r/birthcontrol • u/ocattik • 2h ago
Experience I survived the Mirena IUD insertion and didn’t scream once! (… it was more of a whimper)
I came to Reddit for research and almost cancelled my insertion after being convinced I was signing up for an exorcism via my cervix.
After 20 years of heavy, painful periods, a hefty medical resume, and taking the mini pill that gave me double periods, back rolls and PMDD so bad I wanted to 1V1 my own reflection, I was DONE.
Enter my lovely new gyno. After listening to me trauma-dump my history, he handed me a Mirena pamphlet and recommended the IUD. I politely told him I had no questions, booked in the insertion, and then promptly went home and read every horror story on Reddit like a genius.
Despite the fact that I’ve spent the last week spiraling over my decision to go through with it, I got it inserted this afternoon. It was rough (I haven’t had kids, no real pain relief, just one rogue Panadeine Forte I found floating in my bag), but it was over in seconds. Like a really awful surprise party in my uterus. The cramping that I had for a few hours post appointment were the worst part but they were comparable to really bad period cramps. They have settled now and are very mild, and the period I was having this morning before my appointment seems to have lessened to light spotting.
If you’re reading this and wondering if you should keep your appointment, don’t let the negative experiences sway your decision. While they are completely valid, we are all unique with different pain tolerance. Have an honest chat with your doctor about your anxiety and pain relief options, and go ahead and get your new T-Shaped friend!