Birth control — a dilemma
or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the IUD
It all started when I hit puberty and attained womanhood — AKA got my first period. I was 12 years old, and though I knew what to expect in theory, the reality of the situation hit me like a ton of bricks.
The reality: torturous, heavy cramping; emotions swerving wildly from one extreme to the other; heavy bleeding that just wouldn’t end. Weeks went by, boxes of pads and tampons used up, with no end in sight. Thus, I became embroiled in the search for “the cure.”
My gynecologist recommended I try hormonal therapy in the form of the daily Pill. Pop it once a day she said, and not only would the periods be regulated, but the cramps would subside AND I’d have clearer skin, to boot.
GREAT! That sounds AWESOME. Or it would, if I could remember to take a pill in exactly the prescribed manner at the same time without fail every day of my life, till menopause do us part. I can’t.
So my gynecologist recommended I try another form of birth control such as the patch, shot, or vaginal ring. I switched over to the Nuva Ring and appreciated the simplicity of it immediately. No more remembering (or forgetting) to take a pill every day. I felt more secure about my birth control now that I was finally taking it as prescribed.
After a couple of years I felt like the Nuva Ring didn’t suit my needs as much as when I first started it. I did a bit of homework and realized I had plenty of other options to consider now that I felt like it was time to switch again. After some research and a bit of soul searching, I decided to move away from hormonal birth control and try a more permanent, non hormonal birth control in the form of a copper intrauterine device, Paragard.
I ended up reading plenty of IUD insertion horror stories prior to my own appointment, which only caused me extreme anxiety in the lead-up to it. When it came time to go to the doctor, I brought a ton of anxiety and negativity with me. Looking back, I probably would have been better off going into it without all the negative hype buzzing in my head.
I brought my boyfriend with me for moral support. I checked in with a lump in my throat and my stomach in knots. I waited for what felt like an eternity, until finally my name was called. I undressed and got myself situated in place, ready for the worst. In the end, my doctor performed a quick and painless procedure, and I left merrily on my way mere minutes later.
The doctor sufficiently warned me of the possible side effects, including spotting, abdominal/pelvic pain, etc. I certainly endured some very painful bouts of cramping shortly after having it inserted, but it subsided after the first few months. Now, any pain during my period can be sufficiently managed with a few ibuprofen.
I gained a bit of freedom when I chose an IUD. No longer am I tied to a birth control regimen, regular prescriptions, expenditures, or hormone therapy. Looking back on the past couple of years with my IUD, I couldn’t be more thrilled with my decision. I haven’t regretted it for a second, and would recommend people delve into the options available to them when making that decision for themselves.
