Detailed Paraguard IUD Insertion Description!
Hello everyone! I am Hope Wilson, and I would love to contribute to the many posts about several people's experience with the insertion of the Paraguard IUD. A little about myself? I am 15 years old about to turn 16 in a few weeks. I am a 5'1 Chinese girl with a petite body and I chose Paraguard because I am a very busy person and I would not do well with taking a medication daily or at the same time. I feel like I would not handle the hormones very well that accompany many methods of Birth Control. I loved how it will last up to 10-11 years!I have my card with me and it will need a change in 2025! Awesome! love it’s success percentage rate in preventing pregnancy as I am sexually active,The fact that my periods will not be affected cycle wise is nice because personally I love getting my period because it just feels like I am healthy and more feminine. I naturally have a heavy flow so I am not scared of blood or the sorts, I am comfortable with my vagina and very in tune with my body. I have read reviews of many people experiencing a heavy flow/ heavier cramping so I will most likely do a follow in about 3 months or so!
Alright, I will go over the night before, the procedure itself, tips and the few hours after. I’d like to say any questions you have feel free to message me and I would love to help out anyone who had any questions!
THE NIGHT BEFORE INSERTION
The night before I inserted vaginally 200 MCG of MISOPROSTOL at around 1 am The pill was hexagonal and about the size of the home button on an iphone or a raisin. Insertion was easy peasy. The medication required to also eat so I had a can of Beefaroni. I'm glad I did that, if I didn't I probably would’ve felt pretty ill. I put a pad on just in case. Took 200 mg of IBUPROFIN. Settled down and about an hour later my muscles felt a little heavier and I noticed I had gas and very little back pain. The pain was very manageable and about a 0.5/10 on a pain scale. Woke up at 9 am for my 10 a..m appointment. My back hurt a bit. I took another 200 mg of IBUPROFIN and went on my way.
APPIONTMENT FOR INSERTION
Arrived at the office. Had a full bladder, I was required to take a urine test to determine if I was pregnant. I had to sit with my mom with my cup of urine a paper bag hah. Anyways, they called me and my mom stayed there as I had wished. Ultrasound Technician took me too a room, there was an ultrasound due to the fact I am younger than most women who get an IUD inserted and needed to check for accuracy. She confirmed my age and told me to take my bottoms off and gave me a white sheet for privacy. She had me sign a consent form and tested my urine. I waited around for about 10 minutes or so. The doctor came in and she let me ask questions and we got right down to it. The doctor was a female as was the lady who worked the ultrasound. The Ultra-tech put the jelly stuff on my lower abdomen as The doctor lubricated my vagina put in the speculum and started to clean around my cervix and vaginal canal. No pain during this, The speculum was kind of putting my inner labia in an uncomfortable position and so I adjusted a bit, just felt like a wedgie with a thong or whatever. Anyways, they had a bit of trouble finding my uterus because of my size but they managed to find it. My doctor started to measure my uterus and that was probably the most painful part. I held my Ultra-tech’s hand and she helped me breathe through it. It felt like a really bad cramping day. I had about 3 seconds of just waves of hot coursing pain. I would put it at about a 7/10 on the pain scale. After that, it just felt like Period cramping along with some discomfort over many things in my vagina. I got through it with some deep breaths and just saying oh god a lot hah. After measuring my uterus the doctor had to prepare the Paraguard for insertion. Which involves putting it in a long plastic tube and collapsing the tubes so they will flap open once the IUD enters my uterus. This took about 30 seconds as I was recovering from the pain of measurement. Gave me some time to breathe and the Ultra-tech had to help a bit. After that, The doctor inserted the IUD. It didn't hurt that bad, just felt like someone kind of hit your cervix too hard but the actual insertion I did not really notice. The pain at this time was about 5-6/10. After that they used the ultrasound to see if it was in high enough and everything was done! I had to sit there for a second but I was not light headed or felt ill. The doctor told me to only use pads for the first week and it takes 2 weeks for contraceptive effectiveness so I would need to use a condom for the first 2 weeks. I would also need to make a follow up appointment 4-6 weeks in the future. I saw a slight bit of blood on the pad where I was laying but that was no surprise. It looked like about 8 or so drops no biggie. I went to the bathroom and wiped off the Jelly for the ultrasound and the Ultra-tech gave me a pad. My mom and I left.
Afterwords I had cramping at about a 5.5/10. My mom got me Starbucks and that helped and When I got home I took 400 MG of IBUPROFIN. Took about an hour to work but now I'd say my pain is only back pain at about 1.5./10. The first hour I felt like I had to make a bowel movement and just regular period cramps. Anyways now I'm bleeding lightly sort of like my first day, nothing overwhelming. Resting it easy in bed and just enjoying some quiet time. I'd say my whole process was about an hour or so. Insertion took no longer than 10 minutes, though it may have been lengthened to due to the use of an ultrasound and uterus difficulties hah.
The night before eat something and drink a good amount of water
Take 200-400 MG of IBUPROFIN though I feel I could’ve done without pain relievers, can’t hurt however.
Turn off bluetooth on your phone
Take 400 MG of IBUPROFIN about an hour or 2 before your appointment
During Insertion remember to breathe. I’m serious, I held my breathe a little too much.
I kept tissues beside me to wipe off excess jelly or for some stray tears, I did not cry though!
Eat something light afterwards and drink water
Bring someone for emotional support or a ride home, I do not feel like I would’ve been capable to drive right after.
You need to bring your ID and your insurance card to your appointment
Ask as many questions as you need
Purchase some pads or pantiliners before
Do not insert anything into the vagina for 1 week after insertions.
Do not have unprotected sex for 2 weeks following insertion use a condom or other back up method
Think about the pain before, wase yourself with some music or a book. Saying it’s going to hurt makes it hurt worse
Alright! That’s the end of it, If anyone would like me to add something more or have any questions at all, do not hesittate to message me and I would love to answer them as best as I can! Good luck to you all in your search of a Birth Control that is right for you!