I just got an IUD (Philippines)

Just got my free Paragard IUD today at Likhaan Center for Women's Health in San Andres Bukid Branch.

I've always had bad anxiety attacks whenever I had sex with my partner, even if we combine condoms with different contraceptives. Just the thought of getting pregnant always bothered me especially because of my age and capability to have a child. I've read so many posts about the IUD and the convenience of having it.

After being sexually-active a couple of months ago, today, I finally convinced myself to get it. My partner was not present during the procedure because of his schedule but made an effort so that he will be updated.

I was there at 11 AM. There were many patients and I was called in when it was already 2 PM. I don't blame the staff though, because their operation and service is opened publicly. Plus, the wait helped me ease up a little before the procedure.

Upstairs, the clinic was clean and well-ventilated with air conditioning. I had a consultation first and was oriented of the procedure that was about to happen. The pros and cons of the IUD and what not. The volunteer asked me many questions, but the one thing that struck me the most was that did I not know that the procedure is only reserved to women who have already given birth and who are from the poor sector. I did not take it rudely, I wasn't even able to answer it. But being an organization that claims to help women, specifically, I do think that they should broaden their perspectives and understanding. Especially when they are the only resort for women who are being degraded for their sexual lifestyles and are being robbed of their right to receive needed medications because of a social construct.

Long story short, the procedure took approximately 20 minutes. I was asked to remove my under garments and wore an operation gown then laid in the bed, legs wide opened. I was then cleaned up as part of the procedure (also because I peed beforehand). The insertion of the speculum hurt the most and was the most uncomfortable thing to have hinged in the vagina. I was shaking when it was being inserted but they gave me assurance that it will feel less painful if I relaxed. I took a couple of breaths and it was in. The volunteer then inserted a sound to determine if the IUD would fit, this is important because I haven't given birth yet. If the IUD can't fit in, they will have to discontinue. But, all hail, it fitted! Afterwards, they inserted the IUD. I was asked a few times if it hurt when they pushed in different directions, I told them I was all good. And the procedure was successful. It was a relief.

I was asked to return for a monthly checkup to see if the IUD is still in place and that it is working. They gave me a card so that I can update them and ask assistance if I needed it. And was prescribed to take Dolfenal if I were experience cramping.

I took a Grab home and during the trip I was feeling dizzy, gassy and crampy. When I got back, I laid down for a while and was back on track again. I even was able to clean the house. The cramping was bearable, for me, personally. When I went to go pee, I was already spotting but it wasn't severe and I only used liners to combat it.

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As women, I believe we are in control of our own bodies. Getting an IUD is a personal decision, regardless of any social standards especially here in the Philippines where population is rapidly increasing but reproductive health awareness is being taken for granted.