More than just a pinch: IUDs can cause excruciating pain, but in N.L., there’s no standard to deal with it

Shannon Driscoll struggled with painful and heavy periods her whole life. Like many others, she turned to birth control pills to help manage the pain and regulate her cycle. However, despite trying various options, nothing seemed to work for her — that is, until she discovered the intrauterine device (IUD).

Approximately eight years ago, Driscoll had her first IUD inserted, and she recently had her second one put in. While the insertion process was not exactly comfortable, she believes that the benefits of the IUD far outweigh the temporary discomfort she experienced during the procedure.

An IUD is a T-shaped device that healthcare providers insert through the cervix and into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. Despite the effectiveness of this form of birth control, many women report feeling varying levels of pain during the insertion process.

More than 3,700 IUDs were sold in Newfoundland and Labrador last year, and while some individuals found the experience to be routine, others described it as traumatizing. Two common themes that emerged from conversations with IUD users were a lack of transparency and an inconsistent standard of care.

Driscoll had a positive experience with her IUD insertions, as she felt well-prepared by her healthcare providers. However, not everyone receives the same level of information and support before undergoing the procedure. Some women, like Avery Brown, felt unprepared for the intense pain they experienced during their IUD insertion. Brown described her experience as excruciating and felt dismissed by medical staff when she tried to communicate her discomfort.

Similarly, Samantha Coffin and Rhiannon Landry-Wicks were also caught off guard by the level of pain they experienced during their IUD insertions. Coffin described the pain as the worst she had ever felt, while Landry-Wicks felt that there was a lack of clarity and support during the procedure.

Dr. Kelly Monaghan, who owns Clinic 215 in St. John’s, emphasized the importance of informed consent in medical procedures like IUD insertions. She believes that healthcare providers should thoroughly discuss the process with patients, including potential pain management options, to ensure that they are well-informed and prepared.

Monaghan’s clinic follows best practices for IUD insertions and prioritizes individualized care for each patient. She acknowledges that pain management is not always a top priority in gynecological procedures and advocates for a more trauma-informed approach to care.

Despite the challenges and inconsistencies in IUD insertion experiences, Monaghan is grateful for the advocacy and empowerment of women who are seeking better care. She hopes that the healthcare system will adopt a customer service mindset and prioritize the well-being of patients undergoing procedures like IUD insertions.