I just returned from a work trip to Benin where I had the opportunity to see an IUD insertion. What does that entail? Well, an IUD is a method of birth control that is immediately reversible, but can be left in place to prevent pregnancy for 12 years (5 years for the hormonal type).
But Rose, what does IUD stand for? IntraUTERINE device. But Rose, how does it get into the uterus?
Steps to IUD insertion – brief
The thing about the woman that is AMAZING is that she winced during step 3, but for all of the other steps she was fine. And just after step 6, she got up, put on her skirt and was good to go.
My question in all this is….WHAT? Not only can North Americans not cut pineapples, but we certainly don’t get an IUD then head right back to the market. Heavens.
Which makes me think, maybe we are all stronger/tougher/heartier than we think. Put that in a hard plastic straw and insert it.
But Rose, what does IUD stand for? IntraUTERINE device. But Rose, how does it get into the uterus?
Steps to IUD insertion – brief
- Do all of the preparation/consultation/informed choice, etc.
- Insert the speculum into the vagina and check out the cervix to make sure that everything is Kosher
- Insert a METAL ROD through the cervix into the uterus until the rod hits the top of the uterus (this allows you to measure how far into the cervix you need to go to insert the IUD, because cervixes are kind of like magical snowflakes – not only can you pass a human being through it, but each one is slightly different)
- Remove the metal rod, use it to measure how far in to place the IUD (too shallow and it will not be placed fully in the uterus = bad, too far in and you can risk poking a hole in the uterus = bad)
- Insert the newly measured IUD using more or less a hard plastic straw
- Snip the strings so that they are hanging just outside the cervix
The thing about the woman that is AMAZING is that she winced during step 3, but for all of the other steps she was fine. And just after step 6, she got up, put on her skirt and was good to go.
My question in all this is….WHAT? Not only can North Americans not cut pineapples, but we certainly don’t get an IUD then head right back to the market. Heavens.
Which makes me think, maybe we are all stronger/tougher/heartier than we think. Put that in a hard plastic straw and insert it.