IUD weigh in

Hey all, on sortof an adventure being on my own for the first time away from my friends and family - growth right? Really don't want to get pregnant right now but can't take birth control - I know I've heard about the IUD as a safe option - I had one years ago and my partner had pain during sex so I took it out. I would love to get another one because of the convenience - but it hurts to get put in and has risks and side effects and if it's just going to hurt my partner what's the damn point. Any good positive stories to sway my measuring stick?