An intrauterine device (IUD) is one of the most effective and long-lasting forms of reversible birth control available today. Whether it’s the copper type or a hormonal (progestin-releasing) version, an IUD offers convenience, reliability, and peace of mind for people who want to avoid daily pills or injections.

Still, it’s completely normal to wonder what IUD insertion feels like — especially if it’s your first time. Pain tolerance, anatomy, and anxiety can all shape the experience. While some people describe it as mild discomfort, others compare it to strong menstrual cramps.

Below, we’ll walk through what to expect before, during, and after an IUD insertion, how to minimize discomfort, and stories from real people who’ve gone through the process.

When You Can Get an IUD

An IUD can typically be inserted at almost any point in your menstrual cycle, as long as you’re not pregnant and have no active infection.

Many providers recommend scheduling the procedure during or right after your period, when your cervix is naturally softer and slightly open. However, it’s also safe to insert an IUD at other times if your healthcare provider confirms you’re not pregnant.

You can also get an IUD:

  • Right after childbirth, including vaginal or cesarean delivery

  • After a miscarriage or abortion

  • As emergency contraception, if inserted within five days after unprotected sex

The copper IUD, in particular, is 99% effective when used for emergency contraception, providing immediate protection against pregnancy.

Does IUD Insertion Hurt?

This is the most common question — and the most subjective one. The honest answer: it depends on your body.

Most people describe the procedure as brief but uncomfortable, with sensations ranging from pressure and pinching to strong menstrual-like cramps.

During the insertion, your healthcare provider will:

  1. Perform a pelvic exam to check your uterus’s size, shape, and position.

  2. Clean your cervix with an antiseptic solution.

  3. Use a thin instrument to measure your uterus’s depth (this part can cause mild cramping).

  4. Insert the IUD through a small tube and position it in your uterus.

  5. Trim the IUD strings so they extend just slightly into the vagina.

The process usually lasts only five to ten minutes, but the intensity of discomfort varies. People with a tilted uterus, tight cervix, or strong uterine sensitivity may experience more pain.

Some say it feels like a sharp cramp that lasts for a few seconds, while others report a more intense but fleeting pain.

If you’re nervous about pain, discuss options with your provider. They may offer a local anesthetic, a cervical numbing gel, or suggest taking an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever beforehand.

What To Expect Right After Insertion

It’s normal to feel mild cramps, spotting, or dizziness after the procedure. These symptoms often fade within a few hours, but some may last a few days.

Because the insertion can be uncomfortable, it’s wise to have someone available to drive you home afterward, especially if you feel lightheaded.

Here’s what to expect with each IUD type:

  • Copper IUD (Paragard): Effective immediately after placement.

  • Hormonal IUD (Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, Skyla): Takes about seven days to become fully effective, unless inserted during your period.

If your hormonal IUD was placed outside your menstrual cycle, use a backup birth control method (like condoms) for one week.

Cramps and light bleeding are common for the first few days. Most people resume normal activities the same day, though avoiding intense exercise or sexual intercourse for 24 hours can help minimize discomfort.

How To Reduce IUD Pain

You don’t have to suffer through the procedure. There are simple ways to make it more manageable:

  • Take OTC painkillers: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen about 30–60 minutes before the appointment helps reduce cramping.

  • Request numbing options: Ask your provider for a local anesthetic or paracervical block (a numbing injection near the cervix).

  • Use relaxation techniques: Deep breathing or focusing on slow, steady exhalations can lower muscle tension and anxiety.

  • Schedule smartly: Some people find insertion easier during their period, when the cervix is naturally more open.

  • Bring support: Having a trusted friend or partner nearby can make the experience less stressful.

After the procedure, a heating pad or warm compress over your abdomen can ease cramps effectively.

Common Side Effects After Insertion

Most side effects after IUD placement are mild and temporary. They may include:

  • Cramps or low back pain

  • Spotting between periods

  • Slight dizziness or fatigue

  • Temporary irregular bleeding (especially in the first three months)

If your IUD was inserted recently, it’s completely normal for your period to change — becoming lighter, heavier, or more irregular for a while.

If severe pain, high fever, or heavy bleeding occurs, contact your provider immediately, as these may indicate an infection or IUD displacement.

Possible Risks Of IUD Insertion

IUDs are very safe, but like all medical procedures, they come with rare risks. These may include:

  • Cramping and heavier periods (especially with copper IUDs)

  • Ectopic pregnancy, a rare but serious condition if pregnancy occurs while using an IUD

  • Benign ovarian cysts, which often disappear without treatment

  • IUD expulsion, where the device partially or fully comes out (rare, but possible)

  • Perforation of the uterus, extremely uncommon but requires removal

  • Temporary irregular bleeding with hormonal IUDs

  • No protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Your provider will likely check the placement with a follow-up appointment a few weeks after insertion to ensure the device remains in the correct position.

Who Should Avoid Getting an IUD

While most people can safely use IUDs, some conditions may make them unsuitable, such as:

  • Current pregnancy

  • Active or recent pelvic infection or sexually transmitted infection (STI)

  • Cervical or uterine cancer

  • Abnormal uterine bleeding of unknown cause

  • Uterus too small or large for the device

  • Allergy to copper or IUD components

  • Recent pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

  • Unremoved previous IUD

  • Abnormal Pap smear

Your healthcare provider will review your medical history and perform tests to determine if an IUD is right for you.

Real Stories: What Women Say It Feels Like

Every person’s IUD experience is unique. Here’s what six individuals shared about their insertion, recovery, and long-term satisfaction.

Allyson W.
“I switched to Mirena because I was tired of remembering pills every day,” she said. “The only pain I felt was when my cervix was dilated, but afterward, I had zero side effects.”

Danielle L.
Described her insertion as “the single biggest cramp of my life,” but the pain was brief. “A bit of discomfort afterward, but nothing unbearable,” she said. “The convenience is totally worth it.”

Gina V.
Admitted that anxiety worsened her experience: “I psyched myself out after reading online horror stories. I felt nauseous and dizzy, but I know many women have smoother experiences.”

Lauren G.
Was told her uterus was tilted, which made insertion take longer. “It felt like strong period cramps for a few minutes,” she said. “It took days to fully adjust, but I’d do it again.”

Ashley B.
Chose a copper IUD to avoid hormones but experienced persistent pain for a month. Her provider later said her uterus might have been too small for the device.

Jerlyn T.
Appreciated the long-term savings: “$500 for five years? That’s less than $10 a month. Mild cramping, totally worth it,” she said.

These stories show that while pain levels vary, most people describe the procedure as brief discomfort followed by years of reliable birth control.

When To Contact Your Healthcare Provider

It’s important to reach out to your doctor or OB-GYN if you notice any of the following after getting an IUD:

  • Heavy vaginal bleeding or unusual discharge

  • Severe cramps that don’t improve

  • Fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms

  • Signs of infection or pelvic pain

  • Inability to feel your IUD strings

  • Feeling the IUD in your cervix or vagina

  • Suspected pregnancy or a missed period

If your IUD slips partially or completely out, don’t try to reinsert it yourself — contact your provider immediately for evaluation and replacement.

Living Comfortably With an IUD

Once inserted correctly, most people forget their IUD is even there. You can continue all normal activities — working out, swimming, having sex — without issues.

Over time, you may notice lighter periods (especially with hormonal IUDs) or even no periods at all. Regular checkups every 6–12 months ensure your device remains in place and functions properly.

If you decide to have it removed — whether for pregnancy planning or side effects — the process is quick, simple, and usually less uncomfortable than insertion. Fertility typically returns within weeks after removal.

The Bottom Line

Getting an IUD can be momentarily uncomfortable, but for most, it’s well worth it. The procedure is quick, side effects are short-lived, and protection lasts for years.

Everyone’s experience is different, but understanding the process helps reduce fear and anxiety. With open communication, pain management options, and a supportive provider, you can make IUD insertion a smooth and empowering experience.