@@awesomehorse1678 if she has been experiencing severe cramps, there must be other underlying conditions related to endometriosis. Even though the IUD worked at some point but still it’s just like putting a bandaid on a bullet hole and not treating the root cause.
Thank you for talking about this so openly and sharing your experience with the world. Women's reproductive health needs to be discussed and there should not be any stigma, shame, taboo or embarrassment. Women's bodies are amazing and they go through so much in our lifetime. I don't understand how roughly half the population are women but people still feel afraid to talk about things openly and honestly. I may not have had an IUD and may not get one in my lifetime, but I'm a woman who stands with you and supports you as we all have common struggles as women ❤️ this also brings attention to the men watching so they understand their partner's struggles and what they go through which is very important.
I also had a negative experience with an iud and just got it removed yesterday after 1 year. It was very emotionally taxing and feel better knowing it’s not in my body! Thank you for sharing this!
when i gave birth vaginally 7 months ago, i was definitely not prepared how TOUGH the recovery process was (not just the pain; it’s the hormones, not feeling like myself, having to deal with my mum’s death from a week before) im sorry that you had to go through all this while still recovering. indeed, not one thing suits everyone and i’m glad you’ve overcome this experience ❤
Hey, I thought i was the only one with a similar story. I lost my dad 3 days before Christmas then found I was pregnant 4 days after burying him. My son is now 3 months.
i would def ask my husband to have a vasectomy if you are for sure done having kids. And if you aren’t having bad periods anymore. You went through 2 surgeries and 2 births for him. The least he can do for you is that….
That’s our next conversation. I wanted the IUD after Ezra just because it was easy to get right away and I was still worried about those period cramps, but Ben has always been up for it
@@frmheadtotoe thanks so much for your reply! I agree and I completely understand, every decision is yours. Especially if you were having heavy periods, birth control can help. I just wanted to make sure you knew all your options and are looking out for you and your health as well! It sounds like birth control is not the best for you and your body. I was just making sure you knew your options and wanted to remind everyone that husbands/men can be taking on some on the burdens and making sacrifices as well. Especially when vasectomies are minimally invasive and very quick. Wishing you all the best!!
@@frmheadtotoe I think you guys have to remember these guys are in 30s. Vasectomy is the obvious if you are over 40 so maybe the decision is more if they want more kids. I’ve been asking my hubby to do since we were 36 now we are both 40! I think it’s time !
Reversals are done all the time. My father got one when he got divorced when I was in high school and got a reversal over 5 years later with no complications and had another baby after that with his new wife. And if nothing else they could bank his sperm.
I had the Mirena placed at my 6wk checkup after my 2nd child. It was great for the first 3months, then the nightmares began. I started having heavy bleeding that lasted 2-3weeks out of the month, insomnia, chronic fatigue, migraines, mood swings from hell and my emotions were similar to bi polar disorder. I was either a zombie or possessed by Mommy Dearest (Joan Crawford movie). I tried to have the iud removed, but my OBGYN wanted to try adding the pill to reset my periods. It worked for the first few months, then all the symptoms came back. I tried to get my OBGYN to take it out, she refused to do it. I went to another doctor, they told me that I had to go to the doctor who inserted the iud. I went back to my OBGYN, I told her my symptoms and she rolled her eyes, said it was normal to have some side effects. She told me to stop complaining. By this time, I had the Mirena for 2yrs and I was miserable. I got evicted from my apartment and had to move. I found a place about 80miles away from my small town. I was trying to work and take care of my kids. I was on the brink of a nervous breakdown after 1yr away from my home town, I moved back home and I was withdrawn from everyone around me..including my kids. I was beginning to lash out, feel hopeless and suicidal at this point on top of everything else. I found a Mirena group on FB. There were sooo many women suffering with all of the same symptoms I had and it really clarified what I was experiencing. I made another appt and finally went back to the OBGYN and demanded that she remove the iud. She was not happy about it, but she removed it..not gently either. She yanked that mf'r out and I wanted to kick her right in her face. Omg..I really wanted to kick her! I felt like a huge weight had lifted and the nightmare was FINALLY over. After my appt, I drove to the park and sat in my car and cried tears of joy. I literally felt like my mind and body was free! 🕊
@@latreishaprivott4235 I hope everything went well. When I got mine removed, I felt like my body belonged to me again. I just pray that any woman thinking about getting any IUD/birth control does some serious homework and know the risks and side effects.
I am 79 now, but in 1974 I needed to get the Dalkon Shield removed because I wanted to get pregnant. It had been placed by Planned Parenthood and it had been about five years. So I went for an in office visit with my military doctor. (in Air Force at the time) He went in and tried to pull it out and it caused me a sharp pain and he tried it two more times and decided he had to do minor surgery for it to come out. It did and I was fine and got pregnant right away without any problems. The reason I am doing research now is because they did a "H" with a camera to remove polyps in June of 2024. The biopsy showed precancer cells and they recommended the progestin IUD which I just got inserted on Oct 25, 2024. I feel some strange sensations and was trying to see if I could read up something on it. Thank you for sharing your experiences. I do hope you will come across something for you.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I can't imagine what you had to go through with all the embedding happening. Honestly I think more people need to talk about the risks of having an IUD. I got an IUD for similar reasons - the fact that I don't have to eat a pill at the same time every day is compelling. I got the IUD (Kyleena) June of 2022, and within 2 months of insertion, I got really bad face acne. For someone who's never had bad acne, even in teenage years, this is extremely traumatizing - to suddenly get bad cystic acne at late 20s. I stuck it out for a bit hoping that it would go away. It didn't, it got worse. My friends and family started asking me what happened, if I was stressed, eating badly, etc. I hated myself because of the acne. Finally in January of this year, I couldn't take it anymore and went to another OBGYN to remove the IUD. I can't believe how much that little plastic thing has affected my body. Fast forward 5 months, my skin is getting better, but I see so much ance scars that never used to be there, and I regret getting the IUD 100%.
I had copper IUD and it was a nightmare. I had increase in discharge, my discharge also smelled different, and my vagina itched. I thought I got an infection but all the tests returned negative. I eventually got the IUD removed and the symptoms disappeared in 1 day.
Sorry to hear about your traumatic experience and I hope things get better for you, Jen! You’re so brave and candid. Thank you for sharing with us - you’re like the big sister I never had ❤
Losing bodily autonomy IS hurting someone, it's hurting you! It's totally ok and probably good to cry at that. I really appreciated this video. I love your makeup tutorials- I still trim my brows mostly like your old video. But you really do a great good with these vulnerable yet empowering uterus-related videos. I always watch them and I feel like you brought up topics that aren't often talked about in ways that are both realistic about the bad stuff and leave me feeling more empowered in my care and my body. Thank you for that! I started following you after I found your menstrual cup video. And when you posted this, I'd just decided to go off hormonal birth control and see what my body was like just a few months ago! I also loved the IUD, but it had really quiet side effects that were affecting my life in other ways and that likely all hormonal birth control had also been doing. I'm still working through the ways in which it feels like there's no good choice that retains my bodily autonomy, frustration that getting my periods back means dealing with the issues those cause, and frustration at how much more it costs to not be on the IUD.
I’m so sorry that happened to you twice! It sounds so stressful and traumatic. I really hope you’re able to find something that works for you!! ❤ I also have tried many BC pills and had horrible side effects-mental fog and personality change. My Liletta IUD is my first BC that gives me no side effects and helps my heavy period immensely.
I've been following you for what feels like a decade but somehow missed this video when it was uploaded. A year later, I've stumbled across it and its giving me comfort while I go through my own iud nightmare. Just hours ago, I started cramping and bleeding. I checked the strings, and i can feel the plastic stem. I'm so heartbroken. It works so well for so many of my friends, but my body just seems intent on pushing IUDs out 😢😢 This is my second attempt. I've spent so much money, which i very little of. I've missed work because I've spent hours at the gp, the gyno, the radiology, the urgent care, the emergency room. It is just devastating
My heart breaks for you too 💔 I’m so sorry you’ve had such a difficult experience with IUDs as well, although hearing this video gave you comfort is very validating. If it’s any consolation, my transition to not being on any hormonal birth controls has been an extremely positive one since this video. I hope you find your best solution soon ❤️🩹
Thank you for this! in my experience, I don't feel like I want to put hormones into my body and everytime i go to the doctor I feel like they are kinda judgy and always want to know my reasons and imply I am being irresponsible with phrases like "I guess is it comes, it comes"(not a great translation because I live in Spain). They act like not wanting hormones in your body is being delusional when I thing is perfectly reasonable. I hope you keep healing and make a journey that is tailored for you ❤
Not all hormones are bad. However excess estrogen in body, which we consume from highly processed food can worsen the menstruation. Progesterone itself helps to block bad side-effects estrogen causes, and lowers the period pain you face. What you really should be avoiding is having excessive amount of estrogen from food, like energy drinks, coffee, cereals and such. The suggested coffee intake isn't there without a reason. :D
Sharing your story will be so helpful for many women out there. Don't apologise for crying, it's frustrating & makes us feel we are not in control of our body. I too was on the pill for years until I hit 40, then everything went downhills 😅 My IUD was embedded & apparently it wasn't very common?! By the time I had it removed, I had been mentrating for 2 months. My doctor convinced me to have Implanon inserted into my arm & the hormones really had fun with me. Right now, it's been removed & I am just happy to be on NOTHING. Hopefully, everything settles down for you ❣️ and you & Ben can find a solution for BC.
Jen, you really are not the only one! I tried almost every possible pill and I felt worse and worse. Not only physically but also mentally. I suffer from reactive hypoglycemia and I did not expect that because of the pills my blood glucose levels will go crazy. I lost 10 kg (being very skinny) in a year and I couldn't function normally. It took 5 years to be able to get pregnant after that - my sugar levels were so out of balance. Today I have a 4 month old son and I will never go back to hormonal contraception.
Just want to add for anyone who might see it--I had a similar experience with the copper iud embedding into my uterine wall. It wasn't as extreme (and I've never had kids), but still scary! My doctor thought it was because I was using a menstrual cup that was creating too much suction and pulling at the IUD. She has had a dozen other patients who have had IUDs dislodged alongside the use of a menstrual cup. I had a couple horrible experiences where the cup would "climb up" towards my cervix to the point where I wasn't able to reach the tail to pull it out! And when I'd finally barely get a grip on it, I wasn't able to break the seal and release the vacuum, so I would be in horrible pain, tugging at this thing that was pulling on my cervix to try and get it out. I stopped using the cup out of fear of pain, but I began getting horrible nerve pain in my pelvic area that was caused by the IUD pushing against a nerve. So anyone that uses an IUD, please please please consider using a menstrual disc or just being overly cautious about a menstrual cup if you use one!
Whoa, great tip! I use a cup and I’m currently trying to decide what type of birth control to attempt after my horrible experience with the copper iud. I hate condoms. Maybe I can go BC free and just use a cervical cap? Anyway trying to figure out what to do…
It’s so important to have these conversations and I really appreciate you, Jenn, for using your platform to create these spaces for people to discuss about these topics. 7 years ago, I initially was on Nexplanon for about 9 months and during that time, I had horrible mood swings, my period was super irregular, and eventually it ended up moving and pinching a nerve in my arm. I had to schedule an emergency mini “surgery” to remove it from my arm and to this day still experience some nerve damage throughout my entire arm. I switched to the Mirena IUD and my experience was similar to yours - I stopped having horrible periods and felt like my body reacted well to it. 5 years later, I had a similar story where my obgyn couldn’t find the string and had to go through an ultrasound for them to find my IUD. Got diagnosed with chronic and severe PCOS, was told my IUD was wedged into my uterus and that they would try to remove it if I wanted. No pain reliever and never have had children, so it was super painful for me. I have since decided to go off of birth control to see how I would feel and mentally have been feeling myself again but now am struggling to cope with my PCOS symptoms coming back in full swing. It’s all constantly a journey in process, but I believe in you and your ability to find an option that will hopefully be kind to your body. 💙
Thank you for making this. I’m so sorry it was such a difficult time. Your sharing of your story definitely helped me feel so much less alone and frustrated today as I go through my own struggle. Best wishes ❤
That sounds really traumatic and I empathize with you. I have been on the Mirena IUD for 8 years (got it replaced after 6 years) and I haven't had any bad side effects or issues with it luckily. The first time I got it inserted it was super easy and barely painless, but when I got it replaced, it took longer and was much more painful. I don't actually need birth control since I'm dating a women now, but I have a blood disorder, so I'm on it to stop my periods so I don't lose too much blood each month. I recommend asking Ben to get a vasectomy because it's reversible and you have had such a bad experience with birth controls. Women shouldn't have to carry the burden all by themselves. Especially since you have already had two children, so your body has been through a lot. I hate the US health system because it's so expensive. Thank you for sharing about your experience and being so open and honest. Not a lot of people are willing to, but this conversation is so important, not only to educate others, but also for your mental health
I was on Mirena for 8 years and I will never go back to birth control. I didn’t realize how much it affected me until it was out. I took it out in Nov 2021 and my body is finally regulating. I went through so much even after I took it out. 🙅🏻♀️ I’m so sorry you went through that!
I took it out in February 2022, im still have hormone imbalance, How did you regulate your body, or did your body regulate itself? I’m asking because I’m desperate, I hope you answer
This is really interesting because I have had a fantastic experience with Kyleena! My body still had regular periods. It's just a lower dose of hormones. And the IUD itself is physically a smaller size. The only difference is you have to replace every 5ish instead of every 8ish years. Highly recommend. Recently, I got the Mirena and I think it seems similar, but I can tell it is a stronger hormonal dose because my periods have been more affected (i.e., I've basically lost them). But I'm fine with that!
Your 2015 menstrual cup video was literally what convinced me to start using one. I've been using one ever since and it's literally life-changing, so thank you for that. I'm so glad you talked about your BC experiences as well, I've heard of IUD risks but all my friends around me have only had positive experiences (minus insertion pain). I lean towards not putting my body through unnecessary hormonal changes if I don't need to, but I live in Texas and without diving into politics too much, it's a pretty scary time to be a woman who doesn't want to go through a forced pregnancy :) Would love to see more videos about your other BC experiences!
The copper IUD ruined my life and I am still struggling 2 years after insertion and over a year after removal. I'm talking nerve damage, pelvic pain, pelvic inflammation, infections etc... - I also saw many women in GUM clinic with the same problems as me. It really isn't for everyone and I wish more research was done about it.
Thanks for sharing your story Jen and never apologize for your tears! I did a lot of research when I was 18 about birth control. I did get the teen hormonal acne but my mom was really good about getting me on regimen and telling me it would get better when I was an adult. I had horrible periods when I was in high school but I did not like the side affects of birth control. Now, in my 30s, my hormones have leveled out, and my periods are so much lighter! With having to deal with all my periods all those years, I now know how to self regulate myself if the symptoms seem to be a lot that cycle. (This may just be me but I find that every 3rd period seems to be where the symptoms are worse. Still not as bad when I was teen though!) I wish there was better education for girls about birth control methods and the reality of what having a period looks like! That includes, cramps, bloating, acne, mood swings, cravings, ect which are all normal! (Unless you have all those but x10. Then go see a doctor!) I have the blessing of being able to use the fertility awarness method, along with testing my ovulation which. Some women don't have that option due to irregular cycle, pcos, ect but at least we can give future girls the option instead of this is the only option. Again this all subjective because no woman is a like but we definitely need more research into contraceptives for men and better contraceptives options for women!
Thank you for always being the one who can open up on the not talked about topics. All those years ago when you did the no makeup real talk on your apartment floor, you blew my mind and made me really think. You made a difference in my life. I love these real videos you create. 💙💙
Thank you, Jenn for sharing your experience. It is so important for women to share and talk about these things, to help people understand the potential risks and benefits. Also, when you talked about your period being super heavy I could so, so relate. I felt like I couldn't leave the house. (No choice though, had to go to work 16 hrs days in film) I had to bring changes of pants. Despite using super tampons and overnight pads every hour 😢... men have it easy. I'm glad I wasn't the only one feeling like bring a hermit during apocalypse week. I am very nervous because I am about to have an IUD put in because of uterine fibriods, I had an open myomectomy almost 6 months ago and removed 260 grams of monsters (fibriods). But at my 4 month check up, 3 new ones had already sprouted up and the 2 biggest were already an inch. So my choices were try the IUD to try and control the growth or look at potentially hysterectomy (I haven't had children)... I'm sorry your body decided to eat the IUD ... I'm curious how rare is that occurrence... my body tends to sprout up with rare stuff all the time 😅 I hope your healing goes smoothly now❤
thank you so much for sharing your experience and I hope you slowly find peace. I know how traumatic it can be and the mental+physical struggle of finding what works for you, and all of that even compounded by traumatic and invasive medical experiences. I hope you're able to give yourself grace and the space to cry! but I've tried so many different types of birth control pills as well, and I also tend to react super sensitively to medications in general, but especially hormone medications and really struggled to find a birth control that worked for me. I've had the super heavy, debilitating periods you described since elementary school and it was so awful. I'd have giant clots and my periods would last for like 10 days and the cramping was such a struggle every time. I finally decided to start birth control when I started to live alone for college when I learned it could help with cramps and heavy flows. Since then, I've tried maybe 9 or 10 types, both combination and progestin-only pills. I've tried the types that are the continuous 28-packs, the 21-packs with 7 sugar pills, the 24-packs with 4 "rest" pills. I've been on a relatively new medication called Slynd. It's a progestin-only pill, so it's safe for people who experience migranes (like me who get migranes during their period!) and those with high blood pressures and others who can't take estrogen. I've been on it for over 2 years now and it's been the absolute best experience I've had with birth control! I've essentially not had my period since starting it and it has a 24-hour window unlike other progestin-only pills, so it's given me so much flexibility. I haven't had any cramps or spotting at all, and best of all, I don't find that it worsens any of my existing mental health issues. Rather, I find it has helped my mental health since I don't have to worry about being in pain for over a week each month and I don't have to plan my life around my debilitating periods anymore! I also haven't had it affect my skin - in fact, my skin has mellowed out so much since I've been on it and I don't get cystic acne like I did with other progestin-only pills or super weird oily, yet flakey dry combination skin I had with estrogen birth control! And the absolute best thing about Slynd is that the company offers a patient savings program and it's been super affordable for me, even during times I didn't have health insurance while I was in between jobs. you may have a different experience with Slynd, but it may be worth discussing with your doctor! It was approved in 2019 by the FDA so relatively new and may not have been on your doctor's radar before.
i think it's really fair to talk about this!! i felt the same way you felt with the nuvaring with also nexplanon too and progestin only had a similar effect but not as bad. i miss not having a period tho 😅 i wish women would talk about their experiences more openly like this!
Thank you so SO much for sharing your story. It's definitely not easy to do. I have a similar story of my body rejecting an IUD. I had the Kyleena IUD for 5 years with no issue. When it was time to get it replaced, I decided to try Mirena, since there was a chance I wouldn't get a period (which seemed very appealing). Unfortunately, my uterus did not seem to like the Mirena and it popped out on it's own. I got it replaced, but sure enough, it popped out again (lasted longer this second time). My doctor decided to try the Kyleena again since it had worked well with my body last time. It lasted all of 6 weeks before, again, it popped out. I called my friend CRYING and upset that my body was betraying me. I was confused that it was no longer working the way it was supposed to work, and so upset at the world. And honestly, in this day age, I also felt like my body was defenseless and unprotected. I relate to EVERYTHING you felt and talked about. I'm so sorry you had to go through this. I also had losing bodily automony and frustrated that this is something I can't control. My body will do it's own thing. For now, I have the arm implant, but it's definitely not the same experience as the IUD. It's crazy what women go through for birth control. I'm hoping your body finds some form of homeostasis within the next few months. Sending you all of the love
I had a Mirena after having my baby. I asked my OBGYN beforehand if I should get one because I already had a fibroid. She said that she thought the Mirena would help it. Well, the first five years, it was fine. So, I got another one after the five years was up. Well, that one ended up making my fibroid so big that the Mirena got stuck. I had to have that same procedure you had to pull the Mirena out. She also told me that if the fibroid got any bigger, then I would need a hysterectomy. I found out by doing my own research that when you get a second Mirena, more hormones are released which is probably why my fibroid got bigger after the second one. It would have been nice if I had been told that in the first place. I personally believe doctors are too quick to put you on forms of birth control without talking about risks and side effects. I will never get on birth control again. I’d rather just use condoms.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. You are so brave and courageous to share such an intimate story. So I'll also try. I too had extremely bad acne even through my 30s, I didn't resort to birth control, I took Accutane instead. Came with tons of warning but it worked. Completely empathize with you as I've also had those debilitating cramps in the past too. When I turned 32 and had my second child, I decided I didn't want any more kids, so I actually had a tubal ligation. You're still very young so you may not want to do this, but it mitigates having to take any meds or putting anything else inside your body. Good luck!
This had happened to me 5 years ago. My provider introduced me the Mirena IUD and said it was the best thing. But I started having all kinds of weird symptoms within a month of having it: cramping, bleeding, spotting, weight gain of more than 10% of my body weight. I went back and told my provider, but she insisted I kept it for another 3 months and see, cuz my body was probably trying to adjust to it. What raised the red flag for me was that one time I found there was some kind of skin/fleshy tissue discharge on my underwear. Then I knew it wasn’t just in my head that the little device was hurting me down there. It was actually physically damaging my body. I insisted to have it pulled out. I couldn’t and wouldn’t want to wait another few months despite my provider was unhappy about my decision. I think I know my body the best. Perhaps these devices just have the side effects that pharmaceutical companies don’t wanna tell us. I hope you know you are not the only one out there who have had bad experience with it. There are probably many out there like us. Thanks for sharing your story and let more people know.
I got on the Mirena IUD and the same day my entire body tensed up and I was in so much pain I couldn't get off the floor. I had it taken out and still to this day, 1 week before my period my back and neck tenses up and I am in so much pain for a day or two. It has been 12 years and I know it was Mirena. Additionally, I have gained so much weight. If I could sue, I would. I have found so many stories on line of women experiencing the same issue.
Thank you so much for your courage in sharing your story! Your story will motivate others to share their stories as well and discuss these difficult topics in particular the topic of hormones out in the open. I pray that you feel better! ❤
I’m sorry you are going through this and thank you for sharing your personal experience. Our society needs to develop male contraceptive options instead of forcing the responsibility and burden of contraception to women.
What’s worse is there is no pain management for women. Even csections don’t get narco now. Great time to be a woman. Let yourself have a foreign object pump hormones throughout your body so a man who likely not marry you or will divorce you. We are totally at their pleasure now we get to work too how wonderful
I'm so impressed that you were able to go on this platform and explain your experience. I'm sad for you there are not many other options for you. God bless and I hope it works out for you and your family.
You should read up about hormones. Andrew Hurbmen interviewed with Doctor Sara Gottfried and she taught me a lot more than I knew about female hormones and they don't teach this in health class. After age 30 your hormones tend to settle out verses in your teens and 20s. Currently my periods last 3 days verses my 20s teen it would be like 5-7 days.
Sorry to hear it's been so difficult for you. I was on oral contraceptives for years and found it messed with my mood. Like you, if I could go back in time I would tell my younger self not to use it as contraception, because sometimes I wonder who I would be (mentally) if I hadn't been on it. I'm now on a copper IUD, which I am loving a lot. I know it's not an option for a lot of people, due to the risks of more bleeding/cramping, but I'm having a good experience with it so far. I hope you find something that works for you. Thanks for having this conversation and reminding me to check for strings (which I haven't checked for in years).
Thank you for sharing your experience. I think many obgyns are quick to prescribe hormonal bc as a cure all without fully explaining all the negative side effects you could have. I had such a poor experience with oral bc that I never touched it again, nor an IUD. These are conversations that other women need to hear.
I had to have IUD removed because of severe headache and high blood pressure😢 I totally understand how much you are frustrated..I also had suffered from long and heavy period.. I' m trying to find natural ways to relieve it..Jen..How have you been dealing with the heavy menstrual period nowadays?
Aww Jen want to give you a big hug. Your feelings are totally valid and your courage in sharing your experience reminds us what makes us women and what we have to go through biologically. It’s not easy. Also it’s very educational to know that such complications can exist. I hope you find something that works for you, or find holistic help for addressing those monthly cramps.
I have had two Mirenas so far. After four years on the first one my period was starting to come back just like you mentioned. After getting an ultrasound I was told it moved and was sitting too low, thankfully it was not imbedded though. My obgyn suggested I take it out and then I got another one put in during that same appointment. It’s been about a year since then and so far the second iud has been fine. I’m always scared it’s going to happen again though. Similarly this has been the best birth control for me and I really don’t want to go back to my debilitating periods. I appreciate you talking about how emotionally exhausting this process can be ❤.
I agree it’s crazy that hormonal birth control is prescribed willy nilly to girls and women of all ages with little regard to our mental and physical well-being! I was on mirena for over 5 years but took it out eventually because I felt like the hormones started to affect me negatively in terms of being bloated all the time. I recently got a bisalp surgery and have never been happier. Hope you (and your husband) can find something ideal for your body! You’ve been through enough!
I had Mirena iud several years ago after giving birth to my second boy. After 1-2 weeks of putting Mirena, I had a terrible throbbing migraine daily & it broke me out so badly on my chin area, those big juicy gross pimples. I had to remove it after less than three weeks as the side effect was terrible. As I’m living in Asia, I have access to an excellent traditional Chinese doctor. She was a 70+ year-old doctor who advised me against inserting ANY hormonal IUD or taking any oral pills. The aftermath of taking it long-term will have very detrimental side effects for women, such as ovarian, or breast cancers. And I started to do my own through research and it's indeed true. To me anything that messes /disrupt with our female hormones , we should try to stay away as much as possible. I have been using “pull-out method” for 11 years .
I’m so very glad that you decided to stop birth control I have nothing against it but you made a great decision you’re doing fine without anything see good for you
I am 42 and went on birth control after my divorce. The likelihood Of getting pregnant is slim, but I don’t need surprises at this point in my life and at this age. The first 4-6 months were fine. I went from one normal period to two small ones. I wasn’t crazy about that, but it was nice to have light menses anyway. Well instead of My period stopping at 1 yr, I have had light bleeding everyday for what seems like more than 6 months. Sonogram showed everything was normal with placement. I expected this in a way bc I have never used a birth control where I didn’t have some kind of light bleeding. With the horrible Depo shot, I also bled every day. I guess I’m just not someone who can take birth control. Besides the bleeding fluctuations, the hormones make me insane as my actual period comes and the bleeding just makes me hate myself. So, you are not alone in your struggles. Keep the faith. We are all different, and maybe we just aren’t supposed to be on birth control. I have always been jealous of everyone who could take them easily bc I wonder why not me. I wish you well on your journey. It will be ok.
Thank you for sharing your story, and I'm so sorry you had to go through that. My sister got an IUD put in this year and I was worried if something bad did come out of it. My sister is 36 and she had a huge cyst that had to be removed. Her periods were really heavy and regular birth control wasn't helping her pain. I've only taken oral birth control, I took it when I was 21 for a couple months, it made me gain weight so easy and I was so emotional. I'm Chinese, and my mom wouldn't talk about birth control. I think you made the right decision, and there's so many side effects to taking any birth control. I take vitamins to help with my periods. I have mine every month but sometimes the intervals are like 35 days apart or longer instead of 30. Amazon has hormonal balance gummies that really help. It has cranberry, chasteberry, and dong quai. I've been learning as I get older that there's so many vitamins and healthy stuff out there that is more natural that can help woman rather than using medicine.
I too don’t do well with hormones so after trying one birth control for a couple of months, I never went back on it. I didn’t even attempt the other ones out there. We are also done having kids so my husband is considering the snip snip 🙈 Thank you for sharing such a vulnerable and intimate part of womanhood. Here’s to a healthy uterus and balanced hormones! Cheers🥂
I am so heartbroken you had to go through this. I have experience of feeling like ive lost my bodily autonomy and i suffering and getting sick uncontrollably with illnesses that cannot be fully treated. I understand how hard it can be and you’re not going through this alone. I hope you find a method that works for you and those bad periods never come back. Just let your body reset. ❤ lots of love always
Thank you for sharing your story. I can relate to many things you've experienced. We as women need to talk about the things we go thru as women, and it helps us to make decisions. It really helps to know that we are not alone with our health issues.
Thanks so much for sharing and being open about it, women go through so much and carry most of the burden. Ben should definitely think about getting a vasectomy after all that you’ve been through.
I would recommend researching into the fertility awareness method of birth control and reading "taking charge of your fertility" by toni wescheler! It was such an eye opening book and really taught me how to work with our cycles! It is definitely a method that takes discipline for both you and your partner (eg: abstain on your fertile days, taking your basal body temp every morning at the same time) but it's also quite an empowering method because it allows you to understand exactly where you are in your cycle! Regardless, thank you for sharing your experience and being vulnerable enough to speak up about these often overlooked topics ❤
Thanks for sharing your experience. Im crying watching this video as I’m going through a similar thing, and Ive felt so alone. I pride myself on being strong and autonomous and what not and have felt very vulnerable and alone throughout this whole experience and this video has provided some comfort so thank you so much. I hope a year later you’re doing OK.
thank you so much for sharing. i'm currently not looking into going on birth control (because i have no reason to and i'm still very young), but i'm really glad i got to hear your story. birth control isn't for everyone. definitely update us in the future on how it's going with no birth control! i hope you never get those scary periods ever again 😖
I just want to comment -- I know about 5-10 people who have had the Mirena or Kyleena, for 5-10 years, and no one of us has had issues other than heavy bleeding at the beginning first months! OR that it is painful to get put in (maybe do take a painkiller beforehand!), which goes away in about a day. I think it would be really scary to have it put in right after birth while your body is still healing and her video is really helpful to know not to get it put back until my body has healed if I have a child. Just to share this, in case you got scared off of trying an IUD. Just make sure you definitely get a good doctor!
Thank you so much for sharing your story! Don't ever feel bad for crying. Your voice helps women advocate for themselves. Hope you are doing well now and would love an update video, only if you are up for it. ❤
Thank you so much for making this video. Your vulnerability is incredible. So many of us women relate to you. The struggle to finding the right birth control is SO REAL. Ive had the copper IUD for 10 months and am probably going to be getting it removed in the next few weeks. I bleed 14 days out of the months, the cramps are something else, and I have what feels like chronic bloating in my lower belly. I’ve been giving it my best shot and wanted it to work soooo badly but at what cost? Also stories of it shifting or getting embedded just make me want to get it taken out. It’s amazing what we have to go through :(
I'm so sorry hearing your experience. I'm using copper IUD now but it was inserted only around 6 weeks after giving birth (and that was the IUD available at that time, I didn't really have a choice to choose between copper and hormonal one). I think it was more than a year after that, i got my period back. At first it was okay, but then after that it just became waterfall. Thankfully there was a pad that can actually absorb a lot of it, but i still had to change every 2 hours or so for the first few days and i still do. This is definitely eye-opening for me. I'll definitely go see a doctor soon and get a checkup. Thank you for sharing Jen. Please know that you're not alone in this journey ❤
Jen.... I just want to give you major props for sharing this side of your personal life with us. As it isn't easy being just being a female in general especially during our menstruation cycle. And let alone such an experience(s). I can only imagine how much you have gone through. I also want to say that there is nothing wrong with you making the decision you are making to not be on birth control anymore. Because not all birth control products work for everyone; even if it works for 90%+ people. And that's okay. Don't take it to heart & don't be afraid to be different. Everyone is unique, you are unique & God created you with love & care that you are a unique person 💕 My heart goes out to you for being a strong empowering woman to speak up for it 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤️❤️❤️
There is absolutely nothing wrong with you! It was an experience, it cannot define you or your body! Everyone is different, while the birth control method are the same, it’s not going to work for everyone. I am on a similar journey, you are not alone.
Thank you for sharing and I hope you find something that works for you! I had a similar experience and also wondered why birth control worked for everyone else but messed me up. Basically, hormonal birth control gave me symptoms of autoimmune disorders which required steroids that concerned my doctors due to the frequency of use. Now I have the copper IUD which makes me feel like I'm hemorrhaging, painful cramping, dry-cracking skin and crippling depression. I'm listless without my iron pills. Because of all this and that we are certain we are done having babies, my husband got a vasectomy. I'm hoping removing the IUD soon will bring me back to normal because it's truly hard to be present as a person when your health is failing, and I'm also that mom who put her own health on the back burner to feed and care for my babies.
I remember when you first posted your video on giving birth to Aria, it scares the hell out of me. Then seeing your posts on the whole IUD ordeal, I just feel so bad. I hope you'll get something that works for you and won't cause you any pain. Lots of love Jen ❤❤
What worked for us was that we made the decision to get my husband sterilized after we were done having our two kids and it's been great. Recovery for him was a piece of cake. Literally a weekend of sitting on the recliner with an ice pack and strict orders not to do any lawn mowing that weekend. May not be an option for everyone but worked for us.
My first experience with an IUD, Kyleena, was fantastic. I loved it! My periods were light and short. When it was time for me to replace the IUD, I chose the Mirena. Everything went downhill from there. My periods were extreme and lasted anywhere from 2-3 weeks. I decided to get the Mirena removed and go back to Kyleena since I had a good experience the first time. Nothing changed. Eventually, I had no other option than to remove the IUD and go to the pill. I tried 3 different types of birth control pills. The extreme heavy bleeding and long periods did not stop after removing the IUD. My body just does not get along with hormones, and it’s disheartening. Unfortunately, a lot of the responsibility of birth control falls on women, and it becomes really frustrating when those forms of birth control just become a burden on your body.
Never apologize for your feelings. You're human. Sh!t!! This is a lot and serious. I'm sorry you had to go throught this. And thank you for sharing because it can help many women out there who are probably going throught the same and the doctor will say to give it time for the body to adjust to the birth control. My Gyn suggested many times that I get it so I wouldnt have to take hormone pills to get a period, and I always refused because the thought of having a foreign object in my body. Take care!!
Thank you for sharing. We do need to make these talks less hard for all women. I had a hard time with a lot of hormonal IUD. I use to have one in my arm and it only lasted 8 months before I went in and told them it has to come out. I am currently on a copper IUD No hormones for 8 years and it has been fine for me but I always have that scared feeling something like this could happen.
I’m sure you already know about the Fertility Awareness Method of birth control, but if not, I highly recommend the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility. I have been off of hormonal birth control for 11 years and have found FAM to be extremely effective when practiced mindfully. It’s so empowering to let my body do its own thing unimpeded by artificial hormones and to be able to be aware of the natural rhythm of things. I know that if your bleeding problem returns you will need to find something else, but if not this is a great method to consider. Thank you for sharing your story!
I have not been on birth control since my oldest daughter was born almost 10 yrs ago. I have 3 kids all planned but even without birth control my periods have been horrendous. They became particularly bad since the birth of my last baby 6 yrs ago. Midwife and OBGYN also recommended birth control to help with the period but it is not a solution. It’s a bandaid that’s covering up a much larger hormonal imbalance issue. I’ve had many ultrasounds, hysteroscopy, polypectomy, D&C, supplements, birth control (tried it for a month once and it changed my personality so never again) and nothing has worked. I dread the week of my period. I’m already anemic due to a genetic mutation and losing so much blood (last month I lost 100ml in 2hrs which is more than most people lose in an entire period) on top of severe cramps and back pain make it almost unbearable. I have to take 800mg ibuprofen every 8-10hrs for the first few days to even function. Currently I’m trying acupuncture and CBD supplementation but my OB has said really the only medical solution I have left would be a hysterectomy which I’m not ready for something like that yet. Know that you are not alone in this and honestly research in women’s hormones and menstrual issues is severely lacking. Thousands of women suffer in silence so I deeply appreciate someone with a platform like you talking about something like this so openly.
Ask your doctor about having an ablation done. I am trying to find out more about it myself because I literally just found out the procedure existed a few days ago. I still know virtually nothing, only that the woman I heard about it from was presented with the option by her OBGYN only after every other possibility was exhausted to fix her heavy periods. I wouldn't even mention something I know so little about except the idea of a hysterectomy sounds a little extreme if you haven't even discussed the option of an ablation yet. Definitely ask and research, it doesn't sound like the kind of thing that would be for everyone and that's all I can say, sorry.
We have natural birth control on our biology. Unfortunately, this is seen as a women’s topic even in relationships where adults are sexually active. Our cycle is our partner’s cycle and our family’s cycle. New standard: You must understand my reproductive cycle and be okay with intercourse in between ovulation and using protection
Try the fertility awareness method. I used it all my fertile years, charting basal temperature and observing cervical mucus. These days there are ovulation ovulation detection strips that add a layer of certainty.
I had the same type of experience. I had the copper one which you can have in for 10 years. At the 6-7 year mark, I started to develop a lot of bleeding and got the ultrasound. They said it was embedded in my uterus. So I went in for the procedure for them to remove it. They gave me anesthesia and replaced it with a new one which I’ve had for about 3 years now. No problems so far with the new one though! Thank you for sharing your experience and I’m sorry you had to go through that! 💕
I keep seeing women with IUDs having issues like cramping after insertion, pregnancy with baby holding the IUD, heavy bleeding and it getting stuck in the uterus. Personally after they came out with IUDs I was really skeptically and I didn't want anything that I couldn't see be in my body, especially a plastic silicone tube that just seems like a recipe for disaster.
I got weird headaches and felt hot and never finished an entire 28 pills as Rx'ed. My theory is there are not enough asian women tested and not enough petite women tested. We're developmentally waaaay older than a 12-14 yr old but then doses of meds for our size are ...well, look at a Children's Tylenol bottle! So I strongly feel there needs to be better sizing and dosing for people like us - petites and WoC. it's the same reason I watch petites and WoC on YT for makeup and sizing of clothing. 'Mainstream' coloring and sizing/proportions just don't work for me so why would this?
Bless you for sharing your very personal story about this difficult experience. This will help many women make decisions for their own birth control methods. You are lovely.
Thank you for sharing your experience! I had the Depo shots and they were teeeeeerrible for me. Absolute exhaustion, I couldn’t regulate my temperature well, just terrible. Then I went on an IUD (skyla I believe). While I nearly passed out during the insertion, the actual experience was perfect. No periods, just wonderful. Then we replaced it when it was time (Kyleena) and smooth sailing like the first one. We pulled it to get pregnant, had my first baby and had another (Kyleena) inserted at 6weeks postpartum. All was going well for about 1.5 years when all of a sudden I started getting cramps and bleeding. It wasn’t much but it was still more than my usual (which was nothing). I went to the gyno and he did an ultrasound and say sacs of fluid in my uterus. He swabbed them for a culture then told me to come back in 3 months or if things got worse. They did so I can back a month later. When he did another ultrasound he say more sacs of fluid so he said if he saw those sacs once, it may be a one off thing but twice it was raising concerns about an infection. Ultimately we decided to pull it and we’re happy to get pregnant with our second. We’re 23 weeks into pregnancy and honestly postpartum I’m thinking my husband can get the vasectomy and we’ll be done. I don’t want to go back on birth control bc I’m scared of the side effects and if there is a simple surgery that can help us both, why not? Loved being period free but I’m scared of the side effects if things go haywire. We’ll see how things go ultimately but that’s my story 💖
Oh Jen I just wanna give you a big hug. You have endured so much ob gyn wise. It's totally not your fault, and you have been such a trooper! Being anemic waiting for another u/s while the IUD was embedded in you that whole time 😢... I'm so sorry you went through that. Please get yourself some iv iron at your local IV vitamin clinic. It works a lot more effectively than oral iv, which takes six months to kick in. I support your decision to give your body a break 💝💖💝💖 big hugs to you and all the women who suffer and sacrifice with so much grace 💗💗
Thank you for sharing this Jen! I totally agree that its really not fair nor is it fun to be on birth control dealing with all the hormones, body changes, and so much more. I appreciate you for shedding light on your experience, it helps knowing I'm not alone with the struggles being on or off birth control. I would love to know if anyone here is off birth control and is in a relationship, with trying to not get pregnant. I would love to hear some advice on that!
@@philxie4205 sometimes they break and its not fun having to take plan B back to back :/ and I get it, its easier to not do the dead but we all have needs. I get that there are sacrifices in relationships too. Sometimes it just feels like it takes a huge toll on my body, mind, and emotions.
@@DearMegan It’s just based on my own experience. Well, My wife and I have been using condoms only for 12 years, and it ripped only once and she took plan B. I feel that it is still way better than pills and other BC methods as I dont want her hormones to get messed up. Using condoms are also healthier and cleaner because sometimes taking a shower is not always available😂
@@philxie4205 Thank you for sharing your honest advice and experience, I do appreciate it 🙂I will keep that in mind since I am having thoughts of getting off birth control sometime soon in the near future. You aren't wrong that using condoms are cleaner lol Again, thank you!
Thanks for your video! I am so sorry you went through what you went through. In my personal experience, I had the IUD inserted for only a week because I was experiencing extreme pain in my uterus. It was the worst pain I'd ever experienced. I chose the IUD because I had read that it was a very low dose of hormones, my period would eventually go away, and it seemed like a great choice considering I wouldn't have to remember to take anything and I wouldn't have to worry so much about how the hormones would change my body and mood ect. I should say, before I would've never opted for this type of BC but due to my lifestyle it seemed like the best option even though the idea of having ANYTHING inside my body freaked me out I decided to go through with it. I should also mention my OBGYN made me very comfortable and said it would be basically painless after the insertion and revealed that embeddedment was very rare (I'm not even sure that's true anymore). I really related to the last part of the video, where you got a bit emotional. It's hard not to. As women, we have to go through medical procedures, crazy pain, traumatic changes to our bodies and not to mention how frustrating it can be to make a doctor's appointment ect. It's all alot. Anyway, I hope your body has healed from what you went through and I wish you and every woman love! -Sof
Hi Jen (and crew XD)Health is first, you have decide very well. Dont feel bad for cry, we all understand that you just needed it. . I just Came back from hosital, I am going through something really painful, I have been in hosital 8 months in a raw, and then two months and then one and... basically its happening very often. Today I have been there, and... 8 hours , 4 doctors and like a thousend nurses after I came back home with my little Sis ( She is ALWAYS by my side ) with a lot of medication, more dates, more and more of my money wasted in not beautiful things. I was feeling misarable. Then, we remember you ( my sister and I watched our videos every single day before this madness began) and Really, Really I have remembered why we use to do it. You are just so honest and sweet. I felt like, in some way, someone can get what I feel when I see this video. Now I feel released and more myself. I have just subscribe with my mail. Thanks from the heart for being so brave to tell your story, so everybody knows and learnt ( excuse my poor english, not native.)
So sorry to hear your traumatic story Jen. Thank you for sharing and having this be a cautionary tale as well as a stinging reminder that all the fertility responsibilities somehow fall on the women who are fertile only half of their lives and for a brief (give or take) week window a month! Whereas men are fertile their whole lives, FOREVER! I honestly got emotional hearing your story. Emotional of empathy towards your multilayered struggles but also emotionally angry at the unfair medical burden put on women in this regard! Lots of love to you and your family and stay strong girls! 💪🏽❤️
Every woman reacts differently to birth control. I've been on pills for 3 years now (and had been using the same pills previously for more than 5 years before I had to take a few years break) and it works great for me. But if it gives you issues and your body doesn't do well with it, definitely get rid of that, no need to put extra stress on yourself.
This is why I’m too scared to put anything foreign into my body. I also am just not fond of the thought of taking pills or shots to regulate my hormones. I’m too afraid of all the side effects, because there are so many. Sometimes natural is the best option.
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Jen, why isn’t Ben having a vasectomy? This is a genuine question. You should not have to carry this burden alone, especially after having 2 kids
this!!
Jen mentioned how her choice to use birth control was also to help regulate really terrible periods/cramps.
@@awesomehorse1678 if she has been experiencing severe cramps, there must be other underlying conditions related to endometriosis. Even though the IUD worked at some point but still it’s just like putting a bandaid on a bullet hole and not treating the root cause.
Vasectomies hold a risk of being irreversible - so for couples who may want to have more kids in the future, its not always an easy option.
@Mafiadaughter can they not just freeze sperm?
Thank you for talking about this so openly and sharing your experience with the world. Women's reproductive health needs to be discussed and there should not be any stigma, shame, taboo or embarrassment. Women's bodies are amazing and they go through so much in our lifetime. I don't understand how roughly half the population are women but people still feel afraid to talk about things openly and honestly. I may not have had an IUD and may not get one in my lifetime, but I'm a woman who stands with you and supports you as we all have common struggles as women ❤️ this also brings attention to the men watching so they understand their partner's struggles and what they go through which is very important.
I also had a negative experience with an iud and just got it removed yesterday after 1 year. It was very emotionally taxing and feel better knowing it’s not in my body! Thank you for sharing this!
when i gave birth vaginally 7 months ago, i was definitely not prepared how TOUGH the recovery process was (not just the pain; it’s the hormones, not feeling like myself, having to deal with my mum’s death from a week before) im sorry that you had to go through all this while still recovering. indeed, not one thing suits everyone and i’m glad you’ve overcome this experience ❤
❤
Hey, I thought i was the only one with a similar story. I lost my dad 3 days before Christmas then found I was pregnant 4 days after burying him. My son is now 3 months.
Solidarity, my mother in law passed just months after the birth of our daughter. Such a tough time
i would def ask my husband to have a vasectomy if you are for sure done having kids. And if you aren’t having bad periods anymore. You went through 2 surgeries and 2 births for him. The least he can do for you is that….
That’s our next conversation. I wanted the IUD after Ezra just because it was easy to get right away and I was still worried about those period cramps, but Ben has always been up for it
@@frmheadtotoe thanks so much for your reply! I agree and I completely understand, every decision is yours. Especially if you were having heavy periods, birth control can help. I just wanted to make sure you knew all your options and are looking out for you and your health as well! It sounds like birth control is not the best for you and your body. I was just making sure you knew your options and wanted to remind everyone that husbands/men can be taking on some on the burdens and making sacrifices as well. Especially when vasectomies are minimally invasive and very quick. Wishing you all the best!!
@@frmheadtotoe I think you guys have to remember these guys are in 30s. Vasectomy is the obvious if you are over 40 so maybe the decision is more if they want more kids. I’ve been asking my hubby to do since we were 36 now we are both 40! I think it’s time !
What it they wanted another child ?
Reversals are done all the time. My father got one when he got divorced when I was in high school and got a reversal over 5 years later with no complications and had another baby after that with his new wife.
And if nothing else they could bank his sperm.
I had the Mirena placed at my 6wk checkup after my 2nd child. It was great for the first 3months, then the nightmares began. I started having heavy bleeding that lasted 2-3weeks out of the month, insomnia, chronic fatigue, migraines, mood swings from hell and my emotions were similar to bi polar disorder. I was either a zombie or possessed by Mommy Dearest (Joan Crawford movie). I tried to have the iud removed, but my OBGYN wanted to try adding the pill to reset my periods. It worked for the first few months, then all the symptoms came back. I tried to get my OBGYN to take it out, she refused to do it. I went to another doctor, they told me that I had to go to the doctor who inserted the iud. I went back to my OBGYN, I told her my symptoms and she rolled her eyes, said it was normal to have some side effects. She told me to stop complaining. By this time, I had the Mirena for 2yrs and I was miserable. I got evicted from my apartment and had to move. I found a place about 80miles away from my small town. I was trying to work and take care of my kids. I was on the brink of a nervous breakdown after 1yr away from my home town, I moved back home and I was withdrawn from everyone around me..including my kids. I was beginning to lash out, feel hopeless and suicidal at this point on top of everything else. I found a Mirena group on FB. There were sooo many women suffering with all of the same symptoms I had and it really clarified what I was experiencing. I made another appt and finally went back to the OBGYN and demanded that she remove the iud. She was not happy about it, but she removed it..not gently either. She yanked that mf'r out and I wanted to kick her right in her face. Omg..I really wanted to kick her! I felt like a huge weight had lifted and the nightmare was FINALLY over. After my appt, I drove to the park and sat in my car and cried tears of joy. I literally felt like my mind and body was free! 🕊
A nightmare is right , I’m getting mines removed tomorrow this thing should be banned
@@latreishaprivott4235 I hope everything went well. When I got mine removed, I felt like my body belonged to me again.
I just pray that any woman thinking about getting any IUD/birth control does some serious homework and know the risks and side effects.
Bullshit. "The OB refused to remove it." In what fucking world?
I am 79 now, but in 1974 I needed to get the Dalkon Shield removed because I wanted to get pregnant. It had been placed by Planned Parenthood and it had been about five years. So I went for an in office visit with my military doctor. (in Air Force at the time) He went in and tried to pull it out and it caused me a sharp pain and he tried it two more times and decided he had to do minor surgery for it to come out. It did and I was fine and got pregnant right away without any problems. The reason I am doing research now is because they did a "H" with a camera to remove polyps in June of 2024. The biopsy showed precancer cells and they recommended the progestin IUD which I just got inserted on Oct 25, 2024. I feel some strange sensations and was trying to see if I could read up something on it. Thank you for sharing your experiences. I do hope you will come across something for you.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I can't imagine what you had to go through with all the embedding happening.
Honestly I think more people need to talk about the risks of having an IUD. I got an IUD for similar reasons - the fact that I don't have to eat a pill at the same time every day is compelling.
I got the IUD (Kyleena) June of 2022, and within 2 months of insertion, I got really bad face acne. For someone who's never had bad acne, even in teenage years, this is extremely traumatizing - to suddenly get bad cystic acne at late 20s. I stuck it out for a bit hoping that it would go away. It didn't, it got worse. My friends and family started asking me what happened, if I was stressed, eating badly, etc. I hated myself because of the acne. Finally in January of this year, I couldn't take it anymore and went to another OBGYN to remove the IUD. I can't believe how much that little plastic thing has affected my body. Fast forward 5 months, my skin is getting better, but I see so much ance scars that never used to be there, and I regret getting the IUD 100%.
I had copper IUD and it was a nightmare. I had increase in discharge, my discharge also smelled different, and my vagina itched. I thought I got an infection but all the tests returned negative. I eventually got the IUD removed and the symptoms disappeared in 1 day.
Sorry to hear about your traumatic experience and I hope things get better for you, Jen! You’re so brave and candid. Thank you for sharing with us - you’re like the big sister I never had ❤
Grateful that you were vulnerable and shared boo. You didn’t deter anyone, I got mine in today! We’ll see how it goes ❤
update???
Losing bodily autonomy IS hurting someone, it's hurting you! It's totally ok and probably good to cry at that. I really appreciated this video. I love your makeup tutorials- I still trim my brows mostly like your old video. But you really do a great good with these vulnerable yet empowering uterus-related videos. I always watch them and I feel like you brought up topics that aren't often talked about in ways that are both realistic about the bad stuff and leave me feeling more empowered in my care and my body. Thank you for that!
I started following you after I found your menstrual cup video. And when you posted this, I'd just decided to go off hormonal birth control and see what my body was like just a few months ago! I also loved the IUD, but it had really quiet side effects that were affecting my life in other ways and that likely all hormonal birth control had also been doing. I'm still working through the ways in which it feels like there's no good choice that retains my bodily autonomy, frustration that getting my periods back means dealing with the issues those cause, and frustration at how much more it costs to not be on the IUD.
I’m so sorry that happened to you twice! It sounds so stressful and traumatic. I really hope you’re able to find something that works for you!! ❤ I also have tried many BC pills and had horrible side effects-mental fog and personality change. My Liletta IUD is my first BC that gives me no side effects and helps my heavy period immensely.
I've been following you for what feels like a decade but somehow missed this video when it was uploaded. A year later, I've stumbled across it and its giving me comfort while I go through my own iud nightmare.
Just hours ago, I started cramping and bleeding. I checked the strings, and i can feel the plastic stem. I'm so heartbroken. It works so well for so many of my friends, but my body just seems intent on pushing IUDs out 😢😢
This is my second attempt. I've spent so much money, which i very little of. I've missed work because I've spent hours at the gp, the gyno, the radiology, the urgent care, the emergency room. It is just devastating
My heart breaks for you too 💔 I’m so sorry you’ve had such a difficult experience with IUDs as well, although hearing this video gave you comfort is very validating. If it’s any consolation, my transition to not being on any hormonal birth controls has been an extremely positive one since this video. I hope you find your best solution soon ❤️🩹
Thank you for this! in my experience, I don't feel like I want to put hormones into my body and everytime i go to the doctor I feel like they are kinda judgy and always want to know my reasons and imply I am being irresponsible with phrases like "I guess is it comes, it comes"(not a great translation because I live in Spain). They act like not wanting hormones in your body is being delusional when I thing is perfectly reasonable.
I hope you keep healing and make a journey that is tailored for you ❤
Not all hormones are bad. However excess estrogen in body, which we consume from highly processed food can worsen the menstruation. Progesterone itself helps to block bad side-effects estrogen causes, and lowers the period pain you face. What you really should be avoiding is having excessive amount of estrogen from food, like energy drinks, coffee, cereals and such. The suggested coffee intake isn't there without a reason. :D
Sharing your story will be so helpful for many women out there.
Don't apologise for crying, it's frustrating & makes us feel we are not in control of our body.
I too was on the pill for years until I hit 40, then everything went downhills 😅 My IUD was embedded & apparently it wasn't very common?! By the time I had it removed, I had been mentrating for 2 months. My doctor convinced me to have Implanon inserted into my arm & the hormones really had fun with me. Right now, it's been removed & I am just happy to be on NOTHING.
Hopefully, everything settles down for you ❣️ and you & Ben can find a solution for BC.
The IUD was the worst decision that I have never made in my whole life
Why?
I’m so sorry this happened to you. Thank you for sharing your journey so we can all learn from your experience ❤
Jen, you really are not the only one! I tried almost every possible pill and I felt worse and worse. Not only physically but also mentally. I suffer from reactive hypoglycemia and I did not expect that because of the pills my blood glucose levels will go crazy. I lost 10 kg (being very skinny) in a year and I couldn't function normally. It took 5 years to be able to get pregnant after that - my sugar levels were so out of balance. Today I have a 4 month old son and I will never go back to hormonal contraception.
Just want to add for anyone who might see it--I had a similar experience with the copper iud embedding into my uterine wall. It wasn't as extreme (and I've never had kids), but still scary! My doctor thought it was because I was using a menstrual cup that was creating too much suction and pulling at the IUD. She has had a dozen other patients who have had IUDs dislodged alongside the use of a menstrual cup.
I had a couple horrible experiences where the cup would "climb up" towards my cervix to the point where I wasn't able to reach the tail to pull it out! And when I'd finally barely get a grip on it, I wasn't able to break the seal and release the vacuum, so I would be in horrible pain, tugging at this thing that was pulling on my cervix to try and get it out. I stopped using the cup out of fear of pain, but I began getting horrible nerve pain in my pelvic area that was caused by the IUD pushing against a nerve.
So anyone that uses an IUD, please please please consider using a menstrual disc or just being overly cautious about a menstrual cup if you use one!
Whoa, great tip! I use a cup and I’m currently trying to decide what type of birth control to attempt after my horrible experience with the copper iud. I hate condoms. Maybe I can go BC free and just use a cervical cap? Anyway trying to figure out what to do…
It’s so important to have these conversations and I really appreciate you, Jenn, for using your platform to create these spaces for people to discuss about these topics.
7 years ago, I initially was on Nexplanon for about 9 months and during that time, I had horrible mood swings, my period was super irregular, and eventually it ended up moving and pinching a nerve in my arm. I had to schedule an emergency mini “surgery” to remove it from my arm and to this day still experience some nerve damage throughout my entire arm.
I switched to the Mirena IUD and my experience was similar to yours - I stopped having horrible periods and felt like my body reacted well to it. 5 years later, I had a similar story where my obgyn couldn’t find the string and had to go through an ultrasound for them to find my IUD. Got diagnosed with chronic and severe PCOS, was told my IUD was wedged into my uterus and that they would try to remove it if I wanted. No pain reliever and never have had children, so it was super painful for me. I have since decided to go off of birth control to see how I would feel and mentally have been feeling myself again but now am struggling to cope with my PCOS symptoms coming back in full swing.
It’s all constantly a journey in process, but I believe in you and your ability to find an option that will hopefully be kind to your body. 💙
Thank you for sharing it helps ❤
Thank you for making this. I’m so sorry it was such a difficult time. Your sharing of your story definitely helped me feel so much less alone and frustrated today as I go through my own struggle. Best wishes ❤
That sounds really traumatic and I empathize with you. I have been on the Mirena IUD for 8 years (got it replaced after 6 years) and I haven't had any bad side effects or issues with it luckily. The first time I got it inserted it was super easy and barely painless, but when I got it replaced, it took longer and was much more painful. I don't actually need birth control since I'm dating a women now, but I have a blood disorder, so I'm on it to stop my periods so I don't lose too much blood each month. I recommend asking Ben to get a vasectomy because it's reversible and you have had such a bad experience with birth controls. Women shouldn't have to carry the burden all by themselves. Especially since you have already had two children, so your body has been through a lot. I hate the US health system because it's so expensive. Thank you for sharing about your experience and being so open and honest. Not a lot of people are willing to, but this conversation is so important, not only to educate others, but also for your mental health
I was on Mirena for 8 years and I will never go back to birth control. I didn’t realize how much it affected me until it was out. I took it out in Nov 2021 and my body is finally regulating. I went through so much even after I took it out. 🙅🏻♀️ I’m so sorry you went through that!
🎉
I took it out in February 2022, im still have hormone imbalance, How did you regulate your body, or did your body regulate itself? I’m asking because I’m desperate, I hope you answer
This is really interesting because I have had a fantastic experience with Kyleena! My body still had regular periods. It's just a lower dose of hormones. And the IUD itself is physically a smaller size. The only difference is you have to replace every 5ish instead of every 8ish years. Highly recommend. Recently, I got the Mirena and I think it seems similar, but I can tell it is a stronger hormonal dose because my periods have been more affected (i.e., I've basically lost them). But I'm fine with that!
Your 2015 menstrual cup video was literally what convinced me to start using one. I've been using one ever since and it's literally life-changing, so thank you for that. I'm so glad you talked about your BC experiences as well, I've heard of IUD risks but all my friends around me have only had positive experiences (minus insertion pain). I lean towards not putting my body through unnecessary hormonal changes if I don't need to, but I live in Texas and without diving into politics too much, it's a pretty scary time to be a woman who doesn't want to go through a forced pregnancy :) Would love to see more videos about your other BC experiences!
I highly recommend reading "taking charge of your fertility!" So so helpful.
The copper IUD ruined my life and I am still struggling 2 years after insertion and over a year after removal. I'm talking nerve damage, pelvic pain, pelvic inflammation, infections etc... - I also saw many women in GUM clinic with the same problems as me. It really isn't for everyone and I wish more research was done about it.
Thanks for sharing your story Jen and never apologize for your tears! I did a lot of research when I was 18 about birth control. I did get the teen hormonal acne but my mom was really good about getting me on regimen and telling me it would get better when I was an adult. I had horrible periods when I was in high school but I did not like the side affects of birth control. Now, in my 30s, my hormones have leveled out, and my periods are so much lighter! With having to deal with all my periods all those years, I now know how to self regulate myself if the symptoms seem to be a lot that cycle. (This may just be me but I find that every 3rd period seems to be where the symptoms are worse. Still not as bad when I was teen though!) I wish there was better education for girls about birth control methods and the reality of what having a period looks like! That includes, cramps, bloating, acne, mood swings, cravings, ect which are all normal! (Unless you have all those but x10. Then go see a doctor!)
I have the blessing of being able to use the fertility awarness method, along with testing my ovulation which. Some women don't have that option due to irregular cycle, pcos, ect but at least we can give future girls the option instead of this is the only option. Again this all subjective because no woman is a like but we definitely need more research into contraceptives for men and better contraceptives options for women!
You're lucky because I'm in my mid 30's and still suffer from hormonal acne :( it's always the worst around ovulation time.
Ugh! Your poor body has been through so much. Thanks for sharing and sorry you had to go through all of that.
I think you have been so brave. I pray someday you will find the right solution. Stay positive.
You are so brave Jen! Thank you for being vulnerable and having the courage to share.
Thank you for always being the one who can open up on the not talked about topics. All those years ago when you did the no makeup real talk on your apartment floor, you blew my mind and made me really think. You made a difference in my life. I love these real videos you create. 💙💙
Thank you, Jenn for sharing your experience. It is so important for women to share and talk about these things, to help people understand the potential risks and benefits. Also, when you talked about your period being super heavy I could so, so relate. I felt like I couldn't leave the house. (No choice though, had to go to work 16 hrs days in film) I had to bring changes of pants. Despite using super tampons and overnight pads every hour 😢... men have it easy. I'm glad I wasn't the only one feeling like bring a hermit during apocalypse week.
I am very nervous because I am about to have an IUD put in because of uterine fibriods, I had an open myomectomy almost 6 months ago and removed 260 grams of monsters (fibriods). But at my 4 month check up, 3 new ones had already sprouted up and the 2 biggest were already an inch.
So my choices were try the IUD to try and control the growth or look at potentially hysterectomy (I haven't had children)... I'm sorry your body decided to eat the IUD ... I'm curious how rare is that occurrence... my body tends to sprout up with rare stuff all the time 😅
I hope your healing goes smoothly now❤
thank you so much for sharing your experience and I hope you slowly find peace. I know how traumatic it can be and the mental+physical struggle of finding what works for you, and all of that even compounded by traumatic and invasive medical experiences. I hope you're able to give yourself grace and the space to cry!
but I've tried so many different types of birth control pills as well, and I also tend to react super sensitively to medications in general, but especially hormone medications and really struggled to find a birth control that worked for me. I've had the super heavy, debilitating periods you described since elementary school and it was so awful. I'd have giant clots and my periods would last for like 10 days and the cramping was such a struggle every time. I finally decided to start birth control when I started to live alone for college when I learned it could help with cramps and heavy flows. Since then, I've tried maybe 9 or 10 types, both combination and progestin-only pills. I've tried the types that are the continuous 28-packs, the 21-packs with 7 sugar pills, the 24-packs with 4 "rest" pills.
I've been on a relatively new medication called Slynd. It's a progestin-only pill, so it's safe for people who experience migranes (like me who get migranes during their period!) and those with high blood pressures and others who can't take estrogen. I've been on it for over 2 years now and it's been the absolute best experience I've had with birth control! I've essentially not had my period since starting it and it has a 24-hour window unlike other progestin-only pills, so it's given me so much flexibility. I haven't had any cramps or spotting at all, and best of all, I don't find that it worsens any of my existing mental health issues. Rather, I find it has helped my mental health since I don't have to worry about being in pain for over a week each month and I don't have to plan my life around my debilitating periods anymore! I also haven't had it affect my skin - in fact, my skin has mellowed out so much since I've been on it and I don't get cystic acne like I did with other progestin-only pills or super weird oily, yet flakey dry combination skin I had with estrogen birth control! And the absolute best thing about Slynd is that the company offers a patient savings program and it's been super affordable for me, even during times I didn't have health insurance while I was in between jobs.
you may have a different experience with Slynd, but it may be worth discussing with your doctor! It was approved in 2019 by the FDA so relatively new and may not have been on your doctor's radar before.
Maaaaan I'm so sorry to hear!!!!!!! I got anxiety just by watching this. You're a trooper.
The sh1t women have to go through. Men are so lucky fml
i think it's really fair to talk about this!! i felt the same way you felt with the nuvaring with also nexplanon too and progestin only had a similar effect but not as bad. i miss not having a period tho 😅 i wish women would talk about their experiences more openly like this!
Thank you so SO much for sharing your story. It's definitely not easy to do. I have a similar story of my body rejecting an IUD. I had the Kyleena IUD for 5 years with no issue. When it was time to get it replaced, I decided to try Mirena, since there was a chance I wouldn't get a period (which seemed very appealing). Unfortunately, my uterus did not seem to like the Mirena and it popped out on it's own. I got it replaced, but sure enough, it popped out again (lasted longer this second time). My doctor decided to try the Kyleena again since it had worked well with my body last time. It lasted all of 6 weeks before, again, it popped out. I called my friend CRYING and upset that my body was betraying me. I was confused that it was no longer working the way it was supposed to work, and so upset at the world. And honestly, in this day age, I also felt like my body was defenseless and unprotected.
I relate to EVERYTHING you felt and talked about. I'm so sorry you had to go through this. I also had losing bodily automony and frustrated that this is something I can't control. My body will do it's own thing. For now, I have the arm implant, but it's definitely not the same experience as the IUD. It's crazy what women go through for birth control.
I'm hoping your body finds some form of homeostasis within the next few months. Sending you all of the love
I had a Mirena after having my baby. I asked my OBGYN beforehand if I should get one because I already had a fibroid. She said that she thought the Mirena would help it. Well, the first five years, it was fine. So, I got another one after the five years was up. Well, that one ended up making my fibroid so big that the Mirena got stuck. I had to have that same procedure you had to pull the Mirena out. She also told me that if the fibroid got any bigger, then I would need a hysterectomy. I found out by doing my own research that when you get a second Mirena, more hormones are released which is probably why my fibroid got bigger after the second one. It would have been nice if I had been told that in the first place. I personally believe doctors are too quick to put you on forms of birth control without talking about risks and side effects. I will never get on birth control again. I’d rather just use condoms.
Christina Smith, Males can get a vasectomy.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. You are so brave and courageous to share such an intimate story. So I'll also try. I too had extremely bad acne even through my 30s, I didn't resort to birth control, I took Accutane instead. Came with tons of warning but it worked. Completely empathize with you as I've also had those debilitating cramps in the past too. When I turned 32 and had my second child, I decided I didn't want any more kids, so I actually had a tubal ligation. You're still very young so you may not want to do this, but it mitigates having to take any meds or putting anything else inside your body. Good luck!
This had happened to me 5 years ago. My provider introduced me the Mirena IUD and said it was the best thing. But I started having all kinds of weird symptoms within a month of having it: cramping, bleeding, spotting, weight gain of more than 10% of my body weight. I went back and told my provider, but she insisted I kept it for another 3 months and see, cuz my body was probably trying to adjust to it. What raised the red flag for me was that one time I found there was some kind of skin/fleshy tissue discharge on my underwear. Then I knew it wasn’t just in my head that the little device was hurting me down there. It was actually physically damaging my body. I insisted to have it pulled out. I couldn’t and wouldn’t want to wait another few months despite my provider was unhappy about my decision. I think I know my body the best. Perhaps these devices just have the side effects that pharmaceutical companies don’t wanna tell us. I hope you know you are not the only one out there who have had bad experience with it. There are probably many out there like us. Thanks for sharing your story and let more people know.
I got on the Mirena IUD and the same day my entire body tensed up and I was in so much pain I couldn't get off the floor. I had it taken out and still to this day, 1 week before my period my back and neck tenses up and I am in so much pain for a day or two. It has been 12 years and I know it was Mirena. Additionally, I have gained so much weight. If I could sue, I would. I have found so many stories on line of women experiencing the same issue.
thanks for sharing jen 🥺 these topics aren't talked about enough (especially in the asian community)!
Thank you so much for your courage in sharing your story! Your story will motivate others to share their stories as well and discuss these difficult topics in particular the topic of hormones out in the open. I pray that you feel better! ❤
thank you for sharing this intimate and traumatic issue with us
It's so sad to hear: "it's not hurting anybody" if it's hurting you. Maybe not physically but emotionally and that's just as valid
I’m sorry you are going through this and thank you for sharing your personal experience. Our society needs to develop male contraceptive options instead of forcing the responsibility and burden of contraception to women.
What’s worse is there is no pain management for women. Even csections don’t get narco now. Great time to be a woman. Let yourself have a foreign object pump hormones throughout your body so a man who likely not marry you or will divorce you. We are totally at their pleasure now we get to work too how wonderful
I'm so impressed that you were able to go on this platform and explain your experience. I'm sad for you there are not many other options for you. God bless and I hope it works out for you and your family.
You should read up about hormones. Andrew Hurbmen interviewed with Doctor Sara Gottfried and she taught me a lot more than I knew about female hormones and they don't teach this in health class. After age 30 your hormones tend to settle out verses in your teens and 20s. Currently my periods last 3 days verses my 20s teen it would be like 5-7 days.
Sorry to hear it's been so difficult for you. I was on oral contraceptives for years and found it messed with my mood. Like you, if I could go back in time I would tell my younger self not to use it as contraception, because sometimes I wonder who I would be (mentally) if I hadn't been on it. I'm now on a copper IUD, which I am loving a lot. I know it's not an option for a lot of people, due to the risks of more bleeding/cramping, but I'm having a good experience with it so far. I hope you find something that works for you. Thanks for having this conversation and reminding me to check for strings (which I haven't checked for in years).
Yes, copper IUD for the win
Thank you for sharing your experience. I think many obgyns are quick to prescribe hormonal bc as a cure all without fully explaining all the negative side effects you could have. I had such a poor experience with oral bc that I never touched it again, nor an IUD. These are conversations that other women need to hear.
I had to have IUD removed because of severe headache and high blood pressure😢 I totally understand how much you are frustrated..I also had suffered from long and heavy period.. I' m trying to find natural ways to relieve it..Jen..How have you been dealing with the heavy menstrual period nowadays?
My heart sunk so deep watching this video, I just want to give you a hug!
I’m going off BC this month! I’m going to try Natural Cycles for a non-hormonal birth control option - it seems super promising :)
Aww Jen want to give you a big hug. Your feelings are totally valid and your courage in sharing your experience reminds us what makes us women and what we have to go through biologically. It’s not easy. Also it’s very educational to know that such complications can exist. I hope you find something that works for you, or find holistic help for addressing those monthly cramps.
I have had two Mirenas so far. After four years on the first one my period was starting to come back just like you mentioned. After getting an ultrasound I was told it moved and was sitting too low, thankfully it was not imbedded though. My obgyn suggested I take it out and then I got another one put in during that same appointment.
It’s been about a year since then and so far the second iud has been fine. I’m always scared it’s going to happen again though. Similarly this has been the best birth control for me and I really don’t want to go back to my debilitating periods. I appreciate you talking about how emotionally exhausting this process can be ❤.
I agree it’s crazy that hormonal birth control is prescribed willy nilly to girls and women of all ages with little regard to our mental and physical well-being! I was on mirena for over 5 years but took it out eventually because I felt like the hormones started to affect me negatively in terms of being bloated all the time. I recently got a bisalp surgery and have never been happier. Hope you (and your husband) can find something ideal for your body! You’ve been through enough!
I had Mirena iud several years ago after giving birth to my second boy. After 1-2 weeks of putting Mirena, I had a terrible throbbing migraine daily & it broke me out so badly on my chin area, those big juicy gross pimples.
I had to remove it after less than three weeks as the side effect was terrible.
As I’m living in Asia, I have access to an excellent traditional Chinese doctor. She was a 70+ year-old doctor who advised me against inserting ANY hormonal IUD or taking any oral pills. The aftermath of taking it long-term will have very detrimental side effects for women, such as ovarian, or breast cancers. And I started to do my own through research and it's indeed true. To me anything that messes /disrupt with our female hormones , we should try to stay away as much as possible.
I have been using “pull-out method” for 11 years .
I’m so very glad that you decided to stop birth control I have nothing against it but you made a great decision you’re doing fine without anything see good for you
I am 42 and went on birth control after my divorce. The likelihood
Of getting pregnant is slim, but I don’t need surprises at this point in my life and at this age. The first 4-6 months were fine. I went from one normal period to two small ones. I wasn’t crazy about that, but it was nice to have light menses anyway. Well instead of
My period stopping at 1 yr, I have had light bleeding everyday for what seems like more than 6 months. Sonogram showed everything was normal with placement. I expected this in a way bc I have never used a birth control where I didn’t have some kind of light bleeding. With the horrible Depo shot, I also bled every day. I guess I’m just not someone who can take birth control. Besides the bleeding fluctuations, the hormones make me insane as my actual period comes and the bleeding just makes me hate myself. So, you are not alone in your struggles. Keep the faith. We are all different, and maybe we just aren’t supposed to be on birth control. I have always been jealous of everyone who could take them easily bc I wonder why not me. I wish you well on your journey. It will be ok.
Thank you for sharing your story, and I'm so sorry you had to go through that. My sister got an IUD put in this year and I was worried if something bad did come out of it. My sister is 36 and she had a huge cyst that had to be removed. Her periods were really heavy and regular birth control wasn't helping her pain. I've only taken oral birth control, I took it when I was 21 for a couple months, it made me gain weight so easy and I was so emotional. I'm Chinese, and my mom wouldn't talk about birth control. I think you made the right decision, and there's so many side effects to taking any birth control. I take vitamins to help with my periods. I have mine every month but sometimes the intervals are like 35 days apart or longer instead of 30. Amazon has hormonal balance gummies that really help. It has cranberry, chasteberry, and dong quai. I've been learning as I get older that there's so many vitamins and healthy stuff out there that is more natural that can help woman rather than using medicine.
I too don’t do well with hormones so after trying one birth control for a couple of months, I never went back on it. I didn’t even attempt the other ones out there.
We are also done having kids so my husband is considering the snip snip 🙈
Thank you for sharing such a vulnerable and intimate part of womanhood. Here’s to a healthy uterus and balanced hormones! Cheers🥂
I am so heartbroken you had to go through this. I have experience of feeling like ive lost my bodily autonomy and i suffering and getting sick uncontrollably with illnesses that cannot be fully treated. I understand how hard it can be and you’re not going through this alone. I hope you find a method that works for you and those bad periods never come back. Just let your body reset. ❤ lots of love always
Thank you for sharing your story. I can relate to many things you've experienced. We as women need to talk about the things we go thru as women, and it helps us to make decisions. It really helps to know that we are not alone with our health issues.
Thanks so much for sharing and being open about it, women go through so much and carry most of the burden. Ben should definitely think about getting a vasectomy after all that you’ve been through.
I would recommend researching into the fertility awareness method of birth control and reading "taking charge of your fertility" by toni wescheler! It was such an eye opening book and really taught me how to work with our cycles! It is definitely a method that takes discipline for both you and your partner (eg: abstain on your fertile days, taking your basal body temp every morning at the same time) but it's also quite an empowering method because it allows you to understand exactly where you are in your cycle! Regardless, thank you for sharing your experience and being vulnerable enough to speak up about these often overlooked topics ❤
Thanks for sharing your experience. Im crying watching this video as I’m going through a similar thing, and Ive felt so alone. I pride myself on being strong and autonomous and what not and have felt very vulnerable and alone throughout this whole experience and this video has provided some comfort so thank you so much. I hope a year later you’re doing OK.
thank you so much for sharing. i'm currently not looking into going on birth control (because i have no reason to and i'm still very young), but i'm really glad i got to hear your story. birth control isn't for everyone.
definitely update us in the future on how it's going with no birth control! i hope you never get those scary periods ever again 😖
I just want to comment -- I know about 5-10 people who have had the Mirena or Kyleena, for 5-10 years, and no one of us has had issues other than heavy bleeding at the beginning first months! OR that it is painful to get put in (maybe do take a painkiller beforehand!), which goes away in about a day. I think it would be really scary to have it put in right after birth while your body is still healing and her video is really helpful to know not to get it put back until my body has healed if I have a child. Just to share this, in case you got scared off of trying an IUD. Just make sure you definitely get a good doctor!
Thank you so much for sharing your story! Don't ever feel bad for crying. Your voice helps women advocate for themselves. Hope you are doing well now and would love an update video, only if you are up for it. ❤
Thank you so much for making this video. Your vulnerability is incredible. So many of us women relate to you. The struggle to finding the right birth control is SO REAL. Ive had the copper IUD for 10 months and am probably going to be getting it removed in the next few weeks. I bleed 14 days out of the months, the cramps are something else, and I have what feels like chronic bloating in my lower belly. I’ve been giving it my best shot and wanted it to work soooo badly but at what cost? Also stories of it shifting or getting embedded just make me want to get it taken out. It’s amazing what we have to go through :(
I'm so sorry hearing your experience. I'm using copper IUD now but it was inserted only around 6 weeks after giving birth (and that was the IUD available at that time, I didn't really have a choice to choose between copper and hormonal one). I think it was more than a year after that, i got my period back. At first it was okay, but then after that it just became waterfall. Thankfully there was a pad that can actually absorb a lot of it, but i still had to change every 2 hours or so for the first few days and i still do. This is definitely eye-opening for me. I'll definitely go see a doctor soon and get a checkup. Thank you for sharing Jen. Please know that you're not alone in this journey ❤
Jen....
I just want to give you major props for sharing this side of your personal life with us. As it isn't easy being just being a female in general especially during our menstruation cycle. And let alone such an experience(s). I can only imagine how much you have gone through.
I also want to say that there is nothing wrong with you making the decision you are making to not be on birth control anymore. Because not all birth control products work for everyone; even if it works for 90%+ people. And that's okay. Don't take it to heart & don't be afraid to be different. Everyone is unique, you are unique & God created you with love & care that you are a unique person 💕
My heart goes out to you for being a strong empowering woman to speak up for it 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤️❤️❤️
There is absolutely nothing wrong with you! It was an experience, it cannot define you or your body! Everyone is different, while the birth control method are the same, it’s not going to work for everyone. I am on a similar journey, you are not alone.
Thank you for sharing and I hope you find something that works for you! I had a similar experience and also wondered why birth control worked for everyone else but messed me up. Basically, hormonal birth control gave me symptoms of autoimmune disorders which required steroids that concerned my doctors due to the frequency of use. Now I have the copper IUD which makes me feel like I'm hemorrhaging, painful cramping, dry-cracking skin and crippling depression. I'm listless without my iron pills. Because of all this and that we are certain we are done having babies, my husband got a vasectomy. I'm hoping removing the IUD soon will bring me back to normal because it's truly hard to be present as a person when your health is failing, and I'm also that mom who put her own health on the back burner to feed and care for my babies.
I remember when you first posted your video on giving birth to Aria, it scares the hell out of me. Then seeing your posts on the whole IUD ordeal, I just feel so bad. I hope you'll get something that works for you and won't cause you any pain. Lots of love Jen ❤❤
I can totally relate. My husband had a vasectomy. It was a quick and easy surgery and recovery. Best wishes.
What worked for us was that we made the decision to get my husband sterilized after we were done having our two kids and it's been great. Recovery for him was a piece of cake. Literally a weekend of sitting on the recliner with an ice pack and strict orders not to do any lawn mowing that weekend. May not be an option for everyone but worked for us.
My first experience with an IUD, Kyleena, was fantastic. I loved it! My periods were light and short. When it was time for me to replace the IUD, I chose the Mirena. Everything went downhill from there. My periods were extreme and lasted anywhere from 2-3 weeks. I decided to get the Mirena removed and go back to Kyleena since I had a good experience the first time. Nothing changed. Eventually, I had no other option than to remove the IUD and go to the pill. I tried 3 different types of birth control pills. The extreme heavy bleeding and long periods did not stop after removing the IUD. My body just does not get along with hormones, and it’s disheartening. Unfortunately, a lot of the responsibility of birth control falls on women, and it becomes really frustrating when those forms of birth control just become a burden on your body.
Never apologize for your feelings. You're human. Sh!t!! This is a lot and serious. I'm sorry you had to go throught this. And thank you for sharing because it can help many women out there who are probably going throught the same and the doctor will say to give it time for the body to adjust to the birth control. My Gyn suggested many times that I get it so I wouldnt have to take hormone pills to get a period, and I always refused because the thought of having a foreign object in my body. Take care!!
Just ask ur husband to snip it... it's such a minor procedure.. it's the least he can do after u went through 2 births and this IUD experience
Thank you for sharing. We do need to make these talks less hard for all women. I had a hard time with a lot of hormonal IUD. I use to have one in my arm and it only lasted 8 months before I went in and told them it has to come out. I am currently on a copper IUD No hormones for 8 years and it has been fine for me but I always have that scared feeling something like this could happen.
I’m sure you already know about the Fertility Awareness Method of birth control, but if not, I highly recommend the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility. I have been off of hormonal birth control for 11 years and have found FAM to be extremely effective when practiced mindfully. It’s so empowering to let my body do its own thing unimpeded by artificial hormones and to be able to be aware of the natural rhythm of things. I know that if your bleeding problem returns you will need to find something else, but if not this is a great method to consider. Thank you for sharing your story!
I have not been on birth control since my oldest daughter was born almost 10 yrs ago. I have 3 kids all planned but even without birth control my periods have been horrendous. They became particularly bad since the birth of my last baby 6 yrs ago. Midwife and OBGYN also recommended birth control to help with the period but it is not a solution. It’s a bandaid that’s covering up a much larger hormonal imbalance issue. I’ve had many ultrasounds, hysteroscopy, polypectomy, D&C, supplements, birth control (tried it for a month once and it changed my personality so never again) and nothing has worked.
I dread the week of my period. I’m already anemic due to a genetic mutation and losing so much blood (last month I lost 100ml in 2hrs which is more than most people lose in an entire period) on top of severe cramps and back pain make it almost unbearable. I have to take 800mg ibuprofen every 8-10hrs for the first few days to even function.
Currently I’m trying acupuncture and CBD supplementation but my OB has said really the only medical solution I have left would be a hysterectomy which I’m not ready for something like that yet.
Know that you are not alone in this and honestly research in women’s hormones and menstrual issues is severely lacking. Thousands of women suffer in silence so I deeply appreciate someone with a platform like you talking about something like this so openly.
Ask your doctor about having an ablation done. I am trying to find out more about it myself because I literally just found out the procedure existed a few days ago. I still know virtually nothing, only that the woman I heard about it from was presented with the option by her OBGYN only after every other possibility was exhausted to fix her heavy periods. I wouldn't even mention something I know so little about except the idea of a hysterectomy sounds a little extreme if you haven't even discussed the option of an ablation yet. Definitely ask and research, it doesn't sound like the kind of thing that would be for everyone and that's all I can say, sorry.
thank you for sharing - i have been contemplating to get IUD for a while and this obviously help me to weigh all my options again
We have natural birth control on our biology. Unfortunately, this is seen as a women’s topic even in relationships where adults are sexually active.
Our cycle is our partner’s cycle and our family’s cycle.
New standard: You must understand my reproductive cycle and be okay with intercourse in between ovulation and using protection
Vasectomy is the best option if you’re sure you don’t want anymore kids. Women go through too much crap
Try the fertility awareness method. I used it all my fertile years, charting basal temperature and observing cervical mucus. These days there are ovulation ovulation detection strips that add a layer of certainty.
I had the same type of experience. I had the copper one which you can have in for 10 years. At the 6-7 year mark, I started to develop a lot of bleeding and got the ultrasound. They said it was embedded in my uterus. So I went in for the procedure for them to remove it. They gave me anesthesia and replaced it with a new one which I’ve had for about 3 years now. No problems so far with the new one though! Thank you for sharing your experience and I’m sorry you had to go through that! 💕
I keep seeing women with IUDs having issues like cramping after insertion, pregnancy with baby holding the IUD, heavy bleeding and it getting stuck in the uterus. Personally after they came out with IUDs I was really skeptically and I didn't want anything that I couldn't see be in my body, especially a plastic silicone tube that just seems like a recipe for disaster.
I got weird headaches and felt hot and never finished an entire 28 pills as Rx'ed. My theory is there are not enough asian women tested and not enough petite women tested. We're developmentally waaaay older than a 12-14 yr old but then doses of meds for our size are ...well, look at a Children's Tylenol bottle! So I strongly feel there needs to be better sizing and dosing for people like us - petites and WoC. it's the same reason I watch petites and WoC on YT for makeup and sizing of clothing. 'Mainstream' coloring and sizing/proportions just don't work for me so why would this?
Bless you for sharing your very personal story about this difficult experience. This will help many women make decisions for their own birth control methods. You are lovely.
Thank you for sharing your experience! I had the Depo shots and they were teeeeeerrible for me. Absolute exhaustion, I couldn’t regulate my temperature well, just terrible. Then I went on an IUD (skyla I believe). While I nearly passed out during the insertion, the actual experience was perfect. No periods, just wonderful. Then we replaced it when it was time (Kyleena) and smooth sailing like the first one. We pulled it to get pregnant, had my first baby and had another (Kyleena) inserted at 6weeks postpartum. All was going well for about 1.5 years when all of a sudden I started getting cramps and bleeding. It wasn’t much but it was still more than my usual (which was nothing). I went to the gyno and he did an ultrasound and say sacs of fluid in my uterus. He swabbed them for a culture then told me to come back in 3 months or if things got worse. They did so I can back a month later. When he did another ultrasound he say more sacs of fluid so he said if he saw those sacs once, it may be a one off thing but twice it was raising concerns about an infection. Ultimately we decided to pull it and we’re happy to get pregnant with our second. We’re 23 weeks into pregnancy and honestly postpartum I’m thinking my husband can get the vasectomy and we’ll be done. I don’t want to go back on birth control bc I’m scared of the side effects and if there is a simple surgery that can help us both, why not? Loved being period free but I’m scared of the side effects if things go haywire. We’ll see how things go ultimately but that’s my story 💖
Oh Jen I just wanna give you a big hug. You have endured so much ob gyn wise. It's totally not your fault, and you have been such a trooper! Being anemic waiting for another u/s while the IUD was embedded in you that whole time 😢... I'm so sorry you went through that. Please get yourself some iv iron at your local IV vitamin clinic. It works a lot more effectively than oral iv, which takes six months to kick in. I support your decision to give your body a break 💝💖💝💖 big hugs to you and all the women who suffer and sacrifice with so much grace 💗💗
Thank you for sharing this Jen! I totally agree that its really not fair nor is it fun to be on birth control dealing with all the hormones, body changes, and so much more. I appreciate you for shedding light on your experience, it helps knowing I'm not alone with the struggles being on or off birth control. I would love to know if anyone here is off birth control and is in a relationship, with trying to not get pregnant. I would love to hear some advice on that!
Have sex around your ovulation week !
I am sorry but what’s wrong with condoms?
@@philxie4205 sometimes they break and its not fun having to take plan B back to back :/ and I get it, its easier to not do the dead but we all have needs. I get that there are sacrifices in relationships too. Sometimes it just feels like it takes a huge toll on my body, mind, and emotions.
@@DearMegan It’s just based on my own experience. Well, My wife and I have been using condoms only for 12 years, and it ripped only once and she took plan B. I feel that it is still way better than pills and other BC methods as I dont want her hormones to get messed up. Using condoms are also healthier and cleaner because sometimes taking a shower is not always available😂
@@philxie4205 Thank you for sharing your honest advice and experience, I do appreciate it 🙂I will keep that in mind since I am having thoughts of getting off birth control sometime soon in the near future. You aren't wrong that using condoms are cleaner lol Again, thank you!
So sorry you went through that Jen. I would love for you to keep us updated if you feel willing. I certainly found it informative.
Thanks for your video! I am so sorry you went through what you went through. In my personal experience, I had the IUD inserted for only a week because I was experiencing extreme pain in my uterus. It was the worst pain I'd ever experienced. I chose the IUD because I had read that it was a very low dose of hormones, my period would eventually go away, and it seemed like a great choice considering I wouldn't have to remember to take anything and I wouldn't have to worry so much about how the hormones would change my body and mood ect. I should say, before I would've never opted for this type of BC but due to my lifestyle it seemed like the best option even though the idea of having ANYTHING inside my body freaked me out I decided to go through with it. I should also mention my OBGYN made me very comfortable and said it would be basically painless after the insertion and revealed that embeddedment was very rare (I'm not even sure that's true anymore).
I really related to the last part of the video, where you got a bit emotional. It's hard not to. As women, we have to go through medical procedures, crazy pain, traumatic changes to our bodies and not to mention how frustrating it can be to make a doctor's appointment ect. It's all alot. Anyway, I hope your body has healed from what you went through and I wish you and every woman love! -Sof
I’m pretty sure IUDs should be put in no earlier than 6 weeks post labour due to the uterus having to shrink back to normal size
Hi Jen (and crew XD)Health is first, you have decide very well. Dont feel bad for cry, we all understand that you just needed it. . I just Came back from hosital, I am going through something really painful, I have been in hosital 8 months in a raw, and then two months and then one and... basically its happening very often. Today I have been there, and... 8 hours , 4 doctors and like a thousend nurses after I came back home with my little Sis ( She is ALWAYS by my side ) with a lot of medication, more dates, more and more of my money wasted in not beautiful things. I was feeling misarable. Then, we remember you ( my sister and I watched our videos every single day before this madness began) and Really, Really I have remembered why we use to do it. You are just so honest and sweet. I felt like, in some way, someone can get what I feel when I see this video. Now I feel released and more myself. I have just subscribe with my mail. Thanks from the heart for being so brave to tell your story, so everybody knows and learnt ( excuse my poor english, not native.)
So sorry to hear your traumatic story Jen. Thank you for sharing and having this be a cautionary tale as well as a stinging reminder that all the fertility responsibilities somehow fall on the women who are fertile only half of their lives and for a brief (give or take) week window a month! Whereas men are fertile their whole lives, FOREVER! I honestly got emotional hearing your story. Emotional of empathy towards your multilayered struggles but also emotionally angry at the unfair medical burden put on women in this regard! Lots of love to you and your family and stay strong girls! 💪🏽❤️
nature is so misogynistic :(
Every woman reacts differently to birth control. I've been on pills for 3 years now (and had been using the same pills previously for more than 5 years before I had to take a few years break) and it works great for me. But if it gives you issues and your body doesn't do well with it, definitely get rid of that, no need to put extra stress on yourself.
stop fucking with nature
Thanks for your sharing and sorry that you have gone through all these. Wish you a speedy recovery !
This is why I’m too scared to put anything foreign into my body. I also am just not fond of the thought of taking pills or shots to regulate my hormones. I’m too afraid of all the side effects, because there are so many. Sometimes natural is the best option.