My IUD Story
POV: getting reproductive healthcare as a Texan
How I prepared:
I wanted to know more about IUDs and the menstrual cycle and menstruation resulting from ovulation, etc., so first, I checked out Blood by Dr. Jen Gunter at the library. Reading it really helped me understand everything more and my anxiety lessened as a result. I highly recommend everyone read it, but especially if you want to know more about: menstruation, fact vs. fiction surrounding the cycle, myths about birth control, different kinds of birth control methods.
After I read this book, I felt comfortable and informed enough to move forward with getting an IUD. I researched a bit on my own, only using published studies and the aforementioned book to make sure I was getting accurate information (there is sooooo much misinformation out there about women’s healthcare), and I made an appointment for an IUD consultation at Austin Women’s Health Center. The first appointment was simply to talk about options, (hormonal vs. non hormonal IUD), and some patient history. After I scheduled the consultation to discuss options, I made a lengthy list of questions on my phone in preparation for the appointment that I wanted to ask.
During my appointment, I spoke with Ginger Ridout, Advanced Nurse Practitioner and proponent of collaborative women’s health care, and I was thrilled I was getting to ask all of my questions to the person who would be doing the insertion. I know at some other medical practices, this is not always the case. Anyway, I got to sit down with Ginger and we literally went through my list of questions together, and she answered them all without ever trying to rush me or poke fun at my concerns- this was so relieving for me, as I have had many experiences where other medical teams do exactly that. And best believe I had a LOT of questions. She answered everything I asked her, both about IUDs and IV sedation, and by the end of my consultation, I felt confident that I wanted to move forward with getting the copper IUD with IV sedation and nitrous oxide for pain management.
**I do want to note that the copper IUD was what I decided was best for me after my own research and consultations. I recommend you discuss options with your medical care team to figure out what works best for you! This is just me sharing my personal experience!**1
***Further reading, articles, and links will be at the end of this post***
Before IUD Day:
At the end of my initial consult where I asked all my questions, filled out a form to apply for funding to cover the $200 cost of IV sedation2, signed some insurance forms so the actual IUD could be ordered and sent to the clinic, and was sent home with some notes on Dos and Don’ts for the days before I get IV sedation3. I was also told to make sure someone comes with me since I would need a ride back home.
I remember getting a text while I was at a yoga event for the total solar eclipse we saw in April 2024, and reading that the Lilith Fund had sent over the funding to Austin Women’s Health Center for covering the cost of sedation!
A bit later, the clinic called me and let me know that my IUD had been delivered to them, and then I was able to schedule the appointment for the big day, IUD Day as I called it
IUD DAY
I took the day off work and used my PTO. I had also made my room into a nice comfy place to go back to after the procedure by cleaning it, making my bed, having some snacks and PJs ready, etc. I am a big believer in romanticizing my life, even iud insertion apparently. Also I found it helpful to do so because it made me less anxious and jittery about the insertion day. I scheduled and coordinated with my dear friend Mady for my ride to and from the clinic. She picked me up and we drove to the clinic with me fasted, nervous, and singing Shania Twain’s Man, I Feel Like a Woman.
We got to Austin Women’s Health, which is adorable by the way- surrounded by lots of greenery, decorated with feminist art, and blasting with that good AC- and waited in the lobby for me to be called back. I eventually get called, hug Mady, and go back into a room to get things started. I change into a gown, one of the lovely nurses whose name I can’t remember at the moment, explains some stuff about what she is doing and how it will feel before she expertly starts my IV. They start the nitrous oxide right as they are starting to do my IV because I am the type of person who hates IVs and I was visibly very anxious. I focus on my breath; breathing in the nitrous oxide, I remember the doc supervising the beginning of the conscious sedation telling me I was doing an excellent job breathing with the nitrous and I remember saying thanks and half heartedly explaining that I do a lot of yoga and then boom, the sedation kicks in and Ginger can start my IUD insertion! For me, the worst part of the entire thing was just the IV, because I hate IVs. So once the sedation kicked in, it was a breeze! I didn’t feel any pain, I was chillin’ and focusing on my breath and also on the cute butterflies they have on the ceiling. After a while, Ginger announced we were done, and the same nurse who put in my IV helped me back up & get dressed, and then led me to “recovery!” Recovery was a room with cozy recliners, blankets, and several heating pads, and I remember thinking “hell yeah,” through the haze of the sedation. I sat in a cozy chair with a heating pad while being monitored while coming off of the sedation, and then after a while they helped me back out to the lobby, where Mady was waiting! The first thing we did was go eat at Bouldin Creek Cafe, since I was very hungry due to the fasting needed for safe IV sedation.
Post IUD Insertion
After getting home, I managed the mild pain with ibuprofen and tylenol and a heating pad, as advised! Everyone is different of course, but I found the pain to be very manageable, and mainly just some cramping.
I felt very proud of myself for facing my fears and anxiety, and I feel super empowered with my entire experience and decision. I have never received such kind, attentive, and well rounded patient care as I have at Austin Women’s Health Center. I feel so so so lucky to have had such an amazing IUD experience, as I know several of my friends and many others did not get the same experience. AWHC takes your pain seriously, they care about patient comfort, informed consent, and your decisions. I highly recommend Austin Women’s Health Center for any of your gynecology, birth control, prenatal, or postpartum care.
Important links, reads, and resources
*** Pain Management at Austin Women’s Healthcare: IV and Nitrous Sedation for IUD Insertion ***
What Birth Control Is Best For Me?
How to Find a Provider Who Is a 2SLGBTQIA+ Ally
Debunking Hormonal Birth Control Myths
OTHER
Lilith Fund Pregnancy Helpline (for much more than just pregnancy btw)
Donate to Protect Reproductive Health in Texas (AWHC)
A pro-choice poster, a gift from a patient, is displayed in an examination room at the Austin Women’s Health Center Thursday June 6, 2024.
Jay Janner / American-Statesman
Disclaimer that I am not a medical professional, this is just me sharing my personal experience.
My insurance fully covered the IUD itself, but none of the sedation cost. But don’t worry if you do not have insurance, the Lilith Fund can help with that as well!
thanks, Anna!
I’m so glad you were able to get the IV sedation. I had a uterine biopsy and wasn’t able to get kind of pain medicine. It was horrific. More doctors need to educated on woman’s health and pain. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.