After Getting an IUD, I’m Convinced No One Cares About Women’s Health

Oh, and studies just found lead and arsenic in our tampons

Photo by Vladislav Muslakov on Unsplash

The first time I heard about the copper IUD, I felt hope, relief, and empowerment.

Finally — a long-term birth-control option that didn’t involve hormones and was more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. I called a nearby OBGYN right away, but there was one small hiccup: All the female gynecologists were booked for the next 10 months.

“Would you be opposed to a male doctor?” the secretary asked.

“Not at all,” I said. “I’ll take the first available appointment.”

I showed up for my preliminary consultation. I asked every question I had, including “Will this hurt?” and “What should I do to prepare?” No, and nothing. I read the pamphlet they gave me front-to-back — twice.

Then, a month later as I lay there with my legs in stirrups, I asked, “I have an Advil in my bag. Should I take it, just in case?”

“Nope. You won’t need it,” the doctor said.

The IUD wouldn’t go in. He had to dilate me twice. I saw stars.

It was the worst pain I’d ever felt in my entire life.