Getting an IUD.

You're seeing the face of a woman who is on cloud nine. You wouldn't know it just by looking but this version of Ally took a pretty huge step in her life. I owe no one an explanation but I felt like sharing in case others may end up here and wanted some insight or an opinion on it. Even yesterday I got a few DMs about it.

I finally got an IUD.

✨ | While this is nothing for most people this was a monumental occasion for myself & Armand. We’ve been talking for years about whether or not children are on the radar & ultimately decided they weren't in the cards now. We love our lives the way they are. Now came the bigger issue. What birth control was best for me?

I didn't want the patch and I didn't want the pill (not even an option with my blood pressure medication). While we tried other methods we decided to give an IUD a try. When I tell you I had to work up the nerve for at least a year! I had to. Heard nothing but horror stories. After some digging, I found a gynecologist who really listened to me and my concerns and also is a wonderful human being. I was finally able to say “Yes make me an appointment please”.

I waited a month for my appointment and was quite nervous yesterday. I had to be reassured a ton and my nurse Lucy was so kind to hold my hand through it all. I will not lie. There was some pain. The equivalent of bad cramps during a period. They had to dilate my cervix more than they would usually. But with 5 Advil in me, I survived and before I knew it we were done. While I know nothing is 100% and anything could happen here being able to control the narrative in our way with the hope of having more time for just us brought me the kind of happiness I wish on anyone faced w/ decisions like this. I went with an 8-year hormonal IUD. If all goes well I'll be 44 by the time it comes out and still child-free. I felt so proud of myself. I did this alone as Armand is out of town. I asked for help which I never do and I got it. Thank you @makethecaul for all your help.

So. New chapters. Less anxiety. Less guilt. Making choices for my family albeit small but mine.