IUD Removal Soon! Haven’t had a period in 9 years. Advice?
Hi y’all, I’m getting my Mirena IUD removed in 10 days. I’ve been on this birth control for a little over 9 years now, I have a couple reasons for wanting it out BUT I’M ALSO HELLA SCARED LOW KEY.
I got my first Mirena IUD when I was 21, had it removed and a new one inserted when I was 28, now I’m 30 and just yesterday went down the feminine care isle at the grocery store for the first time in what feels like ages. I’ve been pretty lucky with both of my IUDs where I’ve had no period at all (at most I’d get spotting for a day every 3-6 months), and VERY mild cramping on a similar schedule. The spotting was never enough to warrant any menstrual products. Extra background info if needed: I’m not worried about the contraceptive part since I’m a lesbian. My period during my teens/early 20s was rough, heavy bleeding with severely painful cramps. I’ve never been pregnant or given birth. I also have a great gynaecologist who offers cervical numbing for the removal and is fully with me on post removal care and follow ups, and for my American friends I am in Canada so healthcare expenses are not a concern for me.
Basically! What menstrual products has everyone been using lately? I just bought my first pair of period underwear, but I’m assuming I’ll definitely need more than just the one haha, but how many pairs do people normally keep? I had a coworker recommend a menstrual disc to me over a diva cup, I had used a diva cup once before my first IUD and it was not very comfortable. ALSO, how (if at all) did your period change from how it was when you were younger vs in your 30s? And if anyone else has experience with hormonal IUD removal, I’d love to hear about how things changed for you/how your body reacted. Were there any changes to your mood? I’ve struggled a bit with depression, but looking back I think my worst episodes were while I was on hormonal BC. I started taking the pill when I was 16 (closeted with a bf) stopped briefly for about 3 years (?) before getting the Mirena. With both times, the 1-2 years post insertion were the worst for me mental health wise before easing up, but it’s always been an up and down for me.
I’ve had the IUD for so long, I can’t remember what my body is like off of hormonal BC. I’m not sure how things will change for me post removal and am pretty nervous. I’m anticipating another hormonal acne episode since I had flare ups for both insertions (which is SUCH a bummer because my skin JUST started clearing up). I’ve also read about some people experiencing a “crash” after their removal. I had migraines after getting this second IUD (which is what sparked my wanting it out), but I’m not sure if the IUD if fully to blame or if this is just how my body is.
If anyone is interested about my experiences post removal, I’d be happy to share. I’m planning on keeping a journal of sorts for my gynae anyways!
Thank you in advance to anyone who shares!