How do I prepare for an IUD?
Christopher Davis
Updated on May 09, 2026
Eat a light meal or snack beforehand so you don't get dizzy. Also drink some water. You'll need to give a urine sample so your doctor can make sure you're not pregnant before they put the IUD in. Ask your doctor if you should take a pain reliever, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, before your appointment.
How do you prepare for the pain of an IUD?
Tips On How To Make IUD Insertion Less Painful
- Timing Is Everything. ...
- Find An Experienced Doctor. ...
- Take An Over-The-Counter Painkiller Beforehand. ...
- Remember To Breathe. ...
- Use Distractions. ...
- Don't Go Hungry. ...
- Consider A Smaller IUD. ...
- Have A Heating Pad Ready.
What to know before you get an IUD?
First, your nurse or doctor will ask you some questions about your medical history. Then they'll check your vagina, cervix, and uterus, and they may test you for STDs. You may be offered medicine to help open and/or numb your cervix before the IUD is put in.What to expect when you first get IUD?
You may experience moodiness, but briefly.“When you first get an IUD, the progestin level is the highest it's ever going to be, even though it's lower than a birth control pill,” Kelly-Jones said. “So some people get some mood issues related to that, but that should get better.”