How do you support a partner with their IUD removal?

6 comments

1. I already have blankets, puppies, and ice cream ready for her! Not sure what to expect.

2. One thing that comes to mind- I wish I hadn’t had to drive myself to and from the appointment when I had my first IUD replaced. If you’re able to offer them a ride, they might appreciate being able to lean back in the car and zone out after the procedure. Best wishes!

3. Is she getting a new one placed or just having the old one removed? Getting it removed doesn’t really do much, from what I remember. A little weird when it gets pulled out, but I was fine after. If she’s getting another one placed, she might be tired and have cramping for a few days to a week or two.

   As for the hormonal part, no one can really predict how she’ll react. It affects everyone differently.

4. It’s going to depend. Some women don’t have any real issues with removal. Others have extreme cramping, bleeding, hormones going wild, etc. I am lucky. IUD insertion and removal are very easy for me.

   The best thing you can do is prepare for any of those issues. Have her bleeding control method of choice ready and on hand. Have cramp reducing things (hot water bottle, heating pads, ibuprofen, midol or pamprin) on hand. Be ready to support her emotionally if things are hard that way. Have snacks that she likes while her period is coming on hand (for a lot of women that’s things like chocolate or ice cream…but you’ll know better than us).

   Also. If you can attend the appointment to drive her home, offer that. If the removal goes great, she won’t have any issue driving home. If not, it could be a struggle or at least a nuisance.

5. Removal is not half as bad as insertion, insertion is ice-cream, hot pads and her favorite meal. Removals are a cake walk in comparison.

   If she’s like me and remembers how bad her insertion was she will likely be over prepared.

   Is this just a removal or a replacement?

6. I had one removed and it was instant relief. I spent the rest of the day chillin but felt so much better than I had been. It also matters why she’s having it removed. If it was causing her issues she may feel relief like me but if it just expired, I’m not sure. Either way, the anxiety leading up to the thing was much worse than the thing itself so I would focus on that first. Be extra patient and understanding with her. Don’t pick a fight even if she pisses you off. Then check in with her afterwards to see what she needs and how she feels.