I Got My Copper IUD Removed — Here's Everything I Wish I Knew

I've been talking about this for over a year — and I finally did it. In this episode, I'm sharing the full story: my birth control history starting at 16, why I chose the copper IUD in 2020, the symptoms that were telling me for a long time that something wasn't right, and what finally pushed me to get it removed.This isn't an anti-birth-control episode. It's the conversation I wish I'd had before I made any of these decisions — honest, personal, and clinically grounded. Whether you're on the pill, a hormonal IUD, the copper IUD, or considering your options, this episode is for you.My birth control backstory — starting the pill at 16 and what I didn't know about withdrawal bleeds vs. real periodsLosing my period through my eating disorder and the years it took to get it backWhy I chose the copper IUD in 2020 and what my doctor told me (and didn't tell me)The 5 symptoms that were my biggest red flags: PMDD, chronic puffiness and inflammation, hormonal acne, short cycles, and luteal phase constipation and bloatingHow the copper IUD actually works — and why 'non-hormonal' doesn't mean 'no systemic effects'Copper vs. hormonal birth control: the real comparison, including what they have in commonPost birth control syndrome — why it happens, what to expect, and how to actually support your body through the transitionHow to protect your body if you're staying on birth control — what to supplement, how to support your gut and liver, and which labs to ask for