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I need to get an IUD and to be honest I'm scared
I am a 31 year old married woman, I live in the US and because of what is happening in my country I need to get a copper IUD. As far as I know, it is my only option. I have a lifelong eating disorder and I cannot take anything hormonal because I am too afraid of gaining weight and the fear would make me hurt myself. I am interested in your experiences with getting/having an IUD as I've never had one before.
I am extremely, extremely nervous. I have never been to a gynecologist except to have abortions, which were very traumatic for me. I have been sexually assaulted and raped several times and I am terrified of being examined by a doctor. I have other mental health conditions and I am worried that I will have a panic attack in the office. This will also be only the fourth time I've left my house at all in more than a year, because I have agoraphobia. So I am scared of going to begin with, even though my husband will be going with me.
I am also frightened of having a TiM doctor or nurse or any other medical professional. I would totally freak out and leave the appointment if they insisted. My appointment will be at a local LGBT clinic because my therapist said they can better handle my issues and that they are nice. So I do worry a little about that. I have heard of TiM medical professionals and although I don't think they are common it is a fear of mine.
I also hear it hurts very much? Do they give you anything? I don't mind pain, but I've heard from other women that it's awful. What is it like to have one? Is there a danger it will come out? Is it safe? Is it effective? I have researched some but I really could only trust other women, so I thought that I would ask. If you have any advice or tips for me I would love to hear them. Thank you.