This is a serious concern I have because it is directly tied into my health and my education/financial future.

I’m transferring [back] to a new university next month and I would hate to have my cycle ruin my education [again/for good]

—- the side effects from the shot {see below} forced me to drop out of university and switch to community college...that was five years ago!!!!

Please don’t say “just stay abstinent” because I have tried and it just doesn’t work 🙄

I have severe migraines that are 90% hormonally related. I’ve had very bad experiences in the past with the shot - like bleeding for three and a half weeks at a time for three months (“reverse-period”) and needing to be hospitalized - and the pill variants trigger severe migraines. I was told that the patch has the same chemical makeup as the shot ergo would not be good for me to take.

While I have my migraines mostly under control thanks to Acupuncture (Still can’t believe it works) I still need a form of birth control that is reliable and won’t reverse my progress. Which means all hormonal options are (according to my doctors) off the table.

The OB/GYN (the only one for ~30+ miles) is pushing me to get the Copper IUD

BUT!! I’m really scared about the procedure - like puncturing the uterus - and (more so) the side effects.

— Acupuncture has also helped my periods get lighter - I used to go through pads and tampons like a fish drinks water, 6-7 days a week - but from what I’ve read and been told, the copper IUD makes cramping and blood flow more severe.

— Furthermore, my partner and I can be..rough..and I’m afraid that the IUD would come out or get pushed [further] into my uterus. Or that sex would be weird because of the string.

Please help. Am I out of options?

Should I brush aside my anxieties and give it a try, praying the acupuncture will still work?

Should I join a nunnery?!