1 week post IUD removal: Let’s talk about it
It’s officially been 1 week since I had my IUD taken out, and I promised I’d give an update. So let’s talk about it; (it’s kinda wild honestly)
The actual removal wasn’t near as bad as the insertion. If you can survive the insertion, taking it out will be a breeze. There was slight cramping for a minute or two, then it went away and I haven’t had any cramps since.
The first entire week I had a headache pretty much all day every day, but it wasn’t migraine bad, just more annoying than actually painful. I have also just felt more sleepy with these types of headaches, so I have been trying my best to get enough sleep. 😴
So far I have had ZERO bleeding which I’m honestly happy about. The day before my removal I went out and bought a million things expecting my downstairs to look like a war zone after removal. But my doctor told me that the IUD keeps the uterus lining thin, so there shouldn’t be any crazy bleeding. So far that has been true! No crazy cramps or period symptoms either so far. Hallelujah! 🙏
This is where it gets a little crazy; the worst symptom I’ve had since removal is dizziness/nausea after EVERYTHING I eat! Healthy or non-healthy I have been feeling like poop after everything I ingest. I did end up going to an urgent care about this issue, as I spoke to some close friends and family about my symptoms and raised the concern of blood pressure/blood sugar changes. So I went just to be on the safe side. Both came back normal, but they ran a urine test and confirmed I had a UTI which can apparently also cause these symptoms!! (These are considered atypical symptoms, but it does happen). So I was given antibiotics and anti-nausea meds. I did contact my OBGYN about these symptoms as well, and they agreed with the urgent care diagnosis, and that if it continues after finishing my antibiotics to follow up with my primary. So I’ll give that update next week! ✌🏼
I gotta give my boyfriend a shout out for putting up with all of my mood swings cause they’ve been swinging more than a monkey in a tree!!! I think I’ve cried more the past week than my entire life! And it’s nothing super bad, just those cases where you’re really sensitive and the smallest things make you emotional! My anxiety has also been higher as well, but that has only been the past day or two 😣
Finally; SEX DRIVE. Holy moly when I tell you I feel like a teenager again I MEAN IT! My sex drive has increased PROFUSELY in just a week! Low sex drive was one of my reasons for coming off, so I must say I’m very happy about having a sex drive again, even if it’s like every day 😂🥲
I hope this helps those who are scared about coming off of birth control or thinking about it. I’ll definitely continue to post my journey as this is all very new to me as well! Follow me to join the journey of naturally balancing my hormones 🫶
#womenshealth #womanhood #womanempowerment #woman #hormonehealth #hormonebalance #Lemon8
IUD removal can be a really personal experience, and while my journey felt a bit wild with headaches, mood swings, and that surprising UTI diagnosis, it's so helpful to know what could happen. Beyond just my first week, there are a few things I've learned that might help others prepare for their own IUD removal and recovery. Before your IUD removal appointment, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about what to expect based on your specific IUD type (hormonal vs. non-hormonal) and your body. Ask about potential cramping, bleeding, and if you should take any pain relief beforehand. Having a clear understanding can really ease some of the anxiety. I wish I'd thought more about post-removal care, like having some comfy clothes ready and knowing what symptoms are normal versus when to call your doctor, just like I did for my dizziness and nausea. Many people experience some mild cramping or light spotting right after IUD removal, but like me, some have surprisingly little. What's often overlooked are the potential hormonal shifts, especially if you had a hormonal IUD. These can sometimes lead to what's often called 'post-IUD crash' symptoms, including headaches, fatigue, mood swings, and changes in skin or hair. My mood swings were certainly intense, and feeling more sensitive to small things was a clear sign my body was adjusting. It's a good reminder that your body is recalibrating after years of contraception. If you're noticing symptoms similar to mine, like persistent headaches, unusual dizziness, or extreme mood fluctuations, don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional. Although my dizziness turned out to be a UTI, it highlights that sometimes symptoms can be unrelated to the IUD removal itself but still need attention. It's always better to be safe and get things checked out, just like I did with my urgent care visit. For those hoping to support natural hormone balance after IUD removal, focusing on a healthy lifestyle can be really beneficial. Think about incorporating nutrient-dense foods, staying hydrated, getting consistent sleep (which I struggled with due to headaches!), and managing stress. Gentle exercise and mindfulness can also help your body adjust. I’m definitely focusing on these areas as I continue my journey to naturally balancing my hormones. And that sex drive boost? If you've been experiencing a low sex drive on birth control, you might find a similar positive change. It can be a really welcome side effect as your body returns to its natural rhythms. Remember, everyone's experience is unique, but sharing these stories helps us all feel a little less alone in our journeys after IUD removal.
sex drive like a teenager.. yep 😂 I'm one week in as well.