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Julie W's avatar

I took hormonal birth control for almost 10 years before a pulmonary embolism almost took me out in 2017. A simple blood test revealed that I have a genetic disorder that causes blood clots when my estrogen is increased. Why couldn’t my OBGYN done some blood work before prescribing me those pills when I was 18?

After my PE i knew I needed a non-hormonal option, so I also went with a copper IUD. I had asked around and gotten a lot of similar stories to Katie’s; the pain is crippling, take time off of work, etc. I took a sick day for my appointment. I was terrified. My then boyfriend (now husband) was out of town and I was starring down the barrel of this appointment alone. Thankfully, a girlfriend called to ask what I was up to the night before. I told her how nervous I felt. She took the morning off work, picked me up and drove me to my appointment and held my hand during the procedure. I’d describe the insertion as not as intense as others have had it, but certainly not something I’d want done everyday!

When i returned home after, my sweetie pie had stocked our apartment with comfort food snacks for me, and laid out a heating pad on the couch for my recovery. For the next few days, it felt like a very intense period. I was uncomfortable, but it was manageable.

I think what led to my more positive experience with my IUD is exactly what inspired Katie to write this newsletter: SPEAK UP! If i hadn’t told my friend, if i hadn’t voiced my fears to my boyfriend, if I hadn’t asked others for their experiences, this would have been a traumatic memory instead of one that fills me with gratitude for my community.

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Rachel B.'s avatar

SO glad you put that out there. I'm on my 4th one since my daughter was two. I LOVE this method of BC, but had geared myself up for the intense pain every time. Each dr making it seem like it was no big deal. I justified the pain because they made me feel like I was overreacting and I'd tolerate it once every 5-7 years for the luxury of the BC that was best for my body. This last time, the dr couldn't find the strings to pull it out. After literally digging around in there for 20 mins, she finally suggested anesthesia. A 2 hour visit to the hospital from check in to check out and the old IUD was out, the new was in (probably placed better) and I had no pain because I was completely knocked out. Insurance paid 100%. It shouldn't take a complication to get that level of care. In 5 years when I get my next and final IUD, I'll be pushing for that same procedure.

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