"Having my IUD inserted made me faint, but it was worth it."

November 13, 2015

By Alicia Johnson for Ravishly.

I was lying on my back in the waiting room, feet propped up on a chair, the ceiling spinning above me — all thanks to my IUD.

I had just fainted after getting it inserted. It’s one of those stories you read online that make you wonder why anyone would get an IUD (an intrauterine device, a long-lasting form of birth control) when non-invasive options are out there. But I’m here to tell you: It was worth it.

Too many women get bad information online about IUDs and are deterred by what they find. (Don’t rely on Google! Go to reputable sources.)

People have a wide range of experiences getting an IUD inserted, and although mine was on the more painful side, I’m still happy I did it.

Ever wondered how much blood you lose during a period? Watch Shelly Horton and Dr Ginny explain all. (Post continues after video.)

It was almost three years ago that I was at the gynecologist’s office to get my IUD placed. As I was lying on my back in the exam room, feet in stirrups, I tried to relax. Getting an IUD definitely confirmed that I have a low threshold for pain. I also learned that I have a small uterus. Who knew?

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The discomfort began when my doctor had to measure my uterus twice to be sure she could insert the IUD properly.

The next step was the insertion of the IUD itself. I’m not ashamed to admit I cried as I experienced deep, sharp pain during the procedure. It was over quickly, but boy did it hurt. The doctor and her assistant were nothing but supportive, checking that I was okay and assuring me the procedure would be over quickly, which it was.

I felt good about my decision. I would need to head home and rest for a while, but it was a relief to know I wouldn’t have to worry about replacing my birth control for another five years. (Post continues after gallery)

Popular forms of birth control

Contraceptive pillThe Pillis the most popular form of birth control. There are two types: the combined pill, containing two hormones, and theprogestogen-only, or mini, pill, which only contains one female hormone. The combined pill works by preventing the ovary from releasing an egg each month. The mini pill changes the mucus at the entrance of the uterus, which stops sperm from entering. Both are 99.7% effective; however, they don't offer protection from STDs.

CondomsThe male condom is a barrier contraception that prevents both pregnancy and the transmission of STDs. They work by collecting semen so it doesn't enter theman's partner's body. Condoms are 95 to 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

The female condomThe female condom is a pre-lubricated sheath, which loosely fits inside of the vagina. The condom has a removable ring, which helps to insert the sheath and keep the condom in place. A larger ring remains on the outside to cover the opening of the vagina. They are designed to fit all women and can only to be used once. Due to misuse of the product it is only 79 per cent effective.

DiaphragmLike the male condom, the diaphragm is a barrier method of contraception. It's a shallow silicone dome that's inserted into the vagina andcovers the cervix, which is the entrance to the uterus. It's held in place by the pelvic muscles, and works by preventing sperm from entering the uterus. After sex, diaphragms need to remain in placefor another six hours, in which time the sperm inside the vagina die. This method is 88 to 94% effective at preventing pregnancy, although this rate increases with experience.

Intrauterine deviceIUDs are small, T-shaped devices that are inserted into the uterus by a doctor in order to prevent pregnancy. There are two types of IUD: copper, which affects the movement and survival of sperm in the womb while changing the lining of the womb;and hormonal, which releases progestogen (a synthetic version of the naturally-occurring hormone progesterone) into the uterus. Although IUDs have a success rate of more than 99%, only around 2% of Australian women currently use one.

Birth control implantThis is a 4cm-longimplant that is inserted into a woman's upper arm, just under the skin, by a doctor. It releases a hormone called etonogestrel, which prevents ovulation and thickens the mucus in the cervix, which can stop sperm from entering. Contraceptive implants - usually sold as Implanon - are removed under anaesthetic every three years, and are close to 100% effective.

Vaginal ringVaginal rings are soft plastic rings that contain the same two hormones as the combined pill - oestrogen and progestogen. The ring is inserted into the vagina, where the hormones are absorbed into the body and then prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs. Once inside the ring can't be felt, and it needs replacing every three weeks (with one week's break in between). When used correctly, this method is more than 99% effective.

Depo ProveraDepo is a long lasting hormonal injection. The synthetic form of progesterone is administered every 12 to 14 weeks to woman, preventing pregnancy within this ongoing time period. The injection, which is given in the buttock or muscle of the upper arm, prevents ovulation and thickens the mucus in the cervix, helping to block sperm. The injections are 99 per cent effective but do not protect against STDs. Male contraceptive injections are currently being trialled

The morning after pillEmergency contraception (popularly referred to as the morning after pill) is used to prevent a pregnancy following unprotected sex. Other reasons include missing a contraceptive pill or a condom breaking. It is common in Australia to use the progestogen-only method. This entails a dosage of EC pills containing progestogen or the synthetic version. A doctor can prescribe the pill or they can be bought over the counter at a pharmacy without a prescription. Emergency contraceptionis 85 per cent effective in reducing the risk of pregnancy.

SterilisationSterilisation is a permanent form of contraception. For women there are two types of sterilisation: tubal ligation, in which clips are placed on the fallopian tubes, or tubal occlusion in which a device is inserted into the tubes. These methods work by preventing the sperm from reaching the egg. Tubal litigation is 99.5 per cent effective. The Vasectomy (for men) works by cutting and blocking the tubes called the vas deferens, preventing sperm from leaving the testicles. The chances of impregnation with a vasectomy are 1 in 1000.

But as I left the doctor’s office, I began feeling lightheaded. I turned a corner to approach the elevators and blackness started creeping into the corners of my vision. I realised I wasn’t going to make it out of the building standing up. My vision was almost gone as I stepped back through the doctor’s office door and ungracefully laid down on the carpet.

I had experienced a vasovagal reaction, and after several minutes on the waiting room floor, was led to an empty exam room to nap before heading home. Cramps came and went for the rest of the weekend, but 24 hours after getting my IUD, I felt well enough to go to the beach with friends.

Although I’m not looking forward to the procedure to get it replaced, there’s a few key reasons I love my IUD:

"Recent studies have shown that doctors often don’t, but should offer IUDs to teen patients." (Image via iStock)

1. There’s nothing to remember.

I was on different forms of the pill for five years, but it was never a good option for me. As a teen, I always knew that when I became sexually active I would need to get on the pill, and I did. I don’t think it even crossed my mind that there were other birth control options besides condoms. Recent studies have shown that doctors often don’t, but should offer IUDs to teen patients.

Despite a phone alarm to remind me, and no interest in becoming pregnant, I struggled to remember to take the pill every day. In my early twenties, I decided enough was enough. After a short time using the vaginal ring, I opted for the longer-lasting IUD.

I figured it was worth the up-front cost to have a worry-free form of birth control.

2. No more period.

That’s right: like many people who get the hormonal Mirena IUD, I no longer have a period, just occasional spotting. That’s valuable time and money saved over the years! (Post continues after gallery.)

History's worst contraceptives

Blacksmith water

Crocodile dung with honey

Fizzy Cola

Ground beaver testicles with moonshine.

Metal Thimbles

Onion Juice

Pig Intestines

Weasel testicles

3. I can get it replaced in five years — or not!

IUDs are incredibly effective, but they’re also completely reversible. If I decide to get pregnant, I can simply get my IUD removed. Or, I can keep replacing it every five years with little risk of an unplanned pregnancy.

I’m a proud member of #TeamIUD. Everyone deserves access to the birth control that’s right for them — I wish I had been more empowered as a teen to know all the options out there.

Have you ever had an IUD? What was your experience like?

This article was first published on Ravishly. Read the original article and more from Ravishly:

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