
Insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD) under short general anesthesia is an option for patients who are anxious about pain or have had difficult attempts at IUD placement in the past. The procedure usually takes 15–30 minutes, is performed under the care of an anesthesiology team, and the correct position of the IUD in the uterine cavity is confirmed by ultrasound in the procedure room. The patient is discharged the same day, but should avoid driving or engaging in strenuous activity for 24 hours.
If you are very afraid of pain or previous attempts at IUD insertion in the office were unpleasant, the intrauterine device (IUD) can be placed under short general anesthesia. During this brief sleep, the anesthesiologist monitors your breathing and circulation, while the gynecologist inserts the IUD through the cervical canal into the uterine cavity and immediately confirms its position with ultrasound. After about an hour of observation, you can return home the same day – but without driving.