started sobbing after she was finished, had to have someone come get me bc I couldn’t drive home and laid on the table pantless until my ride got there since I was too nauseous and in pain to move. This procedure should be done under some sort of anesthetic - I understand it’s not as painful for everyone, but I am dreading the day I have to get it removed. It’s made me terrified of ever getting another IUD placed in the future
ean I would be sexually active. But I couldn’t take it anymore so I made an appointment at planned parenthood for an IUD. They went in me, and after the doc hella trying and me being in crazyyy pain he gave me a pill to dilate my cervix. 5 minutes later, he went in again and shoved that shit in and said, “wow, cerci’s still very tight to put it in”. He sent me home right then and there. I had to skate and take the bus home for 8 miles and I was DYING. I was crying the whole time. I didn’t sleep AT ALL the whole night because of the pain, and went to school the next day and was in the back of my classes crying the whole entire day because of the torturous pain. After 4 of my classes, I called the planned parenthood I went to and they said if I wanted to I could come back and take it out. So I did. They yanked it out, and even though that hurt like hell too, I could tell not even 5 minutes later I was done with the most painful ordeal of my life. I felt violated and used and tortured and then later angry that they could torture a 17 year old girl like that and act like it was nothing.
Thank you! I’ve had 2 iud placements. Female and male. They both looked at me like I was a drama queen. I have ink and a high threshold for pain. But damn iuds hurt!
does removal hurt worse, less, or equal to placement? i got mine a few years back and it was the worst pain of my life, i was pretty much laid out for almost a week after. im worried removal will be about the same :/
@@whisperrayne9590I've heard it's a lot worse getting it removed, but I haven't experienced it to be able to say it for myself. I don't wanna scare you either with something that could be false, but I have heard a lot of women say it felt unbearable, like an organ being yanked out from there. Idk if that's cause the doctors are rough and just think vaginas are indestructible or if it really is just *that* painful to get done. Hopefully you can get pain meds or it won't hurt much!! Best of luck ❤
@@whisperrayne9590I can't speak for anyone else but placement was absolute hell (I even asked my doc if I should take the day off, and was told no, I'd be fine to go to my shift later that day- they wouldn't let me leave the doc office to drive until I had at least restored color to my face) but removal was less uncomfortable than a typical pap smear. Faster too. Each was with different doctors though.
@@nekofletcher4649 Completely understand. I got some cotton swab test (I dont recall the name) done at the same time so I expected it to be worse than usual, but it was just awwwful. I had to take the day off and I could barely walk for the rest of the day, they were the worst cramps I've ever had. I'm surprised to hear they told you not to! I don't know why they wouldn't just let you have the day anyway, not like it affects them at all. But I'm happy to hear I can expect at least a little less pain on the other end of it, thank you for answering!! Have a great day! (:
My doc raw dogged it to be honest, and I have endometriosis he treated me for and when I tightened up told me “it isn’t so bad and he thought I would be a trooper” I still get nauseous when I think about it. The brighter side is I have 2 daughters who I can and will advocate for if they choose this route for their future. Edit: I have given birth 3 times to full gestation babies 1/12 times feeling the full scope of pain, and had 2 D&C and a radical hysterectomy that was medically necessary and am aware of differing pain it all hurt but on a scale. This was like a shocking pain with having a doc that made me feel my instinct was causing him trouble rather than adequately treating me for the procedure.
I’ve been told “what? That didn’t hurt” before and it makes me feel instantly murdery. It’s another level of gaslighting and it’s gross. I understand and I’m sorry that you had that experience.
I had my IUD inserted only a few months ago and it was the worst pain I have ever experienced. I've had 5 surgeries, have 2 tattoos and some piercings, and have *really* bad cramps. I bit the inside of my cheek so hard I tasted blood while I was trying to stop myself from crying. We deserve so. much. better. Routine medical procedures should not be comparable to torture.
I had an HSG done that hurt more than 10 hours of labor with no pain meds. I had no idea to expect pain like that and walked away feeling violated. We need stronger pain meds for a lot of these procedures.
I remember rotating through the HSG room for several weeks while in school for radiology. I was honestly shocked at how pain was handled. The patients were clearly very uncomfortable, and we gave them a handful of gloves to squeeze. 😔
@@LeeannG thank you for the validation. You honestly start to wonder if it’s just you but a catheter going through your cervix and spraying liquid through you fallopian tubes is very painful. I see no reason for a doc to say just take a couple of Tylenol before you come in instead of providing more adequate pain relief.
My NP laughed at me, knowing i had PCOS and loads of uterine scarring. She just laughed and said i was acting like it was worse than it was. I begged them for an Advil, through literal tears, and one of the nurses had to scrounge through their own purse to find me some Like, what on earth. What are so many of these doctors, nurse practitioners, etc. even DOING. I can't imagine treating someone like that. And they did it all again a week later when i had to have it out again. It makes me so angry when i think about it. And if this happened to me, a person with some general privilege, what on EARTH is it like for others. 🤬
Don’t let them. The first time I went to my OBGYN as an 18 year old, first time without my mom, they forced me to do an exam I’d explicitly said I did not want to do
Remembers me of something my mum told me about a classmate of hers that had an IUD but got incarnated, and the (male) doctor just took it out without any kind of pain medication. And that was not her only bad experience in reproductive health. They actively treated women as pieces of meat and didn't care how much pain they caused, often on purpose.
Getting an IUD was the worst pain I’ve ever felt. I was not prepared, I had no idea it would hurt that much. I have a high pain tolerance and have had several knee surgeries and torn muscles as I’m an active person. Nothing compares. I almost threw up. I had it for three years and then had it removed and felt an instant relief that that thing was out. I was still mad at it for what it did to me going in. 😂
I agree so much. I felt an inmense pressure/pain, as if someone was slowly crushing my female organs. I got nauseous and almost fainted. The doctor was so upset and cold because she had to take care of me.
My iud experience was horrible! My GP did it, but she didn’t do any of the proper prep work; no ultrasound, no pain meds, not that little pincer thingy they use to keep your uterus in place, nothing, just put in a speculum and rammed the iud up there. I had screamed in pain and afterwards she made fun of me for being a “drama queen”, it was horrible. Yet even worse, because she didn’t do it properly I continued to be in pain and discomfort for weeks. Finally an obgyn would see me and without even examining me basically dismissed my concerns by saying a little pain was normal and I was just anxious and making the pain worse in my head. Continued to be in pain and discomfort after that, until the obgyn would see me again. This time I insisted on an ultrasound and what do you know? The iud was in there all wrong, poking into the sides of my uterine wall causing the pain. The doc just very nonchalantly said “oh I guess you weren’t making it up” NO SHIT?! She said it would be best to remove it and proceeded to do the same thing the GP did but in reverse, just put in a speculum and yanked the iud out. I was left with an inflamed uterus for weeks after. When I asked her at the end of the appointment what contraceptive options were left for me since both the pill and the iud hadn’t worked out, she just laughed at me and said “I don’t know, maybe just go get pregnant.”
My friend was in so much pain they had to stop the procedure. My sister managed to finish hers but she had to stay an extra 3 hours after because every time she tried to stand up she would vomit and pass out (this happened 3 times) before they made her stay. The doctor’s only notes on her procedure later said “patient tolerated procedure well” wtf
I am now 66, but when I was in my 40s my OB/GYN did a biopsy of my cervix in his office. I had no notice of how painful it was nor offered any pain meds. It was so incredibly painful that I grabbed ahold of a tissue box that was on the wall next to the exam table, and didnt mean to, but ripped it off the wall. I guess I screamed so loudly that two nurses came running. This was the man who had delivered my daughter years before and I had trusted him. I have never gone back. I now go to a woman OB/GYN. No problem now. Women understand women!
I understand, I was not offered pain meds during cervical biopsies either. I suffer from endometrial pain during ovulation & period. Meds do not take all pain away. Very frustrating & interferes w my ability to get out of bed certain days of the month.
This. I’ve done three cervical biopsies and an endo cervical curettage. The biopsies themselves didn’t hurt too terribly for me (pain is subjective and I have a higher pain tolerance), but the cramps AFTER the biopsies lasted for three days and those were AWFUL. The endocervical curettage was done at a follow up appointment after I had a cervical cone biopsy done (the cone was done under general anesthesia). The provider who did the follow up did NOT tell me I would be getting the ECC. I had no OPTION to even try and medicate beforehand. I was on my period so my cervix was slightly open already but…it felt like I was being stabbed. I screamed expletives so loud that I swear the entire hospital heard me! It was horrific how I was never even given the option! We need to do better!
I had a cervical biopsy without any pain medication. Lying on my back, with a man causing severe harm to my insides messed with me so badly I didn't want my husband near me for weeks. He also didn't tell me he would be taking three samples. He told me it would only be one. Is absolutely unacceptable!
I am a very shy person but I was SCREAMING on the table when I had mine put in. Unbelievable pain, I have never experienced anything that bad in my life.
I have never once been offered any type of pain medication for any GYN procedure. Not before, during, or after. Now - I've had 4 endometrial biopsies, 2 cervical biopsies, an IUD insertion, and plenty of PAP smears and a few colpolscopy/hysteroscopy procedures. If you think an IUD hurts, try an endometrial biopsy. Same process going up through your cervix, but then they're CUTTING bits of you out... with zero pain control. Oh and all this is with severe cervical stenosis that causes procedures to be insanely more painful and difficult. My IUD ended up being rejected and came out by itself during a bowel movement... never again. Oh and the numbing they used for my Nexplanon didn't help either. It hurt like HELL being put in.
I opted for the Nexplanon over the IUD just because of the pain I had during the endometrial biopsy. I didn’t find that it hurt at all but I did get lightheaded and nauseous afterwards. I took 4 naproxen about an hour before I went for biopsy and it helps with the after cramps almost immediately. The initial pain from the biopsy was some serious shit tho omg
I wonder if you have a connective tissue disorder like Ehlers Danlos syndrome. People with CTD frequently are pretty much resistant to the "-caine" meds used for numbing and require higher doses for sedation. One of my daughters has EDS and recently went to have oral surgery. They gave her a dose of an oral sedative called Halcion and 30min later when it had zero effect they gave her another dose. Thirty minutes after that she was still perfectly alert, so then they gave her a referral for IV sedation.
@kelly1827 I've never been told I have anything like that... but the local numbing doesn't work when they pull my teeth either. I feel it like hell and it's ultra painful.
I took a Xanax before I got my nexplanon in. I was sexually abused and was supposed to get a cervical exam. They told me I really didn’t need it unless I was concerned about stds. So I didn’t do it and just got the implant. They brought in a student too but I just felt shaky and the meds definitely worked. The sting hurt a lot but i just didn’t react but it did burn a lot. The string of the implant still hurts tho. Like I can feel it and putting any pressure on it some days makes my whole arm hurt and tingle sometimes. They were really good about everything and made to explain the steps. Don’t feel pressured to only try one doctor. Something going inside of my arm is better than the whole of my cervix and I feel like that should say something. To take it out they literally have to cut it out.
Same. I was 14 and a half when i got mine im 15 now i thought going in i was going to be sedated but nope and i will never put myself through that again i just cant i have no regrets about getting it but my god i cant even imagine trying to do that awake again
@louisasevier1034 yeah it is I thought going in to the first appt I was being put to sleep but no ended up not being able to handle being pretty much torn open down there and had to go back a few weeks later so it could be placed under sedation I have 0 regrets about it
Having PCOS and endo I had my first IUD placed under anaesthesia and my next doctor tried to convince me so hard to get it done in office. I really didn't want to but I thought being 25 and my second I took the advice that they were giving and man I wish I never did. It was one of the most adverse reactions they'd seen to a placement and i ended up in the office for three hours, vomiting from the pain and I even vomitted on my doctor and her floor 🤣 they had to give me the green whistle in the end and that still didn't help. So ladies, listen to your body, listen to your heart and do what's right for you. It was honestly a traumatic experience that even completely turned me off having children for a long time because the thought of going through that pain again but worse is an absolute nightmare to me.
I got my iud, first one, when I was still in college and had multiple jobs. I only had a 4 hour shift that day at the grocery store I worked at (I was only a bagger at the time) and figured I could deal with it for that long. Obviously I had no clue how it would start to feel and never experienced cramping myself up until that point. My manager/friend asked me to extend to a 9 hour shift (1 hour lunch) and I unfortunately said yes, but after a couple hours the pain increased so much. 💀 I asked her if I could please go home early because I physically couldn’t stand up with the pain. Bless her heart, she is a hard core lesbian and sincerely had no clue what the experience was like so she thought I was faking to get out of working. One of the other workers had to tell her just how bad their experience was just so she could understand and let me leave.. It was not a fun experience at all, both physically and professionally. After all that I will say it was worth it, it was very effective 🙌 but jeeze.. the things we have to do 😅
Yeah mine was so painful that I actually passed out on the table. Why do they lie to us and say it'll only be some "slight pressure." It's still the worst pain of my life.
Your posts are so amazing and so real. Thank you for sharing so many experiences and so much knowledge on the stuff that doesn’t get talked about enough. My IUD experiences have been ruuuuffff 😖
I had no idea it was going to hurt as much as it did. I was not offered pain meds, but def would have taken it. I just sat there for a good while after the procedure to regain my composure.
Insertion wasn't fun, but I cramped so badly that I was crawling the walls for two days afterward. It was like labor pains, but with no baby to look forward to. I called my regular doctor to remove it, as the ob-gyn couldn't see me for a few days. I was desperate! He then told me he was untrained to remove the tiny torture device. WTF? There are strings to pull! That is how IUDs are removed, and the doctor who inserted it told me so! He steadfastly refused and said I should go to the ER. Luckily, I can pull strings, have had years of practice with tampons, which are bigger than IUDs, plus I birthed three huge babies. While my doctor continued talking about hospitals, I pulled the strings and the IUD slid out. I told my doctor, and he nearly went into shock! But, that was years ago, and he’s still my doctor even if he can't pull strings. 🤣 Luckily, there are painless forms of BC and I’m an expert string-puller, as that IUD hurt so badly, I’d rather not have sex than ever try another IUD! *** Do not pull your IUD out, unless you are a rebel and okay with taking risks. I was on the phone with my doctor, desperate and out of my mind in pain, lived close to several hospitals, and felt 110% certain pulling the strings was the way to go.
@@lindseykoetze9228 Yes, I agree, and that’s why I have the same doctor 23 years later. I was frustrated with the situation and desperate with severe labor-type pain. I had already birthed three babies-one was 10.5 pounds with no meds, and my family was complete. If I had any complications, I would have gone to the ER, but it felt like a low-risk thing to do less than 24 hours after it was placed. But, yes, the doctor was right to refuse care for something he did not feel comfortable with.
I had a cone biopsy with zero pain meds, then a leep procedure with zero pain meds and then a pie shape biopsy where they took a section of my cervix out without pain meds. I would never allow anyone I know to do it without. It's very painful and it should be a thing to at least offer.
They really just cut pieces of people off without ANY pain meds??? How is that legal? Why is it allowed? They would NEVER cut off a piece of a man's penis without pain meds.
As a man with four sisters this shit fills me with absolute and burning rage seeing how women are treated in the medical field I am like burning with anger right now because like how can you be a doctor a career that's based off of taking care of people and understanding people's pain and shit like that and then turn around and do shit like this
I had my second IUD placed a few months ago. While it still hurt, I had told my newest doctor how much pain the first one caused and she prescribed a medication to "soften my cervix beforehand. It was a game changer! Talking to your doctor beforehand MIGHT help, but I know lots of doctors don't always listen. But if you start the pain conversation before the procedure you can figure out the doctors pain management system or lack of, beforehand.
We need to stop doing this. Pain management is so lacking in all of US medical care. My husband broke his femur and wasn't given anything until they had X-rays proving it. He screamed while they shoved a board under his broken side to get them. After finally giving him something, we were moved, then his meds wore of and then they moved us again. They wanted the sheets out from under him and didn't give him more. They flipped him and he screamed so loud, went completely white, and was shaking. I will be screaming and throwing things next time.
My mom had one inserted because she’s having bleeding after menopause ( long story). She got a second opinion and that Dr. pulled it out. It was extremely painful for her. They didn’t offer any pain relief whatsoever other than OTC after the fact. You’d think before they yank it out they’d give something for pain.
I had a patient that warned me before I took her abdominal X-ray that she had an IUD, assuming for the same thing. It was the first time someone over the age of 75 had given me that disclosure and it did make me do a double take.
I had a LEEP procedure done and they refused to tell me if I’d be numbed or given any kind of anesthesia and it was 2020 they wouldn’t let my husband come in I was straight crying my eyes out on the table with my legs open while a man used a hot wire to cut me and they let me see the camera … and then the nurse said o hunny why are you so upset it’s easier than having a baby. 😡😡
Hi Dr. Ali, thank you for this information. I was wondering if you are able to make an educational video or shorts regarding D and C procedure? Unfortunately, it looks like I will need to get one. I love all your videos. I also love the way you explain in easy terms so we can all understand and feel at ease. 🙏🏼 please Dr. Ali. Thank you!
@@marisafaith im sorry too. I appreciate your thoughtfulness and virtual hug. May you always be blessed with good health, love, care, wealth and abundance.
I've had a few of them. They're actually not so bad. You'll have some bleeding and cramping for a few days but it shouldn't be severe and then you'll be back to normal. Its not horribly painful like the in office procedures. You're put under for the procedure.
@@CanineGrowTime I’m really sorry you had to go through a few D and C’s. You were right about the physical symptoms I would experience. I feel the emotional symptoms are the hardest. Thank you for sharing your experience. Sending you healing light and virtual hug. Wishing you good health, love, care, wealth and abundance 🌈🦋💖
Thanks for this video. Coming from a person who deals with severe cramps, this was the worst pain of my life. I went into shock and The doctors still couldn't place it. They even had another doctor come in and try. They had two nurses giving me snacks and staying with me until I could stand again. And they offered me two Tylenol for the whole thing.. I can't believe I went in and tried it again because that's the only option I was given.
I got a saline ultrasound and they didn’t offer me ANYTHING nor did they prepare me at all mentally. I thought it was going to be like a regular ultrasound. And when the pain was too much and I started balling the (male) Dr. Stopped and acted surprised. “This doesn’t typically happen.” He said. BS.
My first iud was incredibly painful- with my second they used a topical anesthetic, and it was bearable. Still wasn’t pleasant, but I was able to breathe through the pain vs begging to stop. Just because we’re strong it doesn’t mean we don’t deserve pain management.
my friend told me she got one and recommended i do too, but i’ve been so terrified because i’m not good with pain. i’m also terrified of an ectopic pregnancy happening to me 😵💫
I had one it didn’t hurt me the way some of these poor women on here were hurt. I had it in at 28 after my third child and out 10 years later (paragard) and I got pregnant 2 weeks later with an ectopic pregnancy.
Thank you so much for this. I haven't gotten an iud dude to the fear if pain. You are amazing and thank you foe honoring women, their experience, and pain.
Yrs, it really hurts because an object is being forced into s closed cervix. I am glad to hear there are measures now taken to reduce that pain. 40 years ago, there was nothing, just Tylenol after.
I am grateful for my current gyn. I had my iud done and honestly had no pain. I had no pain during my pap. I had a pain, trauma, and tear free delivery. She has been amazing and I’m sad that I’m just now meeting a doctor that’s gentle, listens, and is competent in the procedures they perform.
I'm on my third and this is my advice: Take a painkiller 1h before and stretch your lower body. During: have music in one ear and tap the rhythm on your chest with your hands, while the gyn calmly talks you through what they're doing. Count to 30 during the insert, as it usually doesn't take more time than that.
This is really interesting to see all the different expiriences. It makes me much more thankful for my gynecologists. Ive had horrific cramps and normal cramps and im also prone to pelvic floor spasms and I got it done. It sucked for a bit but they stocked me up with stuff 😂
How do you not have a zilloon followers? Youre my favorite Obgyn on RU-vid. No weird gimmicky shorts or loud excited yelling about vaginas. You keep it real and have a calm voice but are obviously very passionate about helping women with all thjngs OBGYN. You havr educated me on things i always wondered about, things i never knew about and you do this in a straightforward way thats also relevant to women. You dont add any dumb or irrelevant shit. I just really really love your channel and really really really appreciate you sharing this knowledge publicly, for free. I dont have health coverage and havent had it for over 5 years. So i havent been to a doctor in that long, so channels like yours help me out in such a huge way. Like, knowing where different parts of my body are located, learning things that are normal and not normal, etc lets me know/helps me decipher between what could be an emergency and what may be normal. Since like i said, i dont get regular checkups and dont even go in to get looked at if i think something is really wrong because i dont have coverage. HOWEVER, learning abd knowing signs or symptoms of things that are legit dangerous or could potentially be something bad has helped ease my mind or take action in the last couple months. That was a roundabout way of articulating my appreciation but yeah thank you.
I got mine placed when I was 20 and luckily I didn't feel much pain. They offered me pain medication but I refused. The Dr and staff were indeed impressed.
The pain I experienced with my IUD placement was very brief, it lasted about 1.5 seconds and later I had light cramping. My OBGYN was exceptionally skilled and I felt safe despite the pain. The nurse who saw the look on my face was shocked that I didn't scream, but I was so happy to get it that I didn't see a point in being upset. However I hadn't realized how much that moment impacted me until I got it removed, which wasn't even a tenth as painful as the placement but as it slid down and out through my cervix I had a flashback and proceeded to beg my OBGYN to stop. Fortunately she'd been so quick that it was already out by the time I'd started begging.
I got my IUD in back in March, and I already suffered from horrible cramps. Usually they would be so bad that I would get dizzy, nauseous, and I’d end up passing out on the floor. So when I got the IUD in, it felt like a pretty mild cramp for me. And it still HURT, but at least I could still function throughout the day. Now I love it and I almost never get cramps anymore!
When I got my IUD placed I’m sure it was some of the worst pain in my entire life, and I’ve had ovarian cysts burst so bad I thought I had appendicitis. The only pain management I had was being told to take an ibuprofen before the procedure and as needed after. It was EXCRUCIATING and the doctor treated my pain and reactions as an inconvenience. I almost fainted after getting up from the table. I’m suffering from some of the side effects of the device itself but I’m still afraid to get it taken out because the entire procedure was so traumatic. THANK YOU for taking the pain of the placements seriously, the world needs more OBGYNs like you.
I had to subscribe after watching this video. Spoke to my soul! I started sweating and almost passed out after i got mine implanted. No one warned me about the pain. It was explained as a quick pinch, nothing serious.
Yes! Please more of this! We need OBGYNs like you to advocate for this stuff. I have had 9 uterine biopsy’s, thankfully nothing major has been wrong but the trauma a feel around those dang procedures is awful. My most recent was on 9/11 and I just can’t help but think like it is like a form of torture. I would tell everyone secret I had to make that stop I’m that moment 😂🥹 Thank you for speaking out on this and we need more of it!
Thank you for addressing this. I was shocked by how much my first IUD hurt, but it was nothing compared to having one removed and a new one immediately inserted afterwards. I yelped uncontrollably during the experience and I could see the gyno was visibly shook by my reaction. The fact that we aren't given pain medication during this procedure is ridiculous. A little heat pack doesn't cut it folks.
My Wife went back to taking birth control pills because she was experiencing a lot of random pain and discomfort with sex, I thought maybe something was wrong with how it was placed but ultimately neither one of us know anything about it and her OB just told her to go back to what "works" for her.
Got my first IUD placed this summer at 1 year postpartum. My CNM numbed my cervix 10 minutes prior to the procedure with prescription grade lidocaine cream and the procedure was painless and not at all uncomfortable. So simple and easy, not sure why this isn’t standard practice. 🤷🏼♀️
Glad you’re talking about this! I was lucky to have both my IUD placements be strong but totally manageable cramp pain. Can you share what pain management strategies can be helpful, so people can advocate with their providers? Thanks!
IUD pain was the worst for me. I've had some complications in the past as well with IUD, and it was worse than labour for me. I had a natural delivery as well - and the IUD was more painful. I had to beg to have freezing for my last one, and thankfully the doctor agreed to do it. It was still not great but having freezing helps.
I got mine pretty much right after the birth of my daughter and felt no pain, but my second IUD, four years after her birth did hurt for sure! Love your videos! Congrats on your new sweet baby!
I had an IUD and it hurt a lot more than I had expected. When it expired, I switched to the Nexplanon implant in my arm. At least they numbed my skin for the implant and again when they replaced earlier this year. My primary care did the swap and I watched him do it. He told me that he would charge extra if I fainted from watching. I reminded him that I'm a cancer survivor.
I wish there was more out there in general for woman’s health. After having surgery 4 times for endo my last surgery included so much more. My c section did not heal correctly. We discovered this because I had 3 iuds move. The last one they discovered a servers uterine niche. Through this niche you could see my bladder which had fused to the uterus. They made me wait a year for surgery on hormonal birth control. I can say this much…. I’d rather sit in pain and not be offered any support than to feel like a crazy person on hormones. It saddens me as woman that through the years of literally suffering there was NO support given for the pain. It’s so nice to see a doctor that understands this and is promoting caring for our female needs! We need more like you!
My obgyn places IUDs with anesthesia if you want or need ( i have a tilt in my uterus and almost passed out when she tried without).. She does a pap test "which needs further investigation" so this won't cost you anything (standard insurance in Germany is mandatory and only covers "necessary" procedures.) They use propofol and you may sleep a little while they call someone to get you. She's a gem.
I had mine placed after giving birth to my second child and it didn’t hurt at all nor did removal BUT I cannot imagine having it placed prior to having children. And I’m not saying it doesn’t hurt after having children either.
Finally a doctor that recognizes women experience pain! Women are often asked to undergo all kinds of procedures without any pain medicine. It’s so infuriating.
When I had my IUD placed I was offered no pain medication before hand, was only told to 400mg of ibuprofen before, and was told just to take ibuprofen after. I “luckily” am used to bad cramps so it only hurt a little bit worse then my worst cramp. My obgyn basically congratulated me on handling the pain and said most women scream or swear during it. That was such a red flag for me. It’s not a badge of honor to suffer. And it’s not a badge of honor to force your patients to suffer. I’m an RN and looking back at this I’m mortified that and hope when I get it out I’m offered much better relief.
When I had mine placed, they asked what pain meds I had taken before getting there and I was like Pain meds?!?! I was never told to take pain meds before coming. She shrugged it off and proceeded. Having it placed is like tripping and falling vag first onto a bear trap. Seriously it's this spiked device the stab into your uteruses to induce a labor like effect to get the IUD in there. Having the IUD was 5 years of pain. I kept going back for years and telling them how much pain I was in and they told me it was normal and to suck it up. I had it done for free so they said if it was removed early I would have to back pay for it which at the time I couldn't afford. Getting it out finally, once I was no longer obligated to have it in, was such a relief. I'm so much happier back on Depo, it helps so much with fibro. My Drs keep pushing another IUD and I'm like nope get that crap away from me. In retrospect, the IUD probably hurt so much due to the hypersensitivity of fibro.
My first attempt to get my IUD in, I was clenched so tight they couldn't even measure me. I wanted to puke and pass out in equal measure. My (male) physician had told me it was going to hurt, but made it sound FAR less severe than it was. After that I contacted a gyno who gave me cervical ripeners and told me to take 800mg of Ibuprofen ahead of time. It still hurt. Probably like 6 or 7/10 pain as opposed to the 10/10 pain the first time. I was 19 and hadn't had any babies yet. The first doctor should've done SOMETHING to try to make sure he wasn't basically just torturing me on that table. He didn't, and when I couldn't unclench he kept telling me "relax". That was literally impossible. I wanted to tell him HE should try relaxing after being kicked full force in the nuts.
Where are doctors like you when I need them!? My reaction was MUCH worse than any they've seen, or at least that's what they told me... but they should have known it would be, because my OB already knew I have an EXTREMELY sensitive cervix. I got the epidural during labor because of the cervical checks, not the actual labor. Any time they do anything to my cervix, it puts me in SCREAMING pain, like off-the-charts. My doctor looked horrified while she was trying to do the IUD, & knew I wasn't faking, asked if I needed her to stop - & I wanted her to, but I was being kind of forced/intensely pressured by my family to get this, so I felt like I had to just deal with it. And even though I was screaming, they gave me nothing for pain during or after. Sucks.
When I had my IUD placed a few months ago the MD prescribed misoprostol to be taken 24 hours before the procedure…I guess this helps the cervix dilate so it makes the procedure easier. I premedicated with 2 extra strength Tylenol 1 hour before procedure. It was easier to do than other procedures with my cervix. The worst procedure I ever had was a histosarpingiogram…they go in thru the cervix, thru the uterus, and then shoot dye into your fallopian tubes. That was awful .
needed cervical polyp removal, the young OBGYN was amazing, making sure I had necessary prep and Rx. Seems like newer generation of doctors are learning a better approach to female care
Learn how to breath to control pain. It really helps. I was traumatized wit my first delivery, the epidural didn't work well at the beginning and I was wishing to die. For second baby I looked on RU-vid videos about breathing for delivery. So this time epidural didn't work at all and breathing was salvation. I was able to manage my mental state to not panic and during every contraction it helped infinitely. I did the same for my IUD. It hurts but totally manage. Women need to learn how to manage pain. There is no way around.
thank you for being so honest and down to earth. it helps knowing that woman doctors care about their patients. all the way from ottawa ontario canada 🇨🇦
Last year my friend’s sister died from a septic strep infection and the source of the infection was her IUD. Such a horrific loss for her husband and young children.
In Australia it’s really common to get anaesthetic or sedation for IUD placement - in particular they recommend this for women who have never had a vaginal birth before. They usually only recommend placing it in the clinic for women who have had a previous vaginal delivery
I had an IUD placed after having an Endometrial Biopsy. I had crippling cramps for 3 days afterwards. Hard to tell which procedure caused it but the biopsy was insanely painful.
I opted for the Nexplanon over the IUD just because doctor said it would be a similar pain to the biopsy. I said yea no thanks lol. So far I like it. It’s to control some abnormal bleeding from fibroids. Only been in about 2 weeks.
Getting my iud placed was one of the most painful experiences of my life. I was not offered absolutely anything for pain before or after the procedure. Before the procedure, I asked the (female) obgyn if it would hurt when she placed it in and she said no. I was practically screaming in pain and she acted shocked that it hurt me so badly. She made it seem like it was just me who had pain until I talked to friends later on and realized it was super painful for everyone. Absolutely awful experience all around.
Getting an IUD put in was by far one of the worst and most painful experiences of my life both times. The first they severely downplayed the pain. "it's just a bad cramp," they said. The second time around I knew it was bad. When I got it taken out it wasn't comfy, and I let them know about my past experience. "I'm so sorry! If you're not driving home we'll get you an Ativan and a Tramadol and you can take those before you come in to make you barely lucid. You shouldn't feel, or remember you felt anything." I was ecstatic. The day of my pre-IUD appointment rolls around and the same doctor who looked me in the eye and told me she would help me said "I never said that and I didn't write it down so I think you misremembered." I tried showing her the note where it was her name, with both prescriptions, dated and timed. She still denied it. Pissed... Stand up for yourself because I didn't. The second go-round my mom couldn't be there so I suffered alone for what felt like 10 minutes. Cried as my bf took me home. It's deeply traumatic honestly, and for them to lie about telling you they'd help you is ridiculous. I hate that women aren't taken seriously regarding their pain.
Im in australia and have had 3 IUD placed in the last 15 years. First 2 i was offered to be asleep for placement and accepted as my GYN told me it would be painful for someone who has never had their cervix dialated from child birth. 3rd one that GYN had retired and i was not offered to be under anaesthesia but was instead offered a muscle relaxer and pain meds for after. It was still one of the most paonful experiences I've had.
I was never offered anything and looking back I should have taken a Halcion or something. I’m a medical provider as well and couldn’t believe the lack of sedation conversation. It was so difficult but I’m glad to have it now 6 months post-op.
My OB said, “you’ll feel a slight pinch” and I was like wtf??? I said, “damn is this what contractions feel like??” I almost kicked him in the face. I was in so much pain after I could hardly walk out of the office and it took me a couple of days to recover. Thank you for talking about this.
My second iud placement was absolutely horrible. I had no idea it could be that bad and since i drove myself to a clinic an hour away i ended up booking a hotel room for a night because driving and dealing with the cramps was not only unbearable but dangerous. Some insight would've been nice. Disclaimer my first iud was placed at my 6 week post partum check up where as my 2nd was 2 years after my last child, huge difference
Anesthesia resident here! And yes, I feel that many times gyn pain is overlooked and that shit really hurts! I would happily give some light and short anesthesia for procedures like that (sorry for any mistakes 🇨🇱)
The first iud I got I was going to a teaching hospital and living in a big city. I was given pain meds and misoprostol, which was incredibly helpful. The second time I was living in a rural area and the doctor had only placed 1-2 iuds before. I asked for prescriptions to get ready for the placement and she told me "well I've never prescribed that before for this procedure," and refused. 🙃
They can numb your cervix! If the doctor/nurse isn’t doing that, I’d recommend advocating for yourself. I had little to no pain getting mine for this reason (still had cramps after but the actual placement was fine)
Got my IUD a couple days ago so wanted to leave a positive comment to balance any scary ones for people who are feeling nervous. I was advised by the dr to take pain medication an hour before the appt (600mg-800mg). I took 600mg of ibuprofen an hour before, then at the office the dr used a local anesthetic in spray form (like on the cervix). It stung for a little bit - maybe 30 sec. and then got the procedure done. First the sound and then the actual IUD insertion. Honestly the sound was more painful for me than the insertion, the shitty really really bad cramp-like pain only lasted while she was measuring + maybe a min or two after. Its the in and out movement of that instrument that sucked really bad!! the insertion pain was a little less I think because I knew what to expect, it hurt but it was still very fast and didn't last long. I had the procedure done in the morning had bad cramps all day after the insertion so just stayed on the couch watching netflix using a heating pad. I took 200mg ibuprofen 4 hours after and then at night again before going to bed. The next day I had zero cramps and was like nothing ever happened!!! I was definitely lucky with how patient and kind my doctor was and it should be standard for all Dr. to treat their patients this way! PLS PLS PLS ask for pain medicine if you feel nervous about it, taking ibuprofen or tylenol beforehand definitely helped. After scheduling ask them for details about the procedure and if they have a local anesthetic!! Its bizarre they wouldn't offer it and wouldn't provide all the info without being asked for it but in case they don't ASK ♥️
I was offered pain meds, but it didn't work. In the end mine fell out and i would never get one again or advise anyone to get one. Or use the pill. Unless you absolutely can't do any of the fertility awareness methods, which can be used as birth control if you do it correctly. I use the billing method, these types of methods will not mess with your cycles like pills or an IUD. In fact it will actually help you figure out if your cycle is irregular, and possibly help you regulate it. I have been on several medications for other health issues, including birth control. And the billing method is honestly one of the best things that I have done for myself and for my health. But I understand that some people might not be able to do these types of methods, but if you can, try them. Your doctor or GYN may not approve, mine didn't and I'm still doing it and it works for me. And I have honestly felt the healthiest that I've ever been with my cycle since I started using it.
I essentially had a nervous breakdown when I was scheduling the removal of my first Mirena/insertion of the 2nd one. Because it hurt SO BAD the first time (I have like zero pain tolerance + a nervous system disorder where pain is “heightened”) they gave me Vicodin or something similar & told me to arrive an hour before my appointment…I spent two hours in the waiting room. Meds wore off by the time I was having the procedure done
When considering getting an IUD, ask the provider whether they had in-person training for IUD placement or if they just did an online course. It's generally the ones that just did an online course with no in person training that hurt like hell.
I drink a tea for my pain control. I wish I'd known about it when I had endo, instead of the lupron and surgery route. I even drank it after a major adhesion surgery, when I could have anything by mouth. It's in my name, just the leaf and water. Tested leaf . ❤️🙏
