“Is it almost over???” I pleaded in desperation while squeezing the kind medical assistant’s hand. The nurse practitioner glanced up at me between my bare legs propped in the stirrups. “No,” she admitted with a soft chuckle of sympathy.
Getting my IUD was one of the most physically uncomfortable and invasive procedures of my life; however, I’m over half a year in and have no regrets.
I know the question you’re dying for me to answer: Did it really hurt that bad? And yes, yes it did. But getting an IUD wasn’t what I had expected based on what I had read, heard, or asked when it came to what the procedure entailed or felt like. The entire procedure took about 40 minutes and involved a sharp pinching in my uterus unlike anything I had ever felt before. I expected a short and sudden pain when the IUD was actually inserted, but in reality I didn’t even notice when the clinician put my IUD in. The worst part of the procedure was well, most of it. The procedure was extremely invasive and involved a lot of measuring to make sure the IUD would fit and not fall out. Due to the nature of the procedure, if you’re a virgin, or have never gotten a pap smear, I wouldn’t recommend an IUD as your first form of birth control.
I’ve had my hormonal Skyla IUD for six months now and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made for my sexual health. It was covered by my insurance, doesn’t require any upkeep (besides checking for the strings once a month), and hasn’t given me any of the negative effects I experienced with birth control pills. Best of all, I now have a reliable, effective form of birth control for three years!
If you’re considering getting an IUD, (and if you’re anything like me,) you’ve probably already scoured the internet looking for answers and asked everyone you know with an IUD plus their mom what’s at stake if you decide to get a little plastic ‘T’ put in your uterus. Is it going to make your skin break out? Will you gain weight? How will it affect your period? Should you get a copper or hormonal IUD? The list goes on. I know, I’ve been there. (And no, you or your partner won’t be able to feel it when you’re having sex.)
Everyone’s experience with birth control is going to be different–you have to find what is right for you specifically, and this might take some trial and error. Personally, the two types of birth control pills I was prescribed before getting my IUD made me gain weight, break out, and significantly lowered my mood. The only side effects I’ve experienced from my IUD were some irregularity in my period the first few months (this is extremely normal while your body is still adjusting,) lighter periods, barely any cramps or PMS, feelings of empowerment over my sexual health, and lessened anxiety over the effectiveness of my birth control method. I couldn’t be happier with my selected form of birth control.
If you decide that an IUD seems like a good fit for you, first of all, congratulations! You’re making a responsible and mature decision for your sexual health, and I applaud you. But as far as the procedure goes, be mentally and physically prepared. Take some ibuprofen an hour before the procedure, and don’t plan to do anything the rest of that day, you’re going to want to take it easy. I personally experienced some of the worst cramps of my life the first few days after the procedure, but these quickly subsided. (Now I don’t even get my monthly period cramps! #blessed) Do your research to make sure the IUD you’re getting is the right one for you, and ask your doctor if you have any questions.
I wish you the best of luck on your birth control journey because everyone should be BFFs with their BC.
P.S.:I got my IUD at my local Planned Parenthood and had an amazing and supportive experience. The medical assistant held my hand the entire time and talked to me through the entire procedure to help distract me and get me through. I would recommend anyone who is considering making a change in their birth control, or who has any questions about their sexual health to reach out to their local PP, they are here to help you get what you need! Thank you so much PP, I’m so grateful for you (and my IUD) everyday!
XO, Em