Before reading any further I have a disclaimer that this is going to be about getting an intrauterine device (IUD) in a foreign country and I'll probably use the word vagina at least once. Plus mention other things that some people may not like, so you have been warned.
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First, I have been researching getting an IUD for the past few years now because I know I do not want children. Definitely not now, and possibly not for the next 10 years. After trying to set up appointments back home and never hearing back I went to China, and I can't see a time in the foreseeable future where I am home long enough to get it all sorted. Also, an extremely large number of Chinese women use IUD's compared to Canada so the knowledge behind it is greater. I did my research - Don't worry.
Step 1. Meet a nurse who speaks fluent English that you are comfortable with and this is best when you get recommendations from other foreigners you trust who have had similar help. (probably easier to do in a larger city like Shanghai, but not as convenient for me)
BONUS: if she has an IUD as well and firsthand advice.
Step 2. Get escorted all up and down the hospital for basic tests and general exam before lining up with many other young women to get the IUD (be extremely patient). Tragic enough... this particular hospital room is directly beside the abortion room :(
Step 3. Getting it done. Takes mere minutes and hurts like absolute hell, meaning I definitely teared up a little!! Which I was fairly warned about... "10 minutes of terrible pain for 8-10 years of no kids"
**If this experience and teaching has taught me anything... it is that I am SO not ready for kids**
Step 4. Go get chocolate and whatever other comfort food makes the next 20 minutes go by quickly, because after that I felt absolutely normal and have had no pain or cramps since.
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