Pain

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Pain

  1. During the procedure, will it hurt?
  2. One week after the procedure, do people need pain medicines?
  3. Months later, how many people have pain?

During the procedure, will it hurt?

image representation of tubal sterilization, a uterus with dotted red lines showing where the tubes would be cut
Tubal Sterilization Surgery

No, you will be put to sleep. You would need a breathing tube in an operating room and IV medicines to keep your body still. IV placement can hurt.

image representation of vasectomy, showing a group of sperm with a red crossed-out circle over it
Vasectomy

A numbing shot is given in clinic to keep people comfortable

image representation of a hormonal IUD, a white T shaped object about 1.5 inches tall
Hormonal IUD

Most people say it hurts or feel cramps when their IUD is placed (for about 5 minutes). If you would like a numbing shot or gel to help with this pain, tell your doctor

image representation of a non-hormonal IUD, a metal T shaped object wrapped in copper, about 1.5 inches tall
Non-hormonal IUD

Most people say it hurts or feel cramps when their IUD is placed (for about 5 minutes). If you would like a numbing shot or gel to help with this pain, tell your doctor

image representation of the arm implant, a bent arm showing where the small rod-shaped implant would be in the inner upper arm
Arm Implant

A numbing shot is given in clinic to keep people comfortable 

 

1 week later, do people have pain?

image representation of tubal sterilization, a uterus with dotted red lines showing where the tubes would be cut
Tubal Sterilization Surgery

Most people need prescription pain medicine at 1 week

image representation of vasectomy, showing a group of sperm with a red crossed-out circle over it
Vasectomy

Most people do not have pain at 1 week, but some need medicine like ibuprofen

image representation of a hormonal IUD, a white T shaped object about 1.5 inches tall
Hormonal IUD

Most people do not have pain at 1 week, but some need medicine like ibuprofen

image representation of a non-hormonal IUD, a metal T shaped object wrapped in copper, about 1.5 inches tall
Non-hormonal IUD

Most people do not have pain at 1 week, but some need medicine like ibuprofen

image representation of the arm implant, a bent arm showing where the small rod-shaped implant would be in the inner upper arm
Arm Implant

Most people do not have pain at 1 week, but some need medicine like ibuprofen

 

How many people have pain months later?

 

image representation of tubal sterilization, a uterus with dotted red lines showing where the tubes would be cut
Tubal Sterilization Surgery

  • Most do NOT have pain a few months later, but pelvic pain is more likely than with IUD use
  • 1-3 months: 12% have pelvic pain
  • 3-6 months after surgery: 7% have pelvic pain
  • 6-12 months after surgery: 10% have pelvic pain

 

image representation of vasectomy, showing a group of sperm with a red crossed-out circle over it
Vasectomy

  • Most do NOT have pain a few months later

 

image representation of a hormonal IUD, a white T shaped object about 1.5 inches tall
Hormonal IUD

  • Most do NOT have pain from the procedure a few months later
  • Menstrual cramps become LESS common with the use of a hormonal IUD
  • 1-3 months later: 4% have pelvic pain
  • 3-6 months later: 3% have pelvic pain
  • 6-12 months later: 6% have pelvic pain

 

image representation of a non-hormonal IUD, a metal T shaped object wrapped in copper, about 1.5 inches tall
Non-hormonal IUD

  • Most do NOT have pain from the procedure a few months later
  • 1-3 months later: 4% have pelvic pain
  • 3-6 months later: 3% have pelvic pain
  • 6-12 months later: 6% have pelvic pain
  • Menstrual cramps may become more common with a non-hormonal copper IUD

 

image representation of the arm implant, a bent arm showing where the small rod-shaped implant would be in the inner upper arm
Arm Implant

  • Most do NOT have pain a few months later
  • Menstrual cramps become LESS common with the use of an arm implant

 

Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about pain

 

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