I'm glad this post exists. Here's my experience:

My doctor said it would be a pinch to get my IUD in, and over the counter what all I needed. I brought my friend for moral support anyways. I went into shock after screaming. I sweated through my shirt, my gown, and the paper on the table. I love my gynecologist but her yelling, "SORRY! ALMOST THERE!" for what felt like an eternity was absolutely horrible. I could tell she didn't want to hurt me, but afterwards she said, "oh yeah, some people like to be put under for this, I do that at the nearby hospital if they request."

B what?! There was a nitrous tank 10ft away from me! She did say woman who have given birth have less pain with IUD insertion. I have never been pregnant. No options were discussed for the procedure, she said I'd be fine. I couldn't walk for a half hour afterwards and no one took my vitals. Just a pathetic tiny dentist cup of water. No way in hell am I getting it removed or replaced without something heavy duty. My friend is terrified of getting one herself from what she saw me experience and it indirectly traumatized her. I'm glad she was there to drive me home though.

I will never forget where my cervix is from the pain of being clamped open, and the HOURS it took for it to go away. I took norco beforehand (not prescribed by her) because I didn't believe the over the counter only advice. I'm glad I did, otherwise I would have kicked her in the face, or fainted. Overall, it was worth it for the IUD benefits, but it was traumatic. I was 22.

My gyno agrees I should be to be put under NEXT time. Uhh yeah, I insist, otherwise I'm finding someone who will.