The Gender Pain Gap in Contraception: Why Do Men Get Anesthesia for ADAM but Women Don’t for IUDs?
When it comes to birth control, women have long borne the brunt of both responsibility and pain. From hormonal pills with side effects to invasive procedures like IUD insertion, the disparity in how male and female contraception is handled is staggering. The latest example? ADAM, a new male contraceptive implant, highlights the gender pain gap in medicine—a gap that leaves women suffering unnecessarily.
What Is ADAM? Understanding the Male IUD Alternative
ADAM is a revolutionary male birth control method developed by Contraline. Unlike female intrauterine devices (IUDs), which are inserted into the uterus, ADAM works by injecting a hydrogel into the vas deferens (the sperm-carrying tubes) via a minimally invasive procedure.
Here’s where it gets interesting: Men undergoing ADAM receive local anesthesia to ensure a pain-free experience. Meanwhile, women getting an IUD? They often endure severe pain without any pain relief.
The Stark Contrast: ADAM vs. IUDs
Let’s break it down:
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ADAM: A simple injection into the vas deferens. Local anesthesia is standard practice.
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IUD Insertion for Women: A T-shaped device is inserted into the uterus through the forcibly opened cervix—often causing intense cramping and sharp pain. Pain relief? Usually none.
The question is obvious: If pain management is necessary for men, why isn’t it for women?
Why Is There a Medical Pain Gap Between Men and Women?
The gender pain gap in healthcare is not new. Studies have shown that women’s pain is often dismissed, undertreated, or outright ignored. This is particularly evident in women’s reproductive health—from painful period cramps to menstrual disorders and IUD insertions.
1. Women’s Pain Is Systematically Downplayed
Doctors often minimize or dismiss women’s pain, assuming they have a higher pain tolerance or that discomfort is “normal.” This has led to fewer pain management options for procedures like IUD insertions.
2. Men’s Discomfort Is Taken More Seriously
Conversely, men’s pain is treated with urgency. The fact that ADAM includes anesthesia as standard practice, while most gynecologists don’t even offer pain relief for IUDs, is a glaring example.
3. Lack of Awareness About IUD Pain
Many women are told that IUD insertion will be just a “quick pinch.” In reality, the pain can be excruciating, especially for women who haven’t given birth.
The Experience of IUD Insertion: Real Women Speak Out
Women have long shared their horror stories of IUD insertion pain on social media, in forums, and with their doctors—yet little has changed. Many report:
- Extreme cramping and dizziness
- Nausea or even fainting during insertion
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Ongoing discomfort that lasts for hours or days
Meanwhile, male contraceptive trials have been halted in the past due to reports of minor discomfort. The double standard couldn’t be clearer.
Why This Matters: Contraceptive Equality and Reproductive Justice
This isn’t just about comfort—it’s about medical equity in reproductive healthcare. When one group is given pain relief for contraception and the other is expected to “tough it out,” it raises serious ethical concerns.
What Needs to Change?
- Routine pain relief for IUD insertions—local anesthesia, numbing gel, or at least painkillers should be offered as standard.
- More research into pain management for women undergoing gynecological procedures.
- Greater awareness among healthcare providers that women’s pain is real and should be addressed.
- More contraceptive options for men to balance the responsibility between genders.
Bridging the Gap: How Circe’s TENS Device Helps with Period Pain
For women who experience severe period cramps, Circe’s TENS device for menstrual pain relief offers a non-invasive solution. Using electrical nerve stimulation, it helps block pain signals and reduce discomfort, providing an alternative to medication. While the medical industry may not always prioritize women’s pain management, Circe is dedicated to giving women the tools they need for relief.
The Bottom Line
ADAM vs. IUD pain relief isn’t just about contraception—it’s about gender bias in medicine. If men’s pain is taken seriously enough to warrant anesthesia for a simple injection, why are women left to endure IUD insertions without it? It’s time for healthcare to acknowledge the gender pain gap and start prioritizing equal pain management in reproductive health.