How to get an IUD
How I did it: I first thought long and hard about the kind of birth control I wanted to be on. It seemed that an IUD was the best bet for me because I wanted something extremely reliable, easy, and affordable. I talked to my significant other about it, and together we did a lot of research online about the pros and cons of having an IUD. I found a lot of negative stuff, but asked around for personal experiences from people I know to get both sides of the story. My biology professor told me about how she has 5 friends who all have IUDs, and how all of them are happy. I asked my aunt Robin, who also had one. She told me her negative experience with the IUD, which was also very helpful. I went to a gynecologist my aunt recommended and talked to her about it. She really took the time to explain the risks, the benefits, the procedure, and assured me that she is very experienced and felt completely comfortable with executing the procedure herself. Then I spent another month or so thinking things over. After deciding that Mirena was right for me, I made my appointment, had it inserted, and went on my merry way. The insertion was a little uncomfortable, but not horrible. My doctor numbed me with a lidocaine gel, then injected lidocaine directly into my cervix once I stopped feeling pain before opening me up and inserting the IUD. I felt a lot of pressure, and a few sharp pains, but getting my septum and nipples pierced hurt *much* worse than the IUD insertion. I felt a little light-headed afterwards, and cramped for 2-3 days afterwards, but ever since I've been very pleased.
Lessons & tips:
- Download and print the patient information for every brand of IUD you're considering. Use a highlighter to mark up everything you have questions about, and bring that to your gynecologist for discussion. If your doctor has problems answering these questions, consider seeing another doctor.
- Keep very close track of your period for a few months. This will help you schedule for your insertion, as it should be done within 7 days of the start of your period, when the cervix is naturally slightly dilated. I used a period tracking app for the iphone, and it worked great.
- Don't douche or have sex the day of or the day before your
insertion. If possible, don't do it for a week or two before, because
you want your vaginal chemistry to be balanced and happy. - Make sure you are NOT pregnant before insertion. This is critical. IUDs increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy. While this is rare, it can be fatal for mother and fetus.
- Have a relative or close friend go with you. They will be able to help you relax, and you may very well need a hand to squeeze. You also may not want to drive yourself home, as women frequently feel dizzy after insertion.
- Ask for some numbing, and be insistent. It made a world of a difference for me.
- Take 800mg of ibuprofen an hour before your insertion, and buy a large box of hot patches from CVS for the days following insertion. You will feel cramping, believe me.
- Remember, if someone has a good experience with an IUD they will tell a handful of people. If someone has a horrible experience, they will tell the whole world and want to sue everyone and their mother. So, don't let the horror stories scare you. There are millions of women world wide who are pleased with their IUD. :)
Resources: http://curezone.com/forums/f.asp?f=713
http://contraception.about.com/od/iud/ss/iudinsertion.htm
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/9043028
http://www.mirena-us.com/
http://www.paragard.com/
http://www.mamapedia.com/article/iud-stories
