Childless & getting an IUD

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Childless & getting an IUD
1
Sat, 08-26-2006 - 12:13am

I thought of this post based on other posts from women who've had trouble getting an IUD, as well as chats from friends who've had similar experiences, people I know who've gotten the IUD, and friends in the medical field. I know I have a very liberal doctor (a GYN) who actually recommended Mirena to me and would have no problems giving it to me, and based on that encounter and others of people I know, here are some tips.

1) Try to use medical necessity as a reason for an IUD: For me, at least, it's hard and a little sketchy to be on the Pill. Various anticonvulsants tend to interact with the Pill and as I'm still trying new ones, it's hard to say whether interference will occur. This makes me a better candidate for the IUD. So if there's some way you can say you cannot, medically, rely on the Pill, that might help. Blame something!

2) Number of sexual partners/current relationship: I've had very few. This helps. I'm not suggesting lying about your number of partners, but if it's high, this will make it hard to convince a Doc that you're a good candidate. The doc might also ask you if you're in a stable, long-term relationship. This is key, they don't want to give the IUD to someone who is more likely to become infected with an STD. Explain that you're a responsible person with a responsible sexual past.

3) Speaking of STDs, you might want to think about OFFERING to take the tests. For Mirena, at least, you *have* to test negative for gonorrhea and ... I think the other one's herpes, but I'm not sure. Offer to take them, that might help.

4) Look outside covered providers: My insurance covers the IUD not at all, under any circumstances, and that fact would leave me free to find a doc willing to insert the IUD, if I didn't already have one...so maybe look outside providers covered by insurance. I know it's expensive, but comparably, for me anyway, Yasmin costs $55/month, so the IUD will pay for itself in less than a year (when I can finally afford to get it, that is). Maybe consider this.

5) Language. I think language can be the key to getting the IUD. Lay out your case to them. With a lot of doctors, it might NOT be a good idea to mention that you don't want children (those who don't, that is), because people tend to be skeptical when you say that (and that's putting it mildly, I know). I don't want kids either, and it's frustrating and wrong to be blown off when I mention that, but it's true that some people see that as "childlike" talk. Think about saying you are informed and educated, use words like, "mature" and "responsible" and "reliabilty" both in terms of yourself and your BC method...

6) Bring stuff with you to an appointment! Bring literature, or things printed out from the FDA website or Mirena/Paraguard's websites that indicates that the IUD can be inserted in women w/o children, and at least get an explanation, a medical one, why that particular doc won't insert IUDs in women who haven't been pregnant. You might at least get them to think about this policy.

If this helps anyone, it'll be worth it. I had one doctor shoot me down completely (while also acting like I was an idiot for asking) at age 20, so I know how frustrating it is, but the one I got shortly thereafter is totally open to the idea. I know I've been lucky (even though I'm still IUD-less, haha), and I hope I can share some of this luck with people.

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-03-2006
Sat, 08-26-2006 - 2:06am
My doctor actually recommended it before I asked. I am too afraid to try another estrogen based birth control pill, so my options were limited. I have tried to get it once, but because I have never had a child they could not get the IUD in. With a little bit of prodding on my part the doctor did agree to try again and precribed something to help open the cervix a bit. So hopefully it will work this time around. Good luck getting yours.