I had my stent removed today an it was fast, an it did not hurt at all. I read some of the storys before I got mine removed I was sick at my stomach cause I thought it was goin to hurt. To any female that is worried about this don't be!!! I fell 100 precent better now snice it's out!!!! I would rate the whole thing as a 2 an it took less then a min to get it out.. Mine didn't have a string own mine but it stile didn't hurt.... To anyone who is stressin over this female lol don't beat ur slef up over it...