MY EXPERIENCE: Copper IUD and Why I Chose It

MY REASON

The infamous Dalkon Shield (Cr: wired.com)

The copper (non-hormonal) IUD has always had some sort of bad reputations in a world of birth controls. It's no surprise; it does have some pretty shady history. In 1971 to 1974, there were 110 cases of septic spontaneous abortions in women and even seven cases of death who had the Dalkon Shield style of copper IUD inserted. Although the design has definitely improved in the current days, the side effects of it sound so risky that many women choose to turn to other forms of birth control. (Read more here.)

I was one of those women. I chose to turn to artificial birth controls when I became sexually active because of my slightly irregular cycle which would make natural family planning very risky. I approached a GP about birth control choices and the only options he offered were the Pills, the Patch, and the Shot. I didn't see it as odd at first; I mean, who was I to question a doctor? So I asked for the Pills and the doctor gave me a prescription for Levlen Ed, charged me AU$15 for the medicine, and sent me out.

Fast forward two months later, I had my first panic attack. It was horrendous and painful but luckily it only lasted for a couple of minutes. At school we were doing a mental health course and it scared me about how I ticked almost all boxes of anxiety symptoms. I related it to the stress of the last year of high school with exams just around the corner but time passed, I graduated with flying colours, and I was only getting worse. Panic attacks, insecurities, excessive worrying, mood swings were everyday occurrences for me but it was slowly costing me my relationships with my family and my boyfriend. I almost fell into depression and even at one point I contemplated suicide but luckily my boyfriend lovingly pulled me out of my rut.

Eight months later I was googling the cause of anxiety and one website mentioned how synthetic hormones can affect it. I'm no doctor but from my understanding, it has something to do with how birth control pills release hormones that trick your body to stop ovulation by making your body think you're pregnant. We all know how emotionally stable some pregnant women can be and it seems like I got the bad end of the stick. This, along with my history of stress, throws me deeper down the cliff of anxiety.

Cr: leandromoreno

To make it all worse, sex was painful for me. It seems like my mind is incredibly aroused by my body is just going all nope, no, not having sex. My sex drive was not affected but I started experiencing vaginal dryness that no amount of lube seemed to fix. That was it for me. The whole reason of my I turned to artificial birth control was so I shouldn't worry about being pregnant and hey, I couldn't really worry since I couldn't have sex anyway.

I decided that day that I wouldn't take hormones anymore thus I went to my state's sexual health clinic (no more GPs for me.) The doctor supported me in my decision to get a copper IUD. Like everyone else, I was scared of the risk of perforation but she calmed me down by saying how it only happened to 1 in 1,000 women. She calmed me by saying how experienced the doctor is in the clinic and I trusted her. Why wouldn't I? I was in a sexual health clinic. They specialise in sexual health. I also trusted her when she said it's better for me, and maybe everyone else, because of the very high effectiveness rate of 99.8%. Being mathematically oriented, that calmed me down more than anything else. That same night she made me take a urine and a swab test to rule out any chances of STIs (it's extremely risky for those suffering from STIs to receive a copper IUD but please discuss with your doctor.) What calmed me down more than anything else was that she asked me questions about my health such as a history of blood clots or iron deficiency, etc, etc. Since I am in a monogamous relationship and neither me or my partner have no history of STIs, I was allowed to come back for my insertion a month later. (It was only a month later because the clinic is always packed.)

INSERTION

TT-380 Standard (Cr: millermedicalsupplies.com)

A month later was last Monday, 16 May 2016. I returned to the clinic with two 275 mg naproxen in my system. I knew there would be pain and I have to admit, I was concerned when I found out the person inserting the IUD was a trainee (but still an experienced doctor, nonetheless.) She made me lie down on the bed with my knees open and with a promise for God that I would pray more if He doesn't make this very painful. (TMI alert. Please skip this part if you think it will make you feel queasy.) She inserted two fingers inside of me, feeling around for my cervix. The whole time she explained everything to me and for someone who wants to know everything, that quenches my thirst. Afterwards, she put in the speculum and applied a numbing gel around my cervix. She had said the reason she does this is because I have not given birth before and it will be a little more painful. After all said and done, she measured the length of my vagina and finally inserted the IUD (TT-380 Standard) into my uterus.

(You can continue now.)

It hurt. It hurt like hell. However, it only hurt like hell for like 3 seconds. Afterwards, it was only the usual light cramping that I have during my period. The nurse checking my pulse next to me told me to take deep breaths and it definitely helped for me to focus on counting the 4-2-8. Maybe it's because I took the naproxen or maybe I was just lucky, but it wasn't all that painful for me. There was a lot of horror stories but the only thing that came true was the cramping. I didn't feel faint, I didn't feel sick. And to be honest, it was just underwhelming.

Me walking around
Cr: mardrews

When it was all done, they gave me a pad, let me rest for as long as I needed to, then sent me off to a AU$160 bill.

AFTERMATHS AND SIDE EFFECTS

I'm a bit disappointed to be honest. I only have slight cramping and yes, some back pain, but nothing else. I feel worse when I had my cold. I also experience some light bleeding but nothing I can't handle. The doctor recommended that I finish my pack of birth control so my period will come next week. I'll keep you all updated.

Update: 20 May 2016
I started experiencing bleeding yesterday, however, it was in no way heavy. Cramps are more frequent but it was only in one or two seconds interval. I have not taken any painkillers for three days.

TIPS

Over and all, I'm happy. And after reading some horror stories that I think could be avoided, I would like to offer some tips for those who are thinking of getting the IUD:

• Take painkillers. Ibuprofen or naproxen would be best because they work on muscles. Ibuprofen is more fast relief while naproxen takes longer to work but it is long lasting. Read more here.
• Relax. Focus on deep breaths where your exhale is longer than your inhale. Counting will help you focus less on the pain.
• Go to a specialised doctor like your local sexual health clinic or your obgyn. Most are usually pro-choice and will be more supportive of your decision.
• Definitely ask for your doctor's opinion on what's best for you.
• Get someone to come with you or pick you up.
• Make sure you don't have a copper allergy beforehand.

Feel free to contact me with any questions about this.

REFERENCES/SOURCES

1. Wikipedia, 'IUD with copper', [date unknown], https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IUD_with_copper
2. Wheaver, R., 'Your Contraceptives Can Affect Your Mental Health', 24 August 2012, http://www.empowher.com/mental-health/content/your-contraceptives-can-affect-your-mental-health?page=0,2
3. Curiosity Aroused, 'What is the Difference between Naproxen vs. Ibuprofen?', http://www.curiosityaroused.com/health/what-is-the-difference-between-naproxen-vs-ibuprofen/
4. SHQ, 'Intrauterine Devices', 10 May 2016, http://shq.org.au/download/intrauterine-devices/
5. Couzin-Frankel, J., 'Contraceptive Comeback: The Maligned IUD Gets a Second Chance', 15 August 2011, http://www.wired.com/2011/07/ff_iud/

UPDATE HISTORY

20 May 2016: Added pictures; added new link; added a new source; updated my experience

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Skincare Saturday: Bioderma Hydrabio Tonique

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