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Getting an IUD can be a big decision, and sometimes a scary one as well. In case you haven’t read my previous post on switching to non hormonal birth control, you can check that out. Basically it goes over how I tried multiple birth controls which contained hormones, including an IUD, and they weren’t for me.
I ultimately decided to go with a Paraguard IUD, which doesn’t have hormones. Going through both the Paraguard insertion and Skyla insertion means I’ve definitely learned a few things. I’m sharing a few things I think you should know before getting an IUD to hopefully help anyone trying to make the decision for themselves.
1. Yes, it does hurt, but there are ways to alleviate.
Sorry, I wish I could tell you that it doesn’t. The first IUD I had, my doctor told me to take 2 Advil an hour or two before the procedure. I’m not sure if it helped all that much, because I could still feel it, and it HURT. A lot. If you’ve had a baby, maybe it won’t be that bad for you, at least that’s what I’ve heard. That being said, the worst of it is only like 10-20 seconds.
For the Paragard insertion appointment, I had the old one taken out and the new one put in all at once. I asked if there was a pain medication I could have in order to help, because the last time was not fun at all, and this time I was having more done.
My doctor (reluctantly) gave me a prescription for tylenol with codeine. I was super nervous, but the pill helped SO much. I could still feel it, but it was more just uncomfortable than pain. Made a really big difference, and when I have to get this one out I absolutely will be asking for a prescription again.
I highly recommend asking your doctor if there is something you can take, it made such a difference for me.
2. You should bring someone with you.
To drive you, help calm your nerves, and just be there as moral support. I brought my boyfriend both times and am SO glad I did. It was a big relief to not have to drive myself after the procedure was done. I also felt very light-headed and nauseous for like 10-20 minutes following the procedure, so having someone to drive me was crucial.
3. You might feel off in some way immediately following the insertion.
The first time I was only dealing with some cramping, which often happens. The second time though, probably because I had one taken out and put in, I felt very light headed and nauseous, as I mentioned above. I had to lay down for a while in the doctors office. And it took us a while to get me to the car because I kept thinking I was almost going to pass out. It went away after around a half hour. I’ve heard plenty of people are totally fine and good to go immediately after, so it totally depends on the person.
Also, with the Skyla, the day of insertion I felt off mood-wise. I just took the day to myself and then was fine the next day.
4. You’ll probably deal with cramping for a few days after.
The day of will be more intense, and then the days after less so. It wasn’t that bad for me, I was still able to function just fine, although I did try to take it easy. I scheduled mine for a Friday, which I took off, and then had a relaxing weekend.
5. Your body will need time to adjust.
Whether you’re getting a hormonal IUD or not, your body needs to adjust. You might deal with some moodiness, irregular periods, bleeding more or less than usual, just to name a few. Give yourself time before you freak out and think something is wrong.
6. Your period will likely change.
With Skyla, it was fairly regular for me. But, I’ve heard that many girls end up having very light, or even no periods on it.
The Paragard had not increased the length of time of my period, but I do bleed more heavily. The first few periods were irregular, but after about 3 – 4 months, it’s back to being on a schedule. The cramping is a bit worse for me, but nothing a few Advil can’t take care of.
I hope this post helps you make your decision, or better prepare you if you’re getting one soon. If you have any questions at all, feel free to comment below, or email me if you prefer to be private!
Also make sure to have continued checkups. Mine caused me to have weight gain despite my best efforts to work out.
Definitely! Very important to check that it hasn’t moved as well. Did you have the hormonal one or non-hormonal one?
Thanks for these tips ivy!
I considered it once, but hard some horrible stories! I know everyone is different but don’t think I would risk getting one.
You’re right about bringing someone with you! I would be totally scared if I was alone!
Kelly
http://thiswayandthatway.com
I heard some horror stories too, so I definitely know what you mean. But I realized that the horror stories are shared way more often then the normal stories of it totally going okay, you know what I mean? I think there are way more people where it went totally fine compared to the horror ones. But it’s scary, so I understand. I definitely won’t have it forever, or even the 10 years it stays good for probably.
This is really helpful, Ivy! I’m considering switching from the pill to the IUD so thank you for the info!
So happy to help! Let me know how it goes!
So I’ve read this a little late – I had my first one fitted last week haha! I wish I’d read this before because I think I would have been a bit more relaxed about the aftermath. I suffered from THE WORST cramps for two days after I had mine done and it was brutal!
Oh no! So sorry girl, I hope the worst of it has passed! How are you feeling now?