Video shows the painful reality of IUD implants

If you've ever had an IUD, you'll know it's one of the most painful experiences that a person with a vagina can endure.

While this long-term contraceptive method can be a convenient choice for many, the insertion process of the small T-shaped device - also known as the coil - is not for the faint-hearted. Now, a midwife has demonstrated how it's done:

The insertion process was revealed via plastic vagina and shows the device being slowly placed inside the uterus.

The copper in the device is what acts as the contraceptive - which can last for years - and it operates by altering the cervical mucus to prevent conception.

However, although 99.9 percent effective, the coil is notoriously painful to have inserted and it can cause cramping as your body tries to reject the device.

As reported by the NHS, even once the device has settled into your uterus, it can still be painful around menstruation and a possible side effect is 'heavier, longer or more painful periods' for between three and six months after insertion.

After the video was shared by midwife @midwifemama on TikTok, it prompted many users to share their experiences of having the coil inserted.

One viewer, who re-shared the video on Instagram, remarked: "I've got a very high pain tolerance and this was one of the worst things I've ever experienced."

A second added: "Friend who's in medical school right now said they're *still* being taught that it 'shouldn't hurt'."

Alamy / EyeEm

Meanwhile, a third wrote: "So that's why it f**king hurt so much."

A fourth said the video made them realise why the process hurt so much, remarking: "No wonder I was sick."

"This comment section makes me livid," added a fifth. "Image the collective medical community doing this shit to MEN and telling them 'there will be some mild discomfort.'"

Following the widespread, world-over dissatisfaction about the procedure, a petition was launched in a bid to get the UK government to offer better pain relief.

Lucy Cohen, who started the petition, said that far from experiencing mild discomfort, people who have had IUDs have described the experience as 'excruciating', 'extremely painful' and 'almost unbearable'.

Alamy / BSIP SA

She wrote: "Almost 1500 people have so far shared their experiences with me. On a pain rating scale of 0-10, 43 per cent of respondents rated their pain as a seven or higher.

"I would like to see the following: Better expectation management of what the insertion and removal of an IUD entails. Without fully explaining the real potential pain, how can consent truly be given?

"More pain relief options as standard including gas and air, sedation and muscle relaxants.

"Not everyone will choose to have additional pain relief, but I strongly feel that for those who want it, it should be administered - and that real consent can only be given once all risks, including that of extreme pain, have been explained."

You can sign Lucy's petition here.

Topics: Health

Emma Guinness

@guinness_emma