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From Paragard IUD Insertion to Expulsion: Haley's Wild Ride To Holistic Health
This is not intended to provide medical advice. The interview has been edited for clarity and length. Please consult your doctor for any health-related concerns.
When Haley, then a college sophomore, chose the paragard copper IUD as her birth control method, she had no idea of the profound impact it would have on her life.
Having navigated a challenging journey of eating disorder recovery and the pursuit of holistic health, Haley's story follows a windy path of frustration and self-discovery, including the challenges of IUD insertion and expulsion, chronic yeast infections, and menstrual pain.
The Decision and IUD Insertion
At 21, Haley decided to switch from birth control pills to a paragard copper IUD. "I went to Planned Parenthood, and they talked me through my options. And then I think I made an appointment and had it inserted and was so happy with it for a few months," she recalls.
Across the globe, 14.3% of women of reproductive age use intrauterine contraception (IUC). The CDC reports that 10.4% of women between the ages of 15-49 in the United States currently use long-acting reversible contraception like an IUD or other contraceptive implant.
The paragard is a T-shaped copper IUD that provides contraception for up to 10 years by creating a toxic environment for sperm and eggs according to the Mayo Clinic.
"It was such intense pinching and deep cramping. I felt it in my uterus. The cervix is not a place you want to slice. That's so tender."
The paragard is often recommended for people looking for hormone-free birth control. It is more than 99% effective but may cause heavy bleeding, cramping, and occasional expulsion. It does not offer protection against STIs and may increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy if conception occurs.
For Haley, the IUD insertion process was not without its challenges. "I remember being really nervous and having to figure out the logistics of getting a friend to help me get to and from the appointment," Haley shares. She explains that focusing on logistics helped her manage the anxiety of the IUD insertion.
The Physical Experience of Paragard IUD Insertion
Haley vividly describes the physical sensations of the IUD insertion. "It was such intense pinching and deep cramping,” says Haley. “I felt it in my uterus. The cervix is not a place you want to slice. That's so tender." She adds, "To do that without pain medication or anything in hindsight is just like, what the heck? If the gender roles were reversed, this would not be how this procedure would be done. I know this for a fact."
As many women have shared across social media, pain during IUD insertion is not uncommon. A 2014 study found that out of 109 women receiving an IUD, a majority rated the pain as moderate to severe. Additionally, providers and physicians often underestimate women’s pain during IUD insertions according to a 2013 study.
"I went back to Planned Parenthood and they told me that it had been expelled, dislodged, and not where they had originally put it."
Despite the discomfort, Haley made her way through the paragard IUD insertion. She describes the insertion as painful but “not to the point of passing out like other people.” The quickness of the procedure surprised Haley and after finishing the insertion, she was sent on her way.
Initial Complications: IUD Expulsion and Second Insertion
Unfortunately, Haley’s paragard IUD journey was not smooth sailing. She began feeling intense pain in her abdomen and had a feeling that something was wrong. "I went back to Planned Parenthood and they told me that it had been expelled, dislodged, and not where they had originally put it," says Haley.
Despite this setback, Haley opted for a second IUD insertion. "But what they didn't advertise is that if your IUD expels, it's probably not a good idea to get another one because your body basically rejects the device, and the odds of it doing that in some way again are high. But I didn't know that, so they put in another one."
According to a 2009 report, IUDs are expelled in about 5% to 10% of cases within 5 years and expulsion recurs in about 30% of these women.
The Onset of Symptoms: Copper IUD Side Effects
About a year after the second IUD was placed, Haley began experiencing troubling symptoms including pain during sex. "Intimacy started to become really painful for me," she says. The pain escalated to the point where she considered going to the emergency room during intercourse.
Nausea also became a persistent issue. "All of a sudden it was kind of everything I ate made me really nauseous," Haley recalls. As someone who was in recovery from an eating disorder, Haley’s sudden intolerance to food worried her.
"The IUD was giving me monthly yeast infections around menstruation. It was horrible. "
“I was thinking, I don't know what's causing this,” explains Haley. “Is this some weird eating disorder thing that's telling me I'm intolerant to food? Is this anxiety?”
Additionally, her menstrual cycle became increasingly difficult to manage, with severe menstrual pain. "My periods started becoming more unbearable. The cramps were just so severe and it was so heavy. By the end, I think I even skipped one of my college classes, which says a lot about the pain for me because I love school."
Chronic yeast infections further complicated her life. "The IUD was giving me monthly yeast infections around menstruation. It was horrible. It was awful. That made me not want to be intimate because that would contribute to it," she shares.
The Search for Answers: IUD Expulsion and Beyond
As her symptoms worsened, Haley sought medical help but found the response disappointing. During a doctor’s visit, she had an ultrasound to assess the issue further but nothing unusual was found. The doctor simply explained that they could remove the copper IUD and put in a hormonal IUD instead.
“I was so taken aback,” says Haley. “There were so few questions asked. There were no specific tests done for certain heavy metals or, you know, anything.”
Frustrated, Haley decided to have the paragard IUD removed and began to explore alternative options for managing her health.
The Path to Holistic Health: Recovery from Copper IUD Side Effects
Haley’s health road involved a multi-faceted approach, emphasizing holistic health. She began working with a nutritional therapist and exploring alternative medicine, including energy healing. "She taught me how to heal using chakra energy. And it was profound, super profound," Haley says of her work with energy healer Sue.
This experience prompted Haley to take on a new perspective regarding her health and eating disorder recovery. "Seeing Sue was a tremendous help that opened the door for my spiritual relationship to flourish with the universe and that has been really helpful in recovery."
Empowerment Through Knowledge: Managing Reproductive and Menstrual Health
As part of her exploration, Haley began to educate herself about her menstrual cycle and overall health. She discovered the book "In the Flo" by Alisa Vitti, which she credits with changing her perspective: "That book really transformed my life,” she shares. “It changed how I view myself as a woman."
"I don't want people to lose hope. It's really hard to move forward when you're hopeless. And I just want anyone who is feeling hopeless to know that there are resources to help you move forward."
Haley began tracking her menstrual cycle and symptoms with the Natural Cycles app, gaining a deeper understanding of her body’s natural rhythms. I started tracking my temperature, tracking my menstrual cycle symptoms, my mood, my sex drive, and all sorts of stuff. I'm really happy with this method for managing my reproductive health."
Turning Experience into Advocacy: Holistic Health and Eating Disorder Recovery
Inspired by her journey, Haley developed a program as a health coach to help others facing similar challenges. "I went on to develop a seven-week program for eating disorder recovery called Chakra Yoga Energy Healing for Eating Disorder Recovery," shares Haley. "Each week you focus on one chakra or energy center and it's incredible. What you pull out and what you understand is not serving you."
Words of Wisdom: Navigating Copper IUD Side Effects and Embracing Holistic Health
Reflecting on her journey, Haley offers encouragement to others who might be struggling with health challenges: "I don't want people to lose hope. It's really hard to move forward when you're hopeless. And I just want anyone who is feeling hopeless to know that there are resources to help you move forward."
She emphasizes the importance of self-trust and taking action: "I feel more hopeful the more action I take. I feel more motivated and hopeful about my future the more I do something towards living the life I want, even if it’s against other people's advice. I’m okay with that because I really trust myself."
"The health you want is possible. Just keep going."
Haley also highlights the importance of acknowledging and expressing emotions, particularly anger. "Use your rage for good,” says Haley. “Women have so much anger. I have so much anger about a lot of different things. And I know a lot of other women do too. Make sure you find or create spaces to express those emotions because If you don't, your body will get sick and you will feel that."
Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Reproductive and Menstrual Health
Haley’s journey with the paragard copper IUD led her to an unexpected path of self-discovery, healing, and empowerment. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of listening to our bodies and advocating for personal well-being. As Haley puts it, "The health you want is possible. Just keep going."
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Are you or a loved one struggling with an eating disorder? Reach out to these supportive helplines:
ANAD Helpline: 1 (888) 375-7767Monday-Friday, 9am-9pm CT
National Alliance for Eating Disorders Helpline: 1 (866) 662-1235Monday-Friday, 9am-7pm ET
Diabulimia Helpline: 1 (425) 985-3635
