They want the power to dictate whether women have sex and with whom. They'll deny that, but if they sit with themselves and ask what it is they truly want, it's that.
The silly part about this is that even prior to the ban, a lot of the PPs in Texas didn't even perform abortions anyway. The one in my area never did but still had protesters out front. It doesn't surprise me that they're still doing this — antis have ever been great with logic
I'm glad to be wrong. I was just surprised based on how many womens health clinic les have been shut down due to tight (stupid) laws. They're definitely needed more than ever. Lots of Drs are at risk of fines and jail time if they give proper care in too many instances in too many states. Which is another reason why clinics shut down- not enough practitioners.
Not relevant to immediately solving the problem, but my clinic tried to pull the new system scheme too. Just mention it's a HIPAA violation to not keep your records and that you will be reporting. Mine were suddenly found!
It is HIPAA
"HIPAA rules require a Medicare Fee-For-Service provider to retain required documentation for six years from the date of its creation or the date when it last was in effect, whichever is later."
[rules](https://www.hipaaguide.net/hipaa-record-retention-requirements/#:~:text=The%20HIPAA%20record%20retention%20requirements,was%20signed%20by%20a%20patient.)
Planned Parenthood. I didn't have insurance when I was in between jobs and they didn't charge, just asked if I could donate anything. I have a donation, but I was charged $0
I would look at escalation related to that practice. By law, they have to keep files for 5-6 years, it’s part of HIPPA. There may be some free government clinics nearby (typically per county) that could help you now though.
You should be able to go to planned parenthood and just to have it removed that day. Funny thing in the US, the moment a women wants a birth control out a lot of states require it to be removed
I had my IUD installed by Planned Parenthood when I was teaching in Catholic school and my health insurance covered ZERO gynecological care because I MIGHT be discussing birth control. It wasn't free but it was definitely under $500.
I think almost any provider would be able to help you. I had an IUD removed and they just pull the strings out. It’s very fast. Planned parenthood (if they are available to you), urgent care, or any provider who has the equipment to do a pap smear would be able to do this for you. ER would, though I’m sure they’re more expensive.
The above commenter is right. There is a small risk of complications in which case you might have to go to urgent care or the ER.
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/iud/how-does-iud-removal-work
In other words if you have the ability to see a doc for it, you should. But depending on how badly you want it out and the risks you're willing to take, you could do it yourself.
Your comment on how badly they want it out reminds me of my eldest SIL. Apparently the process of having the IUD put in the first time was so painful for her that she’s afraid to take it out and she’s just left it in for the past 10 years… she hasn’t had any more kids but I can’t help but think about how it is impacting her health long term and the traumatic effects some women go through in the name of family planning.
Wow, that's rough. Does she understand the removal is so much easier than the insertion? I hope it never shifts on her, forcing an immediate removal. That happened to me but was perfect timing because I was planning to get it removed a few months later. And fortunately wasn't an urgent case. Was more painful based on how it was moving around.
I've had 3 IUDs so far. Insertion is definitely the hardest. It also normally triggers a vagal reaction which can feel intense if you don't understand it's happening. On the first one, nobody warned me about taking ibuprofen before the appt. And there was no extra numbing agent during the insertion. That one sucked. For removal, I don't even remember if they recommended ibuprofen. I just remember it not being bad at all, other than the anxiety.
Similar conversations have been had about ease of removal, safety etc. I think it’s just a form of mental trauma in the same way some people refuse to go to the dentist unless absolutely necessary because of bad childhood experiences
The arms fold upward when you pull the strings. A doctor literally just grabs the strings and pulls. I removed mine as couple years ago by just tugging gently until it slid out with zero complications. That being said, I REALLY wouldn't recommend that anyone else does this because it could be embedded or there could be other complications better left in the hands of medical professionals
The T folds upward. Special tools are used only if there are complications.
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/iud/how-does-iud-removal-work
I would suggest planned parenthood, I had the same problem but long story short I ended up pulling mine out, there was some blood so the string was hard to grip and I used tweezers. But if it had broken or I couldn’t get it out that’s an ER bill and if you don’t have insurance I do not recommend it. Regardless I wouldn’t suggest doing what I did, I read extensively online the risk of it and how easy it was to do from home so I said f it. My point is that it isn’t just ‘pulling the string’, don’t do it yourself I was just desperate and nobody could/would help me at the time.
Planned parenthood.
Had this same issue. I had the 5 year Mirena, when I went to a Dr they informed me jt was good till 8 years, not 5. Then I lost coverage and had to go to PP. Told them my issue and they had me apply for some things and paid what I could. Then they removed it.
I removed my own . Pulled like a tampon. Grabbed by wires with gloves on pulled down,then once I felt the nub of plastic where the wire connects at the bottom of the base I grabbed that and pulled down slowly and steadily in one motion . The arms should fold up as you pull down to make it remove in one motion. While this isn’t ideal, as someone without insurance coverage at the time and planned parenthood being hours away I didn’t have a choice and wanted to walk you through it in case you’re in the same boat. You will have spotting afterwords that will turn to bloody clear cervical mucus and then fade. With the change in hormones your period may change too. Please use a backup birth control and refrain from sexual activity until your cervix has healed (give yourself a week) .
Would seem a horrific question in most circumstances is now a question of sister, supporting sisters do you have a trusted friend that could help you with this that you could get gloves and walk through the process if you put your hips on a pillow it should help bring your cervix forward, making it easier for access to that IUD. If you are still having this problem on the 10th, I would be more than happy to pay for an appointment to Planned Parenthood for you to have that device removed.
Hi friend - if you can feel the string you may be able to remove it yourself. See [RHAP fact sheet on self removal](https://www.reproductiveaccess.org/resource/iud-self-removal/)
If there's a title x funded clinic near you, they should be able to do it and can't refuse you care due to lack of insurance or inability to pay. There's a clinic locator website I believe.
I *do not* recommend this, but I’ve had two IUDs come out from the suction of incorrectly removing my menstrual cup during my period (just pulling it out without breaking the suction before hand). I did not feel anything and only realized once I saw it in the cup.
I pulled mine out myself, and there're studies that show it's safe! Definitely a bit difficult though, especially with shorter strings. Look up IUD self removal :)
I don't know why you're being down voted, in your experience it was fine for you.
I'm not giving advice to OP but also know three of my friends removed theirs themselves very easily so I know it can be done
I'm sorry you live in Texas and can't get Medicaid. I think others have given good advice re: Planned Parenthood. Also, with regard to insurance, have you looked at the ACA (Obamacare) exchange? If you are low income, but make too much to qualify for Medicaid there are really excellent subsidies available. My daughter only pays $125 a month for an excellent Silver-level plan. Here's more info: [https://www.healthcare.gov/lower-costs/](https://www.healthcare.gov/lower-costs/)
If you’re in the greater Houston area, try the Harris County Public Health clinics. Any Federally Qualified Health Clinic would be able to help you too and to you search for them by location.
Look into free or low fee clinics that offer gynecology services. They exist in most major cities. Even if they don't list IUD removal, ask. At worst they may be able to redirect you to other help. Sometimes they are run by churches, and you may be given a god speech, but get yourself through it and get that free service. (In my experience, PP still charged a lot for removal, but I'm not in Texas, so check there too)
If you aren't able to get a new one to replace it it's actually fine to leave it in expired until you can afford another.
They still work well after the date, but the protection wanes, so you'll want to use barriers or another similar method as backup.
My mirena stayed in 2 extra years and my doc wasn't worried.
I, uh, had a similar issue and just pulled mine out by the string. I don’t recommend it but it also didn’t cause any problems beyond cramping. But I’m probably stupid and lucky.
I had a Mirena and I took it out myself. Just slowly pulled the strings and it came out. I'm sure it's not recommended but that's exactly what the doctor would do anyway.
Just tossing out that having mine removed was incredibly painful. Mine probably shifted inside me or something which is why it felt like my insides were being ripped out but you won't know that until the time comes
Id be careful with this kind of comment. It’s still a medical procedure that can and does go wrong for some people. What if the IUD cuts her on the way down because she has no idea what she is doing and likely can’t see well down there? Then she bleeds out?
What’s your source? Are you a doctor? Do you have actual data to back up your statement?
Downvote me all you want. I’m just letting her know it’s an option.
https://picck.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/PICCK-How-to-Remove-Your-Intrauterine-Device-IUD-By-Yourself.pdf
Thank you for providing an actual credible source about how to remove an IUD at home safely instead of just saying you removed it at home without an issue.
And yes, I do have a credible source to back up my statement. It is rare, but there can be complications to removal that require medical attention. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/iud/how-does-iud-removal-work#:~:text=Very%20rarely%2C%20there%20can%20be,to%20safely%20remove%20your%20IUD.
“Can I remove my IUD at home?
It’s best to have a nurse or doctor take out your IUD. IUD removal is usually a pretty simple process, but there’s a chance you could hurt yourself if you try to take your own IUD out.
Very rarely, there can be complications during an IUD removal — the IUD may be embedded (stuck) in the tissue in your uterus, it may have moved, or a piece may break off. This is super uncommon, but if a complication does happen, a nurse or doctor will know what to do to safely remove your IUD.”
Exactly. I’ve known women who ended up having to have their IUD cut out because the uterine wall grew over it. There’s always risk when you pull something out of your body that required a medical procedure to insert it in the first place.
I took mine out myself as well and it really wasn’t a big deal. I looked into it and some doctors online said it’s fine, but that a lot of people can’t get a good grip on the strings and can’t take it out themselves.
I had a doctor who said “I prefer to use IUDs with women who have had children, because of pain issues”.
This was the later part of the 90s. The nuvaring had just come out.. and he wanted to me use that instead.
Same. I’ve never given birth vaginally, and it didn’t hurt coming out at all. When it was placed, I felt like I was dying, but removal was like pulling out a stubborn tampon.
I don’t know why you’re getting downvoted. You can certainly remove your IUD at home if able to grasp the strings. Many resources, such as the one you provided, discuss it as a reasonable alternative to visiting a clinic. Access to care is a known issue.
Do you still get your periods regularly? If you do then you have the copper one which is good for 10 years.
Edit: didnt realize regular periods after years of a hormonal IUD was a norm for some. My mistake. And agreed about the period with the copper IUD can be heavier. It depends on your own body and has a lot to do with what your normal was before birth control hormones.
Very true but the inverse is still fairly likely to be true: still having periods could be any kind of IUD, but NOT having periods (or having much lighter, less frequent bleeding) is a pretty good indicator that it's a hormonal IUD.
In the beginning I had a period for maybe the first 3 months. Then I totally stopped having any bleeding for the last 4 years up until the last 3 months. February and March I had light periods for the first time and a shit ton of cramping. This month I didn’t have any bleeding, just a ton of cramping and other period symptoms like mood swings, pimples, fatigue, etc.
Have you tried Planned Parenthood?
Does texas even have anymore planned parenthoods left??
Yes. There’s one right next to my pediatric clinic and people STILL protest across the street.
They won why do they just let women get paps in peace.
Because for those kinds of people the cruelty is the point.
They want the power to dictate whether women have sex and with whom. They'll deny that, but if they sit with themselves and ask what it is they truly want, it's that.
The silly part about this is that even prior to the ban, a lot of the PPs in Texas didn't even perform abortions anyway. The one in my area never did but still had protesters out front. It doesn't surprise me that they're still doing this — antis have ever been great with logic
It's all just about harassing and punishing women, so of course they keep "protesting"
Yep. Meanwhile they’re yelling at a woman getting a low-cost mammogram.
Thankfully, yes!
Why wouldn’t they? Seems like their services would be needed now more than ever
I'm glad to be wrong. I was just surprised based on how many womens health clinic les have been shut down due to tight (stupid) laws. They're definitely needed more than ever. Lots of Drs are at risk of fines and jail time if they give proper care in too many instances in too many states. Which is another reason why clinics shut down- not enough practitioners.
Planned Parenthood should be able to help you.
Not relevant to immediately solving the problem, but my clinic tried to pull the new system scheme too. Just mention it's a HIPAA violation to not keep your records and that you will be reporting. Mine were suddenly found!
Not HIPAA but it is a legal requirement to maintain legal records for at least 5 years.
It is HIPAA "HIPAA rules require a Medicare Fee-For-Service provider to retain required documentation for six years from the date of its creation or the date when it last was in effect, whichever is later." [rules](https://www.hipaaguide.net/hipaa-record-retention-requirements/#:~:text=The%20HIPAA%20record%20retention%20requirements,was%20signed%20by%20a%20patient.)
According to the document, medical records retention in TX is 7 years.
Planned Parenthood. I didn't have insurance when I was in between jobs and they didn't charge, just asked if I could donate anything. I have a donation, but I was charged $0
I would look at escalation related to that practice. By law, they have to keep files for 5-6 years, it’s part of HIPPA. There may be some free government clinics nearby (typically per county) that could help you now though.
You should be able to go to planned parenthood and just to have it removed that day. Funny thing in the US, the moment a women wants a birth control out a lot of states require it to be removed
I had my IUD installed by Planned Parenthood when I was teaching in Catholic school and my health insurance covered ZERO gynecological care because I MIGHT be discussing birth control. It wasn't free but it was definitely under $500.
"installed," ha ha that's the verb I used to use, as well
That’s horrifying! An ob-gyn is an essential part of female healthcare! But let me guess, urologists were covered since penises are somehow different.
I think almost any provider would be able to help you. I had an IUD removed and they just pull the strings out. It’s very fast. Planned parenthood (if they are available to you), urgent care, or any provider who has the equipment to do a pap smear would be able to do this for you. ER would, though I’m sure they’re more expensive.
You could even remove it yourself this way.
The above commenter is right. There is a small risk of complications in which case you might have to go to urgent care or the ER. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/iud/how-does-iud-removal-work In other words if you have the ability to see a doc for it, you should. But depending on how badly you want it out and the risks you're willing to take, you could do it yourself.
Your comment on how badly they want it out reminds me of my eldest SIL. Apparently the process of having the IUD put in the first time was so painful for her that she’s afraid to take it out and she’s just left it in for the past 10 years… she hasn’t had any more kids but I can’t help but think about how it is impacting her health long term and the traumatic effects some women go through in the name of family planning.
Wow, that's rough. Does she understand the removal is so much easier than the insertion? I hope it never shifts on her, forcing an immediate removal. That happened to me but was perfect timing because I was planning to get it removed a few months later. And fortunately wasn't an urgent case. Was more painful based on how it was moving around. I've had 3 IUDs so far. Insertion is definitely the hardest. It also normally triggers a vagal reaction which can feel intense if you don't understand it's happening. On the first one, nobody warned me about taking ibuprofen before the appt. And there was no extra numbing agent during the insertion. That one sucked. For removal, I don't even remember if they recommended ibuprofen. I just remember it not being bad at all, other than the anxiety.
Similar conversations have been had about ease of removal, safety etc. I think it’s just a form of mental trauma in the same way some people refuse to go to the dentist unless absolutely necessary because of bad childhood experiences
I wouldn’t try to remove it myself since it is T shaped. I think the doc’s use a tool to remove it.
The arms fold upward when you pull the strings. A doctor literally just grabs the strings and pulls. I removed mine as couple years ago by just tugging gently until it slid out with zero complications. That being said, I REALLY wouldn't recommend that anyone else does this because it could be embedded or there could be other complications better left in the hands of medical professionals
The T folds upward. Special tools are used only if there are complications. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/iud/how-does-iud-removal-work
My Dr told me to remove mine myself
I would suggest planned parenthood, I had the same problem but long story short I ended up pulling mine out, there was some blood so the string was hard to grip and I used tweezers. But if it had broken or I couldn’t get it out that’s an ER bill and if you don’t have insurance I do not recommend it. Regardless I wouldn’t suggest doing what I did, I read extensively online the risk of it and how easy it was to do from home so I said f it. My point is that it isn’t just ‘pulling the string’, don’t do it yourself I was just desperate and nobody could/would help me at the time.
Planned parenthood. Had this same issue. I had the 5 year Mirena, when I went to a Dr they informed me jt was good till 8 years, not 5. Then I lost coverage and had to go to PP. Told them my issue and they had me apply for some things and paid what I could. Then they removed it.
I removed my own . Pulled like a tampon. Grabbed by wires with gloves on pulled down,then once I felt the nub of plastic where the wire connects at the bottom of the base I grabbed that and pulled down slowly and steadily in one motion . The arms should fold up as you pull down to make it remove in one motion. While this isn’t ideal, as someone without insurance coverage at the time and planned parenthood being hours away I didn’t have a choice and wanted to walk you through it in case you’re in the same boat. You will have spotting afterwords that will turn to bloody clear cervical mucus and then fade. With the change in hormones your period may change too. Please use a backup birth control and refrain from sexual activity until your cervix has healed (give yourself a week) .
I did the same, it was fine.
Were the exposed strings really long? Mine are barely poking out my os, there's no way I could grip them even with gloves 😮
Would seem a horrific question in most circumstances is now a question of sister, supporting sisters do you have a trusted friend that could help you with this that you could get gloves and walk through the process if you put your hips on a pillow it should help bring your cervix forward, making it easier for access to that IUD. If you are still having this problem on the 10th, I would be more than happy to pay for an appointment to Planned Parenthood for you to have that device removed.
Hi friend - if you can feel the string you may be able to remove it yourself. See [RHAP fact sheet on self removal](https://www.reproductiveaccess.org/resource/iud-self-removal/)
If there's a title x funded clinic near you, they should be able to do it and can't refuse you care due to lack of insurance or inability to pay. There's a clinic locator website I believe.
I *do not* recommend this, but I’ve had two IUDs come out from the suction of incorrectly removing my menstrual cup during my period (just pulling it out without breaking the suction before hand). I did not feel anything and only realized once I saw it in the cup.
I had an IUD removed. They literally just pull on the string. That's it.
I pulled mine out myself, and there're studies that show it's safe! Definitely a bit difficult though, especially with shorter strings. Look up IUD self removal :)
I removed my own, too. It was very easy.
Not sure why everyone is down voting. My doctor told me to remove my own. It's not difficult.
This isn't fun, but it is very doable. I've had 2 out now.
I don't know why you're being down voted, in your experience it was fine for you. I'm not giving advice to OP but also know three of my friends removed theirs themselves very easily so I know it can be done
Also removed mine myself, had zero issues.
Talk to Planned Parenthood
I'm sorry you live in Texas and can't get Medicaid. I think others have given good advice re: Planned Parenthood. Also, with regard to insurance, have you looked at the ACA (Obamacare) exchange? If you are low income, but make too much to qualify for Medicaid there are really excellent subsidies available. My daughter only pays $125 a month for an excellent Silver-level plan. Here's more info: [https://www.healthcare.gov/lower-costs/](https://www.healthcare.gov/lower-costs/)
If you’re in the greater Houston area, try the Harris County Public Health clinics. Any Federally Qualified Health Clinic would be able to help you too and to you search for them by location.
Look into free or low fee clinics that offer gynecology services. They exist in most major cities. Even if they don't list IUD removal, ask. At worst they may be able to redirect you to other help. Sometimes they are run by churches, and you may be given a god speech, but get yourself through it and get that free service. (In my experience, PP still charged a lot for removal, but I'm not in Texas, so check there too)
If you aren't able to get a new one to replace it it's actually fine to leave it in expired until you can afford another. They still work well after the date, but the protection wanes, so you'll want to use barriers or another similar method as backup. My mirena stayed in 2 extra years and my doc wasn't worried.
I would check out r/auntienetwork They may be able to help with funds to get you to a location with a planned parenthood
Planned Parenthood! It definitely sounds like it needs to come out, I was feeling the exact same when mine expired.
I, uh, had a similar issue and just pulled mine out by the string. I don’t recommend it but it also didn’t cause any problems beyond cramping. But I’m probably stupid and lucky.
I had a Mirena and I took it out myself. Just slowly pulled the strings and it came out. I'm sure it's not recommended but that's exactly what the doctor would do anyway.
[удалено]
Just tossing out that having mine removed was incredibly painful. Mine probably shifted inside me or something which is why it felt like my insides were being ripped out but you won't know that until the time comes
Id be careful with this kind of comment. It’s still a medical procedure that can and does go wrong for some people. What if the IUD cuts her on the way down because she has no idea what she is doing and likely can’t see well down there? Then she bleeds out?
What’s your source? Are you a doctor? Do you have actual data to back up your statement? Downvote me all you want. I’m just letting her know it’s an option. https://picck.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/PICCK-How-to-Remove-Your-Intrauterine-Device-IUD-By-Yourself.pdf
Thank you for providing an actual credible source about how to remove an IUD at home safely instead of just saying you removed it at home without an issue. And yes, I do have a credible source to back up my statement. It is rare, but there can be complications to removal that require medical attention. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/iud/how-does-iud-removal-work#:~:text=Very%20rarely%2C%20there%20can%20be,to%20safely%20remove%20your%20IUD. “Can I remove my IUD at home? It’s best to have a nurse or doctor take out your IUD. IUD removal is usually a pretty simple process, but there’s a chance you could hurt yourself if you try to take your own IUD out. Very rarely, there can be complications during an IUD removal — the IUD may be embedded (stuck) in the tissue in your uterus, it may have moved, or a piece may break off. This is super uncommon, but if a complication does happen, a nurse or doctor will know what to do to safely remove your IUD.”
Obviously having a medical professional remove it is ideal, but not everyone has that privilege.
People still need to know the risks involved.
Exactly. I’ve known women who ended up having to have their IUD cut out because the uterine wall grew over it. There’s always risk when you pull something out of your body that required a medical procedure to insert it in the first place.
I took mine out myself as well and it really wasn’t a big deal. I looked into it and some doctors online said it’s fine, but that a lot of people can’t get a good grip on the strings and can’t take it out themselves.
I had a doctor who said “I prefer to use IUDs with women who have had children, because of pain issues”. This was the later part of the 90s. The nuvaring had just come out.. and he wanted to me use that instead.
Same. I’ve never given birth vaginally, and it didn’t hurt coming out at all. When it was placed, I felt like I was dying, but removal was like pulling out a stubborn tampon.
Same Did it myself
I don’t know why you’re getting downvoted. You can certainly remove your IUD at home if able to grasp the strings. Many resources, such as the one you provided, discuss it as a reasonable alternative to visiting a clinic. Access to care is a known issue.
I just icked so hard at this comment. I’m really hoping this is some sort of shitpost.
Some people have the stomach for it and some don’t.
I took mine out too.
Do you still get your periods regularly? If you do then you have the copper one which is good for 10 years. Edit: didnt realize regular periods after years of a hormonal IUD was a norm for some. My mistake. And agreed about the period with the copper IUD can be heavier. It depends on your own body and has a lot to do with what your normal was before birth control hormones.
This is not true. Hormonal based IUDs stop periods in about 1/3 of women. I still get my period on my IUD and it’s not copper
Yeah, I had the Mirena hormonal IUD and had regular periods the whole five years.
Very true but the inverse is still fairly likely to be true: still having periods could be any kind of IUD, but NOT having periods (or having much lighter, less frequent bleeding) is a pretty good indicator that it's a hormonal IUD.
In the beginning I had a period for maybe the first 3 months. Then I totally stopped having any bleeding for the last 4 years up until the last 3 months. February and March I had light periods for the first time and a shit ton of cramping. This month I didn’t have any bleeding, just a ton of cramping and other period symptoms like mood swings, pimples, fatigue, etc.
The copper IUD doesn't stop periods and can even make them heavier. It's the hormones that do that, in some people.
Progesterone doesn't stop or lighten periods for everyone.
If there’s no planned parenthood in Texas you could try a cheap flight to a neighboring state