Hiking O'Hara

TW: mentions of periods and contraceptives

So, my good intentions for February have been stalled. I have a contraceptive coil (Mirena IUD), and I’ve just had it swapped for a new one, which has thrown everything out of whack.

For anyone who doesn’t know, a coil is placed inside your uterus and prevents pregnancy for 5-10 years, depending on the type of coil. I have the Mirena, which is a hormonal coil, rather than the copper one. What that means is, it last 5 years, and frequently prevents periods. I’m one of the lucky ones in that the coil completely stops my periods.

However, at the 5 year mark, you need to get it replaced. Now, the insertion process is unpleasant to say the least, but it only needs doing once every 5 years, so for me its worth it.

I phoned my GP in September last year to make an appointment to get it replaced, but it took until January to actually get said appointment. I know there’s normally a bit of leeway with hormones running out, but I can safely say that mine had.

So, new coil inserted in mid-January. Then you have a check up at the 3 week mark, to make sure it’s in the right place. During those 3 weeks, I had a bit of cramping, some acne breakouts, just general hormonal stuff.

Then week 3 happened. I had my check up, and got told I’d developed an infection. Which isn’t all that uncommon. Got given a gel antibacterial and sent on my way. Literally that same day (Last Wednesday) I started the Mother of All Periods.

There’s a reason I use a hormonal birth control. I HATE PERIODS. Mine have always been horribly heavy and long, with lots of cramping etc, as my uterine lining rips itself apart and floods out of my body.

Anyway, I haven’t been doing anything at all active. Mostly I’ve spent the best part of the last week curled in the foetal position, watching Grey’s Anatomy and wishing I’d been born a guy (not for the first time, I might add).

I think things are starting to trail off, so hopefully I’ll be able to actually start doing more in the next few days.

Sorry not sorry, for the rather graphic post. Contraceptives and periods are still such a taboo in our society, that I refuse to hide the reality that comes with having a uterus. Same goes for mental health by the way.

Well, I guess that’s it for today. Wish me luck folks, I really want this to be over now!