Expert: Norman Solberg - 8/31/2011

Question
Hello Norman!

I am a 41 y/o married woman, without children, due to get my second Mirena IUD removed in Oct, when it hits the five year mark.  I really have loved using this type of birth control. I haven't had any problems whatsoever, so for obvious reasons, I would like to continue on with this method.  However, both times I got the Mirena put in, I thought that I was going to die. I found both gyno's to be too rough and harsh, both situations left me in severe pain, and nauseous.  
My question is, is there any type of drug that I can be prescribed beforehand, or given at the clinic, that will open up my uterus? Both times my uterus was closed and they had to forcefully dilate me...OUCH... I do not have a period while I am on the Mirena so going in whilst I was menstruating, was not an option..After a day of rest, I am good to go and never feel the IUD in place..it's perfect for me..minus the accute pain factor involved getting the thing in place.
There must be something out there that can numb me down there ..something to stop the cramping.Please advise..

Answer
Hello Lisa,

I would suggest that you ask your doctor to give you a para cervical block before replacing the IUD.  This is putting a local anesthetic on each side of the cervix, similar to what dentists do.  It's usually almost painless to do, and will completely numb your cervix to that any dilation will also be painless.  Usually you may still feel the IUD going into the uterus, since it doesn't block feeling in the uterus.  Most OB/GYN's are very familiar with this.  Good luck.