Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT - Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

Kira A.

It’s taken me a long time to write this because of how traumatic my experience getting my IUD removed was but feel I need to warn people. Whilst my doctor was kind and accomodating after the IUD was removed- it was truly the most traumatic experience I have had at a medical appointment due to the level of intense pain I experienced. I later found out from other female friends who have had their IUDs removed, both from this clinic and other clinics, that they were given numbing cream and local anaesthetic for this procedure which I was unaware was an option.

When I went in for the procedure the doctor informed me that it wouldn’t be painful. I explained to them that I have endometriosis and had the IUD inserted when I had surgery, therefore I was under anaesthetic and unaware of any pain when the IUD was first inserted. I also noted to the doctor that I was nervous however was told it was not going to be painful but may experience a bit of pain if the string was not easily found.

When the instrument was inserted (which I am assuming was the speculum), I experienced pain and discomfort which automatically made my whole body and lower body tense extremely to the point I was unable to relax. The doctor picked up on this and was appropriate and gave me time to try and breathe before they searched for the string of the IUD in my cervix. Despite the pain and fear, I consented to the doctor continuing the procedure. The doctor informed me that they could not sight the string and would have to find it. This caused significant pain, to the point I felt like I was going to pass out and I began to shake. I told her to stop, which she did and she allowed me to take my time before she continued. She told me she had found the string and after a few moments I consented to her removing the string. When the string was removed the pain was unbearable- I was shaking and felt like I was going to pass out and vomit simultaneously. It felt like my intestines were being pulled out of me.

After the procedure I experienced ongoing pain and found it very difficult to sit down, as well as shock from the level of pain that I experienced during the procedure that afterwards I continued to shake.

I am putting my experience forward because I am greatly concerned that there are women who will go through this without being offered any numbing cream or local anaesthetic.

I understand that not all peoples experiences are this painful, but it is highly concerning that I was not offered any local anaesthetic, told it wouldn’t hurt- and even online, medical overviews of this procedure insinuate that the pain we may experience during this procedure is likened to a period cramp which is unbelievable and gaslighting. I have a diagnosis of endometriosis which is know for the extreme pain it causes. At no point has my endometriosis pain ever compared to the pain I experienced during this procedure and I cannot comprehend how anyone is even allowed this procedure without anaesthetic.

I hope that there is a review into the practice and procedures of both insertion and removal of IUDS and taking precautions around ensuring patients are provided anaesthetic for a procedure which inflicts this level of pain.

Naomi C.

For over $200 for a doctor to scribble on a bit of paper I can’t in good conscience recommend this menopause clinic. All solutions were medically hormone based with no room for alternative treatment. Your GP will suffice in support around all things menopause and your own research.

Filia H.

I had such a great experience there getting my IUD removed. Everyone was so friendly and supportive and Clare was amazing, he calmness and kindness helps you feel more comfortable. Can only recommend it.

COURTNEY T.

Recommend for Pap testing, staff are great: experienced, put you at ease, efficient, convenient

Maddy

I am upset that I came to this service resolute that I wanted to be on a non-hormonal contraceptive because of the horrible mood changes I experienced on the pill. I told the doctor I wanted a copper IUD. She immediately dismissed my concerns and told me I should go on the mirena. After 5 months of more horrible mood changes, I have gone to a gynecologist who was more than happy with my choice and can insert a new non-hormonal IUD for less than what the procedure cost me at the sexual health and family planning clinic.

Cy R.

Excellent service. Hilary, the nurse I saw, is very professional, with non-judgemental demeanor, and very reassuring. She follows you through to make sure you've got comprehensive information. Highly recommend this service especially for women.

Sofia S.

Poor information and low quality professionals. Just at the time I was ready for my procedure they told me a trainee was going to be the one performing it. If I had been informed of the pain or possibility of having anaesthesia I would have never accepted to have a trainee to do it. She did a very poor job, the doctor had to intervene and the trainee was very nervous. I would have appreciated honesty about the skills of the professionals from the beginning and more detail when signing in for this procedure. Not coming back.

Jennifer N.

I've been coming here for more than 10 years for pap smears and general concerns. Have had good service from doctors and nurses (always female). I now live in a rural area a few hours away, but i still come back to SHFP for my gynaecological needs.