The IUD Experience

Written By Papaya Health

In this episode, Alyssa and Nadia have an open and honest conversation about Nadia's recent experience getting an IUD (intrauterine device). The discussion covers everything from her decision-making process to the procedure itself and her recovery experience.

The conversation begins with Nadia explaining her motivation for choosing an IUD as her preferred method of birth control, citing her difficulty with remembering to take pills and preference for a long-term solution that doesn't require regular maintenance. She discusses the process of getting referred from her school's health center to an external OBGYN clinic in Boston, noting the long wait times for appointments.

Nadia shares details about choosing between different IUD options (hormonal vs. non-hormonal, and different brands within the hormonal category), ultimately selecting the Kylena which lasts for 5 years. The discussion touches on how the 2024 election results influenced her urgency to secure birth control access.

The conversation then shifts to the actual procedure experience, including Nadia's research process (including the mistake of checking TikTok for horror stories), the pain level during insertion, and her ongoing recovery with daily cramping and hormonal adjustments. Alyssa shares her own IUD experience from years ago, including some concerning interactions with a male practitioner and driving complications afterward.

The episode concludes with practical considerations like setting reminders for replacement and follow-up appointments for string checks.

Takeaways

  • IUD insertion appointments often have very long wait times, sometimes 4-5 months, making it important to plan ahead rather than needing immediate birth control access.

  • There are multiple IUD options available (hormonal and non-hormonal, with different duration periods), and doctors can help patients choose the best option during the appointment.

  • Social media platforms like TikTok tend to amplify negative experiences, which may not be representative of typical outcomes and can increase anxiety before medical procedures.

  • Pain experiences during IUD insertion vary widely between individuals, but the procedure typically lasts 5-10 minutes and pain subsides relatively quickly afterward.

  • Post-insertion side effects can include ongoing cramping, hormonal changes, early periods, and acne flare-ups as the body adjusts to the device.

  • Political climate and concerns about healthcare access can influence timing of reproductive health decisions.

  • It's important to set long-term reminders for IUD replacement (3-8 years depending on type) and schedule follow-up appointments for string checks.

  • Having a supportive healthcare provider and feeling comfortable with their gender and communication style can significantly impact the experience.

Chapters

0:09-1:24 - Introduction and IUD Basics
1:26-3:29 - Decision Making and Election Influence
3:34-5:10 - Choosing IUD Type and Appointment Process
5:19-6:17 - Wait Times and Healthcare Access
6:18-8:06 - Different IUD Options and Family History
8:07-10:26 - Preparation and Procedure Experience
10:31-12:15 - Recovery and Ongoing Side Effects
12:24-14:09 - Motivations and Peace of Mind
14:14-15:29 - Political Climate and Healthcare Access
15:33-16:18 - Effectiveness Timeline
16:20-19:28 - Alyssa's IUD Experience Comparison
19:37-22:09 - Follow-up Care and String Checks
22:23-23:07 - Current Side Effects and Hormonal Changes

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