---
title: Being Invalidated by Doctors
date: 2023-07-10T21:31:55-04:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-being-invalidated-by-doctors"
section: "Stories & Conversations"
---
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[Stories & Conversations](/stories-conversations)# Being Invalidated by Doctors

SD talks about her experience with inattentive doctors who refused to recognize her pain and heavy menstrual bleeding while using an IUD.

## Transcript

**SD:** The doctors weren’t believing me! They were telling me it was fine, they were opening me up and saying, “Savannah there's nothing wrong with you,” and I’m like, “Okay if there's nothing wrong with me, then why can't I walk? Like why can’t I stand? Why am I having such bad cramps that like—”

I, this is maybe a little bit graphic but I’m glad there's platforms like this to share it on. There were times where I could shut off the shower water and I, I could not stop bleeding like, for days at time, like, it would just run down my body like I could not just like— it was like insert a tampon, put on a pad in my underwear— I was bleeding terribly you know, and I— and so, for me, it's like my doctors are not seeing this, they're sort of not believing me, they're not really listening to me I’m not allowed to go there when I’m on my period for them to even see, you know what I’m saying, like it was just bizarre to me and so um so much of it was researched on my own, I think, in some ways that was fantastic and, in some ways that was really harmful. I wish that there were more places that I could have gone to kind of get just a gut check.

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ menstrual cycle](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/menstrual-cycle)
- [ contraception](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/contraception)
- [IUD (intra-uterine device)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/iud-intra-uterine-device)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
- We embrace a reproductive justice framework
- We don’t accept ads or sell products
- We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry
- We counter misinformation and disinformation
- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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##### More to Explore

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## It Was Like Somebody Turned on a Faucet

CB discusses the process of finding a treatment for her painful periods and heavy bleeding, until discovering that they were caused by fibroids and cysts.

![Period Blood](data:image/png;base64,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)

CB discusses the process of finding a treatment for her painful periods and heavy bleeding, until discovering that they were caused by fibroids and cysts.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/living-with-irregular-menstrual-cycles)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Learning About What Sex Ed in School Didn't Teach Me

AB discusses the gaps in what she learned about types of birth control and potential uses of birth control.

![My Story- Learning About What Sex Ed in School Didn't Teach Me](data:image/png;base64,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)

AB discusses the gaps in what she learned about types of birth control and potential uses of birth control.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-learning-about-what-sex-ed-in-school-didnt-teach-me)

[ResourcesRead

## About Birth Control

This interactive page from Planned Parenthood helps you find birth control methods in line with your priorities.

![What's the contraceptive method of your choice?](data:image/png;base64,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)

This interactive page from Planned Parenthood helps you find birth control methods in line with your priorities.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/about-birth-control)

[Stories & ConversationsListen

## Finding the Right Contraception

MC describes her abortions and her trouble finding contraception that works for her.

![Abortion & Contraception](data:image/png;base64,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)

MC describes her abortions and her trouble finding contraception that works for her.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/finding-the-right-contraception)

[ResourcesWatch

## Beyond the Pill: Birth Control For Your Life!

In this video, young women share their experiences of finding the birth control method that works best for them.

![Birth Control For Your Life](data:image/png;base64,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)

In this video, young women share their experiences of finding the birth control method that works best for them.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/beyond-the-pill-birth-control-for-your-life)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Extreme Pain from an IUD

SD discusses her experience with severe pain after insertion of a copper IUD.

![SD](data:image/png;base64,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)

SD discusses her experience with severe pain after insertion of a copper IUD.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/extreme-iud-pain)

[ResourcesRead

## How to Get Birth Control: A State-by-State Guide

This state-by-state guide provides an overview of the laws and policies around contraception in each state and ways to secure birth control and emergency contraception.

![Birth Control scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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)

This state-by-state guide provides an overview of the laws and policies around contraception in each state and ways to secure birth control and emergency contraception.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/how-to-get-birth-control-a-state-by-state-guide)

[ResourcesRead

## How to Switch Birth Control Methods

This factsheet from Reproductive Health Access covers the basics on how to transition from one method of birth control to another.

![reproductive-health-supplies-coalition-hFphI8Zx_E4-unsplash-2](data:image/png;base64,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)

This factsheet from Reproductive Health Access covers the basics on how to transition from one method of birth control to another.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/how-to-switch-birth-control-methods)