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For Scientific American Science Quickly, I'm Rachel Feltman.
Intrauterine devices, more commonly known as IUDs, are some of the most effective forms of birth control available.
These small, T-shaped devices are placed directly into the uterus by way of the cervix,
where they're more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy for years at a time.
And copper IUDs, which rely on copper ions instead of hormones to limit sperm movement and egg fertilization,
are also more than 99% effective as emergency contraception if placed within five days of unprotected sex.
But while IUDs are a sudden and forget it solution,
they do require a visit to the doctor for placement and eventual removal.
And that process can be uncomfortable or even quite painful.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends
that doctors counsel patients on pain medication options before an IUD insertion.
But there's not a lot of data out there about effective treatments.
Options offered can include local anesthetic creams or injections directly to the cervix, conscious sedation,
or even full anesthesia.