In October 2022 I had a copper IUD fitted at Barnstaple Sexual Health Clinic and it was an overwhelming experience.
The doctor talked me through the procedure, what to expect before it happened and I signed the consent form. The doctor and nurse put me at ease and did the fitting.
The pain during the fitting was pretty bad but I could cope for time it took to get it done (numbing gel & spray used). There was no recovery time or monitoring to see how I was afterwards and they knew I had a 30 minute drive home. The pain got progressively worse from around 10 minutes after leaving the clinic and I felt as if I was going to pass out whilst driving home. I was in shock! Clammy, hot & cold, felt sick, blinding pain and shaky - really dangerous for driving and there was nowhere to pull over because of the roadworks on the link road. I vomited immediately on getting to my front door.
There was no information given to me that this may happen or that it's actually a natural reflex for a person to faint/pass out when their cervix is artificially dilated! I should not have been allowed to leave and I should have been advised to get someone to drive me to and from the appointment. I don't feel like this was informed consent as I was totally unprepared for what happened and had no clue it could be this bad. This could have ended in a really terrible way!
There needs to be much more information and advice on possible reactions/symptoms/side effects following coil insertion to prepare patients and keep them safe. The only advice I got beforehand was to take ibuprofen 1-2 hours before the appointment - this made little or no difference.
"More information and monitoring after procedure"
About: Barnstaple Health Centre / Barnstaple Sexual Health Barnstaple Health Centre Barnstaple Sexual Health Barnstaple EX32 7BH
Posted by SauKar28 (as ),
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