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How to Prepare
Take a look below for suggestions on preparing for your visit.
IUD Insertion
We want to be confident that you are not pregnant when you come for your IUD insertion. If using another birth control method (eg pills, condoms), please continue using this up until the day of insertion, and for 7 days after the insertion.
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Most people tolerated this procedure really well. If you are nervous it is best to come and talk to us before your insertion! Options for pain relief prior to getting your IUD include taking anti-inflammatories (eg ketorolac, naproxen) or weak opioids (eg tramadol). Options for pain relief during your procedure include freezing (injecting lidocaine to numb the cervix) and inhaled Penthrox.
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If you are interested in receiving advice about pain relief options, please bring this up in your counselling appointment. We do not routinely recommend taking misoprostol prior to your IUD insertion as taking it is associated with an increased risk of expulsion (IUD falling out).
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We can insert an IUD at any point during your cycle. Your cervix is most open during your period. You will be asked to undress from the waist down. Generally this procedure takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
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Some people feel a little lightheaded afterwards. If possible, get someone else to give you a ride to and from the appointment.
IUD Removal
If you are getting a hormonal IUD removed, and you are not getting a new one inserted at the same time, please either abstain from having sex or use condoms for 7 days leading up to getting your IUD removed.
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Generally this is a straightforward procedure which takes approximately 3 minutes.
Nexplanon Insertion
We want to be confident that you are not pregnant when you come for your Nexplanon insertion. If using another birth control method (eg pills, condoms), please continue using this up until the day of insertion, and for 7 days after the insertion.
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Please wear a tank top or a T-shirt so that we can easily access your upper arm. The insertion procedure will take approximately 10 minutes in total. Part of this includes freezing the insertion site.
Please note you will leave the clinic with your arm wrapped with gauze. Your arm may appear bruised at the insertion site for a couple of weeks after the procedure.
Nexplanon Removal
If you are getting a Nexplanon removed, please wear a tank top or T-shirt so that we can easily access your upper arm.
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This procedure can be a little more complicated than an insertion, and may take approximately 15-20 minutes. The removal site will be frozen with an injection of local anesthetic prior to removal.
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The removal site will need to be kept covered with a bandaid for 7 days.
Endometrial Biopsy
The purpose of this procedure is to sample your womb lining.
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For best pain relief, please take naproxen (440mg or 500mg) or Advil/ibuprofen (600-800mg) with food 30-60 minutes before your appointment. If you cannot take naproxen or Advil, please take Tylenol/acetaminophen 1000mg. You can also request to have your cervix frozen with a lidocaine injection. If you are nervous about pain, you can ask about inhaled Penthrox.
You will need to undress from the waist down. This procedure will take approximately 10 minutes.
