A few days ago i got an iud (mirena) under anesthetic and it was honestly the worst experience of my life. i went in thinking everything was going to be completely fine and at least i won’t have to go through the initial pain of getting it in. i went under perfectly fine no complaints but as soon as i woke up i was in the worst pain of my life, i was screaming and crying and couldn’t even talk because of how bad the pain was the doctors and nurses had to give me a ton of medication morphine etc just to get me to calm down and feel okay to even talk. the pain subsided but i spent the next hours in bed throwing up constantly not even being able to even keep liquids down. i know everyone’s experience is different and i did feel better the next day but the waking up in that much pain was the most traumatic thing i have ever went through i really do not know why it was that painful.

By this I mean, no IUD, pill or implant? Is it risky to just use a condom every time, since I don't want my hormones to change and don't want the side effects associated with them.

I definitely don't want to get pregnant right now.

For context, im 16 years old (the legal age at which i can buy contraceptives from a pharmacy), in the UK and i had a blood test done quite a while ago that revealed i have a hormone imbalance. At the time, the doctor had suggested getting onto some form of contraceptive pill, however my mother was extremely opposed to the idea (Asian parents bruh) and i eventually ended up not getting any treatment for it as there isn't really any other option. I have tried altering my lifestyle such as exercise and dieting but it honestly hasnt made much a difference. Ive had my period since I was 10 years old (if that's relevant) and my periods are also incredibly irregular. I have been thinking about going and buying the pill myself, but in all honestly im really scared it'll like end up on my gp record and my mum will find out or something. I also wanted to talk to a pharmacist about what contraceptives to buy and if i could get prescribed it so i wouldn't have to pay it would also be nice.

I've been seeing and reading through a lot of planned parenthood and IUD experiences, and wanted to share my personal account as there were some things I had no idea about! For some background, I was looking for a free IUD option as I am a broke college student and make very little income, and have no insurance.
I first went to Planned Parenthood around two months ago, made an appointment online as I had heard about the free IUD (Just a heads up, the IUD is free from there but the appointment, insertion, and pregnancy test is not! I forget the exact amount but it was $100+) The IUD they offer is the Liletta, but I ended up having to go through another free program they have (had to show paychecks/ proof of hardship to qualify for the other type of free iud) and go back on another day as that size wasn't the right fit for me. I currently have Kyleena.
Anyway, upon going back they ask you if you're aware of the costs for the insertion, as I mentioned above, and I explained my financial hardships and filled out a form to make everything, cost for the visit included, free! (This form you don't need to show proof, they ask how many people are in your household, what your personal annual income is, and to share a brief message on why you're in hardship. They do not check income, I honestly said a bit lower than what is reality.)
Pain wise, I won't lie, it hurt pretty bad. I took the recommended amount for ibuprofen ahead of time (suggested is 800mg, I took maybe 1000mg), and it honestly did nothing for me. I also got my IUD inserted on my period which is supposed to help with pain, but I didn't notice any ease of pain.
Full procedure is them inserting the speculum, clamping and measuring your cervix, preparing and inserting the device and then it's essentially done, it probably took around 10 minutes or less in actuality. The cramps were pretty bad after, I was able to drive myself home but I do recommend a ride or bringing someone with you if that’s a possibility.
The worst cramping was probably for two days (including insertion day) and I have light cramps here and there even until now.
Key things to mention are no intercourse for one week post-insertion, definitely recommend continuing pain medication for the two days following + heating pad.
A side effect I really don’t see mentioned unless I search specifically is the brown spotting/discharge. Don’t get me wrong, the provider tells you that there may be minor spotting, but I’m about a month post procedure still wearing panty liners daily. I also notice it during intercourse, and it varies from very light to moderate. I have read that 3 months is typically the time your body adjusts to it, so will update! Feel free to ask any questions and I can try to answer my best. :) (Sorry for the yap— hopefully this is helpful to someone!)

I got an IUD inserted at Kaiser by a nurse practitioner and honestly the entire experience was fucking awful. I wanna know if I’m overreacting or if this was actually as bad as I think it was.

First of all, I wasn’t offered any actual pain management. I had to ask if they had lidocaine shots, and she said that she doesn’t do that and that she doesn’t believe the shots help at all and are actually painful. Anyway, all I got was topical spray on my cervix, which is something I had to advocate for as well. No heating pad before or after the procedure either. As someone who has a rather high pain tolerance, I was able to handle the insertion; however, my body was in shock so I felt nauseous and dizzy. They gave me an ice pack and water when I started feeling faint.

But what pissed me off the most was what the nurse practitioner said immediately after the insertion was over. She asked how I was feeling, and when I said “I’m okay I guess,” she turned to the nurse and made a joke along the lines of, “See, you were fine. TikTok makes women believe they need a bunch of stuff JUST for an IUD, when breathing exercises do a lot more than people think.” And ofcourse, the nurse laughed along with her. Like????? The “stuff” she was referring to was pain management. I had JUST gone through a painful procedure, and she was basically implying that people exaggerate their pain and don’t need anything beyond breathing exercises, even though IUD’s feel very invasive with and without pain management. Just because I managed to get through it doesn’t mean it wasn’t horrible or that pain relief was unnecessary.

And it didn’t end there. I was lying in the room for another 15 minutes because I felt like I was gonna throw up or pass out. I dressed myself cause I didn’t feel like laying butt ass naked while feeling like that.As I was lying down with my clothes on trying to calm myself, the nurse came in and basically said that since I was dressed, I had to leave because they needed the room for other patients, even though the NP stated I could have the room because no one needed it. I felt like I was being rushed out when I was still recovering.
Also, I was given information about Kyleena not being offered at Kaiser, which I felt was unaccurate as I was offered that at prior appointments. The NP explained that Kaiser only takes from certain vendors and those vendors they get their IUDs from only offer the Paragard, Skyla, Mirena, or the Liletta.

I understand that IUD insertions are different for everyone and that not everyone needs the same pain management. And I’m not expecting the procedure to be completely painless. What bothers me is that I wasn’t offered much to help with the pain or recovery, and even asked for majority of it myself, and then had the provider make a condescending and dismissing joke about people who advocate for more pain management with IUD insertions IMMEDIATELY after I went through it myself. Like am I wrong for thinking this was unprofessional??

This also wasn’t my first time getting an IUD, I had an insertion with my primary gynecologist awhile ago, who offered all types of pain management, gave me a heating pad, was very attentive overall, and even used an ultrasound device afterward to check for the IUD. I wish I had just gone to my main gynecologist, but I was upset at her medical assistants for cancelling my appointment without letting me know. So I unfortunately, ended up finding an earlier appointment with a random provider. Horrible idea on my end 🫩

I’m taking aurovela it’s been like 3 months. I did not bleed last month. My period used to start right around the middle of the month. I’m not bleeding today but I’m emotional and I’m trying to figure out if that’s why.

its my first week on Mili (or Sprintec) and my appetite has increased sooooo much its crazy. im a relatively skinny person with a small appetite but im eating like crazy now. has this happened to anyone else?

guys I (24F) need to hear if anyone else has had similar experience- I get really sad seeing all the “this pill SAVED MY LIFE” posts and comments because I am having an opposite reaction.

i was diagnosed with pmdd and undiagnosed neurodivergence of some sort (tester said I was too good at school as a little girl :/ ) and I went on slynd bc i cant take estrogen as a chronic migraineur. I was on Loryna before and loved it. my skin was clear which was a huge plus but looking back, i was def anxious as hell as I am now.

slynd though…. oh man. im on my fifth month (continuous for migraines) and my doctor said to wait until 6 months to change to an IUD. an IUD is tough because I dont want hormones but copper might make my cramps worse which are already debilitating ON TOP of my doctor giving no pain meds besides ibuprofen for insertion.

My health anxiety and OCD have been INSANELY overactive to the point of convincing myself I have rabies, Im going into psychosis, Ive been poisoned, dreaming theres someone in my walls, convincing myself my bf hates me, and having panic attacks on plane flights thinking its going to crash, that im not getting enough oxygen… It has put a huge burden on my relationships. I have a therapist but theres something hormonally wrong with my brain.

executive function is out the window. im struggling through school.

Im tired all the time.

Im bloated to the point of discomfort, feeling pregnant when i just drink water.

libido no longer exists. I dont even masturbate anymore.

my skin is dry and cystic and pimply.

PLEASE has anyone had this happen? My doctor is pretty dismissive and just says “okay then go off it.“ as if its that easy a decision to make.

did anyone switch to an iud? What was that like? Did you just stop one day? What was your withdrawal like? any input is valuable. I cant take estrogen so plz no estrogen recommendations.

Edit to title--I mean side effects, not symptoms.

Context: I am over 40 and have never had an IUD, and have been off birth control for over a decade. My iron is low now because of heavy periods, and I'm being advised to go on bc to minimize bleeding. I'm considering an IUD instead of a combination pill.

It's been a while, but in my teens and 20s I struggled with hormonal acne and body hair (no PCOS, but I was told by a doctor I have sensitive androgen receptors). My skin has been fairly clear and body hair has been a little more manageable for over a decade.

I've read that hormonal IUDs can have androgenic effects (acne, coarse facial hair growth) because of the progestin, even though it's supposed to be localized. I figure I'm more prone to these side effects because of my history with acne and unwanted hair. Wondering if anyone with a similar history has NOT experienced these side effects? Will talk to my doctor when I have my appointment also.

I'm not overly keen to go on a combo pill as an alternative because of my age and increased risk for blood clots. Some of my anemia symptoms overlap with migraine symptoms, which raises concerns about other risks.

Ultimately I will opt for a lady beard over blood clots or stroke if I have to! Just looking for a little optimism.

Skipping placebos on other pills always stopped a bleed but on slind it seems to give me a heavy bleed along with cramps. Anyone else?

i started the pill (loryna) on october 5th, i just started my period yesterday, 11 days after starting the pill. the doctor told me i'd probably skip my first period on the pill and get it during the placebo pills instead, so im confused?

is this normal/am i protected?? i haven't had unprotected sex since starting the pill

I was on Sprintec from ages 14-19 for heavy, irregular periods. I’ve had 3 kids since then, about to turn 30 and we’re thinking we’re most likely done having kids but not ready to permanently shut down shop yet. My periods are absolutely excruciating, the cramps are almost debilitating for the first 2-3 days, my PMDD is awful (despite vitamins, changing diet, all the usual things) and it’s affecting my life. When I was on Sprintec as a teen, it helped with all of my symptoms. My doctor has checked/done tests and can’t find any reason for it being so bad other than a thicker uterine lining. What worries me now is the possibility of stroke/clots. I’ve seen stories about women in their 30’s+ having issues from the birth control and it worries me. Has anyone had any experience with Sprintec being 30+? The good and/or the bad? Thank you!

In the past I took the pill and after that a copper IUD, but I experienced a lot of side effects. I’m in dubio right now on what to choose. What do you use for birthcontrol?

Hi! Situation that I’m very anxious about and healthcare providers have been not the most helpful.

I was on Paragard for about 6mo. Hated it. Switched to Kyleena 10/13. Provider told me that there was no waiting period because the “hormone starts releasing immediately”.

Had unprotected intercourse 10/14. Got anxious immediately and started googling, seeing that it’s effective immediately if placed within first 7 days of cycle. My most recent cycle started on 10/2. Panic!

Reached out to PP provider and they recommended emergency contraceptive. However, I’m 235 lb. Plan B allegedly is less effective, so I was able to obtain the Ella pill as well.

I’m now reading the info pamphlet and it says that “Progestin-containing contraceptives may impair the ability of Ella”. PP has not responded, I called my previous clinic and explained the situation and they assured me there would be no interference. The info pamphlet is just giving me anxiety lol.

I have both Plan B and Ella on hand. Just want to take whatever will be most likely to be effective. Thanks in advance :’)

hi so I am on nextsellis (progestin and estrogen) birth control pill, I take it everyday in between 9-9:10. I did not get my mock period when I took my white pills. Me and my boyfriend do pull out and sometimes he doesn’t ejaculate at all. I have never missed a pill but I am just really scared.. my pregnancy anxiety is so bad. I should also mention that my periods since I have been on nextsellis have been really light and only lasted about 2 days. Am I okay? What do I do?

been on the nuvaring for multiple years now. it’s potentially causing me some gi issues, and i have limited options due to migraines.
i’m the most interested in the implant because it seems to have the less of a gi impact than depo, and still seems to prevent hormonal migraines.

thoughts or experiences on nexplanon?

soooo i’ve been in the depo shot for 3 years now (never told to take calcium btw so i hadn’t started that until a few months ago)

i can tell my hormones are all wack by my acne (strictly on my jawline/lower cheek area), noticeably more hair shedding, weight gain, sore breasts, and HORRIBLE mood swings and anxiety. i already struggle heavily with my mental health and i genuinely feel like i’m losing my mind.

i was put on the depo for suspicion of endometriosis, but they didn’t recommend the surgery and said this will solve my problems. it obviously stopped my period, therefore ending the intense pain/cramps and HEAVY bleeding to the point i was anemic and would sometimes pass out. i had many issues with my cycle and it helped with that but lately i’ve started having the issues stated above. i’ve also started having phantom cramps with no bleeding.

i say all of this because i’m getting in with a new provider to talk about other options and getting my hormones levels checked.

all i see are horror stories about the depo, and even more horror stories about how symptoms increase or worsen after stopping. if anyone has any advice or anything i’d appreciate it. i’m already and mess right now lol so i don’t really need to read more about how awful of a ride im in for… if you read this all the way through thank you and i appreciate any help

i’ve been on the nuvaring since i was 14, i’m 19 now. i got on it to manage heavy bleeding and hormonal migraines. didn’t have any side effects going on it and it did what i needed it to do.

i developed some gi issues january of 2025. ive done so much testing, its been absolutely ridiculous. the only thing left before they just call it ibs is a colonoscopy which im too scared of the prep to do. (fear of vomiting).

to put it plainly my gi tract is healthy. ibd is already out of the picture due to some other testing i’ve done, so there’s not much the colonoscopy could tell me that’s different from what i already know. i’m pursuing the gynecology route now, and so far nothing. the doctor told me to switch my birth control.

has anyone else developed side effects after multiple years of being on a birth control? specifically nuvaring? i’m just not sure if that’s even possible, and if i don’t have to get off it i don’t really want to risk my migraines coming back.

14 days ago, my boyfriend and i had unprotected sex. he pulled out, and i took ella within 24 hours. i was on day three of my periods, which are usually 8-10 days long. my period stopped the next day, which wasn’t surprising because i read it’s a side effect. but yesterday i started spotting and now im experiencing a light flow. it feels too soon to be getting my period, but im not sure if ella can mess up a cycle like that. i’ve just never had two periods within two weeks of each other.

should i be relieved or concerned that im bleeding? when should i take a test?

(18F) I started Tri-lo-Mili, I guess low dose of estrogen, birth control almost 2 weeks ago and I’ve never felt hunger like this in my life! I’ve gained 4 pounds in 2 weeks and I’m wondering is this something that will go away or I should talk to my obgyn about. I’ve never been on any kind of hormonal birth control so maybe this is normal but gaining 2 pounds every week is definitely not ideal for me. I’ve always been on the thinner side and had a very small appetite (also influenced by being on stimulants for my ADHD) so I’m wondering is this normal? I feel like a bottomless pit of hunger.

so I’ve been on it for about 3 1/2 months and I’m having some breakthrough bleeding, it feels like the period. I’m trying to skip went through anyway. Any tips?

I called my doctor and she said this can be normal for up to six months on this medication

I switched from the pill to an implant to an IUD and now I'm waiting on results to see if my estrogen is low. I gained a bunch of weight after switching off the pill, and I've noticed other side effects around my skin, and notably my hair grows a lot slower.

Does anyone else have these side effects? What else do you have? It'll be another day or two till I get the results and I just want to know what else might be affected.

i 16F am planning on starting birth control, i'm in no place to start a family and my family is highly religious so the pill seems like a safe option to prevent pregnancy. Ive taken plan b twice already and it fucks up my symptoms in a way i'm tired of. I've already set up my appointment for a consultation at planned parenthood but i've heard a lot of issues people have had with it so now i'm scared, and of course the popular tiktok trend showing your birth controls warnings and side effects. i just want to know people's experiences with the birth control pill and im curious about weight gain/loss because that's something i'm already insecure about.

I just started birth control 14 days ago (it will be 2 weeks tomorrow), and i still havent finished my pills and i started spotting red? Is that normal?

I started taking them after my abortion and arent due for my period until next week

Hi!! I (23F) am going on year 3 with my Kyleena IUD. It has stopped my period (which has been awesome) and manageable side effects, so i really like it!

However recently I have become sexually active, and my partner has finished in me a few times. While I trust my IUD and want to enjoy that, I always get anxious afterwards and think I will end up being that crazy outlier statistic. I will sometimes get cramping or spotting after sex too, but I have read and that seems common/normal for people with IUD’s. But I get in my head that the cramping is implantation or something crazy, even after taking Amazon strip tests after a few weeks and testing negative lol.

So my question is, do you let your partner finish in you with your IUD? How often? Have you ever had a scare? Do you experience that cramping/spotting with or without sexual activity too? Looking for honest advice (mixed with a little reassurance lol).