Online Discussions About Intrauterine Devices: A Qualitative Content Analysis of Global Reddit Posts

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are a type of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) that sit inside the uterus. However, due to the internal nature of the device, pain and lack of control are major concerns for people using IUDs.

We conducted conventional qualitative content analysis of posts from the global subreddit r/birthcontrol that mentioned IUDs in the month of July 2022 to answer the question "what are people's experiences with IUDs as discussed on Reddit?" Reddit, being an online social media platform, makes the geographic background of most of the participants unknown; however, the posts on this subreddit are written in English.

Of the 456 Reddit posts, four overarching categories were identified: "Interactions with other users," "Concerns," "Reason for getting IUD," and "Dissatisfied with treatment from medical staff." Despite IUD insertion being reported as painful and participants experiencing painful side effects, these concerns were not always taken seriously by medical staff. This was often in the form of feeling dismissed and not being given adequate pain management options before procedures such as IUD insertions and removals.

Findings provide insight into IUD users' perspectives and opinions on the care they receive from medical professionals. Highlighted are areas that need improvement, such as providing more pain management options and more transparency regarding the potential risks and side effects of having an IUD.