Real IUD Stories: Shared Anonymously by Our Community
IUDs can be life-changing — but the reality is that not everyone’s experience looks the same. For some, it brings relief from heavy periods and peace of mind around birth control. For others, it’s marked by pain, complications, or feeling dismissed by providers.
We asked our community to share their IUD journeys anonymously. Below, you’ll find their stories in full, exactly as they were written.
Story One
I've had an IUD for about 6 years now. I chose to get an IUD as a way to manage periods and as a form of birth control. It's left in for 5 years and is supposed to make your periods lighter + shorter.
The insertion was a very uncomfortable experience. The IUD luckily is a quick insertion as it takes only 5-10 minutes. Most of that time is used to prepare and assess, the actual IUD takes a minute to insert. I remember shaking and feeling queasy. The insertion was a painful pressure, I definitely cried and screamed. It caused me to go into some shock where I had a hard time speaking or forming words after. The second insertion was worse, causing me to throw up and almost faint.
The medical staff varied. I had one of the nurses helping out giggle at my screaming making me feel dramatic. The second time was someone different and felt more emotionally supported. I just wish patients' reactions were taken more seriously and with more compassion. There is no medication given during treatment.
For the after care, you can use a heating pad, ibuprofen and take a day off if possible. I would recommend anyone getting an IUD to bring a friend, family member or partner with them for support. Not only emotionally, but physically as well. I was so thankful my cousin came with me the second time as I was incapable of driving myself due to the severity of the cramps afterwards and the nausea.
Everyone will have a different reaction and experience. If it doesn't work for your body, it can be removed. I'm happy that I stuck with it, but at the same time, hesitate to get it reinserted due to the pain and experience of the procedure. Talk to your doctor, do your own research and most importantly listen to your body <3
Story Two
The insertion (pain, emotions, or surprises):
The insertion did not hurt for me, but I have a high pain tolerance, so that might not be true for everyone. Physically it was manageable, but emotionally, I did not expect how frustrating the after part could be.
Aftercare and recovery:
The aftercare was awful. With the copper IUD, I bled for six months straight. My OB GYN kept telling me it was just my body adjusting and to give it more time, even though it was clearly affecting my quality of life. I switched to the Mirena to help with the heavy bleeding, and at first it was much better. Around month eight, I could not feel the strings anymore. I went to the ER and they sent me home without doing an ultrasound. When I saw my OB GYN, he did a quick ultrasound, said “it is somewhere in there,” and sent me home with more birth control. The cramps were so bad I curled up in a ball and cried. It felt like giving birth again. Later, I got an ultrasound for suspected ovarian cysts and they found out the IUD had actually expelled itself and was no longer in my body.
How your doctor or nurse made you feel:
Dismissed. I kept getting told to wait it out or take more medication. No one really listened when I said something felt wrong. The lack of compassion made everything feel worse than it had to be.
Advice you would give to others:
Trust yourself. If something feels off, speak up and do not be afraid to push for answers or get a second opinion. An IUD can be a good option, but it really depends on the support and care you get from your provider. You deserve to be taken seriously.
Story Three
I got the Mirena IUD in January of 2022. I was recommended it by my family doctor as I was having by recurrent ovarian cysts constantly, and I had a VERY heavy period since I was a teenager. I was made aware at the clinic that they didn’t provide any type of pain medication beforehand, and I was told to take tylenol before the appointment. Although I was used to experiencing really bad and painful periods, that doesn’t mean that I should be subjected to the pain of an IUD insertion as something that’s “quick”. The physician who inserted it for me was very kind, and altogether my experience was definitely not negative, but the pain of insertion shouldn’t be something that’s anyone feels during any medical procedure.
Reflecting, I am very glad I chose to get it. With endometriosis and adenomyosis, I do worry what my period pain would be like if it were to come out. I virtually don’t bleed during my periods (minus some spotting here and there) which is such a nice comparison to before and honestly worth it in itself for me personally.
These stories show just how different IUD journeys can be — from relief and reassurance to pain and frustration.
By sharing them in full, we hope to validate the complexity of these experiences and remind you:
💛 You are not alone.
💛 Your pain deserves compassion.
💛 Your choices should always be respected.