Almost a year ago, I made the decision to get an IUD placed. For those of you that may be unfamiliar with the term, IUD stands for “Intrauterine Device”, and it’s another birth control option for those who are tired of taking a daily pill. After going through the entire process and finally starting to feel normal again, I wanted to share my IUD experience for a couple of reasons:
1. I want to use my platform to provide my experience and hopefully bring helpful information to you all, my readers.
2. I also believe that as women, we need to talk more about our health and our experiences as much as we are comfortable with. We have to share about all of the craziness that our bodies put us through and how strong we all are! If we don’t share our stories, then who will? Am I right?
So if you’re interested in reading about my IUD experience, then let’s jump right into it!
Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor (I am a pharmacist but I’m not YOUR pharmacist!). If you are thinking about getting an IUD or a different form of birth control, please talk to your doctor to determine which one is right for you!
What is an IUD?
Like I mentioned earlier, an IUD is an “intrauterine device”, which is a form of birth control that is implanted in your uterus. With it being 99% effective, it’s one of the most effective birth controls on the market. The best part about getting an IUD is that they can last between 3 to 10 years, depending on which product you get. They also have a ton of benefits such as preventing pregnancy, regulating periods, and more.
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Why did you decide to get an IUD?
Before getting an IUD, I was on an oral birth control tablet since I was a teenager (have no idea when I started them) to help regulate my hormonal acne. Once I started them, I stay on them until my second year of pharmacy school when I was starting to feel more depressed and overall feeling down. I have no idea if it was due to my hormones, the birth control, or the fact that I was stressed out from school, but I decided to stop taking them. At the same time, I also adopted Ava, my pitbull rescue, and my mood instantly improved over the next few months.
Fast forward to a few years when Titi and I got engaged, I knew that we weren’t looking to have kids for a few years, and I wanted to be sure we were protected until then, which is why I got the IUD. I wanted a birth control that wouldn’t pump my body full of hormones and that I could forget about.
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What type of IUD did you get?
I went with the Kyleena, the 5 year IUD. My doctor told me it was a good option for me since it was small and would allow me to keep having periods. There’s something comforting about having your period every month. Call me crazy, but I don’t actually hate Aunty Flow when she comes around. My periods are not terribly painful or very long (~around 5 days).
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What was the process like for getting the IUD placed?
My experience was an interesting because obviously I had heard a bunch of mixed reviews on people’s experiences getting an IUD place. It was 50/50 whether people loved it and went back to work right after or were curled into the fetal position for the next month. I was hoping to be in the later department.
On the day of my appointment, I drove myself there and my partner, Titi, met me at the doctor’s office. The procedure takes about 10 minutes total, but it feels like time literally stops when you’re in the room with the doctor because you’re so nervous. The worst part honestly is the doctor inserting the speculum (it’s super uncomfortable), but the actual insertion feels like a lot of pressure. It’s honestly hard to describe, but I would say it felt like a terrible cramp. A a lot of pressure, which can obviously felt pretty painful.
I actually almost passed out during my appointment, which now that I’m thinking about, I’m not surprised. I tend to pass out anytime that I get shots or blood drawn so it makes sense that this procedure will have a similar effect on my body. I don’t say that to scare you but to tell you my honest IUD insertion story.
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How did you feel afterwards?
Besides almost passing out during my appointment, I walked out of my doctor’s office feeling like a brand-new woman. I drove myself to the doctor’s office so of course I drove myself home feeling totally normal. Because I wasn’t sure how I would feel after the insertion, I took the day off from work and rotations. I honestly could’ve gone right in because I felt completely fine. A few days later, I did have some cramping (nothing terrible) and some spotting.
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How long is recovery?
For me personally, I was good to go right after my appointment, including the days afterward. I had some cramping a few days later, but they weren’t terrible and felt very light compared to my normal period cramps.
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How do you feel after 6 months of having the IUD?
Before you get an IUD, the doctor will tell you that it takes around 3 to 6 months for your body to become adjusted to the new object. It’s been an entire year so, I’m overall feeling back to my normal self.
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Do you regret your decision to get an IUD?
Absolutely NOT! I’m very happy that I decided to go with an IUD over a different form of birth control. I feel so much happier without all of the hormones from oral birth control, and my acne has also improved since I’ve stopped taking the oral pills. A few moments of pain/discomfort are totally worth it for years of pregnancy-free bliss!
I hope that in sharing my experience getting an IUD helps anyone of you who are considering getting one. Honestly, I love being so open with you all because if me sharing helps one person, then it was all so worth it. To sum up my thoughts, it was the best decision I’ve ever made, and it was the perfect option for me with my current lifestyle. If you’re interested in getting an IUD or just hearing more information about it, definitely consult your doctor about your birth control options.
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