Intra-Uterine Devices (IUD)

History

The IUD had existed since the early 1900s and gained popularity througout 1950, though the first IUD made in which placement didn't require dilation of the cervix was in the 1960s. This started the T-shape design that we see with most modern IUDs. Research showing copper worked as a spermicide led to the invention of the copper IUD, with the hormonal IUDs being created between the 60's and 70's. Of these IUDs, the Dalkon Shield was a copper IUD notorious for causing harm and even death in some women.

Pain

In present day, of those part of a research group, it was found that 72% of women found the procedure moderately painful, 9% experienced no pain, and 17% of women who had never given birth (11% of those who had) reported intense pain that required management. Many were not offer+ed any pain management, and were told that the procedure would be a "little pinch" or a "small bit of pressure".

Procedure

Procedure of IUD insertion consists of using a speculum to open the patient's canal up firstly. Then, a tenaculum --sharp-pointed forceps-- is pierced into the skin of the cervix and pulled to get a good angle. After, the uterus is measured and and IUD is inserted. Unlike what some doctors may claim, the cervix does actually have extensive nerve endings. The piercing of the tenaculum is often only described as a small amount of pain, despite the large amount of women who claim both minor and major pain from this procedure.

Neglect Within Healthcare

Throughout history, research into womens' health was not only neglected to be studied, but when studied, the majority of those studying were male. Not only have we just recently started to study women's health and anatomical differences, but women are still being mistreated by hospitals and doctors. Women are less likely to get treatment, and are also less likely to be given pain management and have their pain taken seriously.

"Just Get on Birth Control"

Endometriosis and PCOS among other reproductive issues are commonplace. And as is commonplace, doctors often neglect to try and test patients, instead simply telling them to get onto birth control. There is an epidemic within the United States today of women and girls' reproductive health and pain being ignored in lieu of a quick fix that only dilutes the symptoms, but does not fix the root of the issue. Even now, the stigma of women being "hypochondriacs" still persists within 2024.