Contraceptive Choice Center

Today I participated in one of their research studies! I follow the «Washington University School of Medicine — Research Participant Registry» and finally found a study that I was right for! After a little bit of phone tag, I did finally get an appointment set up within the week!
They e-​mail describing how to get to their parking lot didn’t make it through on the first try, so that led to a little more phone tag. The e-​mail they send is essential because it really is a bit confusing. You can easily find the building, but getting back to their parking lot threw my head through a loop.
Once I parked and made it in the office, I signed in. Only a minute later I was called to the front desk and given a parking pass to display in my car window. Once that was done, I was called back. They gave me plenty of time to look over the paperwork about this particular study before signing the release form.
My appointment lasted about an hour and a half — a little bit longer than I’d hoped. However, every one there was super nice and friendly.

The Contraceptive Choice Center (C3) at Washington University offers contraception, well-​woman exams, STI testing, and pregnancy testing to women who are 14 – 45 years old.
DISCLAIMERS
1. This review will contain information that might make some readers squeamish. This is particularly true if you are male, but I probably lost any male readers after the first sentence. :p
2. Everyone is different. Please do not expect the same experience I had in regard to getting an IUD.
MY EXPERIENCE
In June 2015, I went to the clinic for birth control counseling and a well-​woman exam. I had a good experience with both, but this review will focus on my decision to get an IUD.
–Birth Control Counseling–
I sought birth control counseling because I’d been unhappy with the pills I’d taken over the years. Although the pill I was taking at the time seemed to be a good fit for me, I was having horrible migraines. I couldn’t help but wonder if there was a better option for me.
I learned two important things during counseling. First, pills aren’t quite as effective as I thought. Second, there is a non-​hormonal IUD. When I heard a t-​shaped device made of plastic and copper could prevent pregnancy, I began to wonder if I was on Candid Camera. How could that even be possible? Apparently, copper is a natural spermicide.
–IUD Procedure–
I seriously considered the non-​hormonal IUD (ParaGard). I even made an appointment to get one. I called on a Thursday and scheduled an appointment for the following Wednesday.
Because I thought my migraines were being triggered by the estrogen in my birth control pills, I thought a non-​hormonal IUD would be best for me. However, my main concern with ParaGard was the possibility of heavier bleeding and cramping during periods. At my appointment, I discussed with the nurse practitioner my reasons for getting an IUD and my concerns about ParaGard. We ended up discussing Mirena, which actually does not contain estrogen. Some women also report having lighter or absent periods with Mirena. I’m usually not so wishy-​washy with my decisions, but I ended up going with Mirena.
I won’t go over the entire process, but the nurse practitioner was wonderful. She explained everything to me and kept me informed throughout the procedure. I was so nervous, but a technical mishap added levity to the situation. There I was, with my feet in the stirrups and everything out in the open. The nurse practitioner put the table up a bit too high, and as she tried to adjust the table height, she accidentally returned the table to its lowest setting. She apologized profusely for the error, but I couldn’t help but laugh. I’m laughing right now as I think of myself going up and down on that table with my legs. .. well, you know. During the procedure, I also learned my uterus is positioned somewhat high. The nurse practitioner said that it was unusual but anatomically normal. I suspect my uterus was just saying, «Help! Get me out of here! I didn’t ask for this!» :p
I won’t lie to you. Insertion was painful, particularly because I’ve never had a child. My goodness. I cannot imagine childbirth, but thanks to Mirena, that’s something I don’t have to worry about for five years! I felt shaky after the procedure, but again, the nurse practitioner was great. She brought water to me and encouraged me to lie down until I felt better. I had spotting and cramping for the following two weeks, but the worst of it subsided after about four days.
I just had my one-​month follow-​up. I met with the same nurse practitioner, and she said everything looked normal. I had a few questions for her, and she answered everything completely. She even drew a diagram for me.
PARKING
The C3 is located at 4533 Clayton Avenue. Parking is a little confusing.
Although their address is on Clayton, the entrance is at the back of the building. You can park on Clayton for free in one of the spots designated for The Contraceptive Choice Center, but you will have to walk to the back of the building to enter the clinic.
I prefer to park for free in the back lot, accessible from McKinley. When you turn into the driveway for 4570 McKinley, go straight and then left at the arrow. You should see a brick building ahead of you with an orange/​pink hue. That’s your building. Park in one of the seven or so designated spaces along the back of the building.
When you check in at the front desk, you should receive a parking pass to put on your dashboard.
RATING
I’m quite pleased with The C3. I’ve never had trouble finding a parking space here. Everyone has been really nice, and I loved the nurse practitioner who inserted my IUD. I only wish I could remember her name. Then, I wouldn’t have had to keep referring to her as «the nurse practitioner.»
Oh, and by the way, I’m still having migraines. I guess estrogen isn’t my trigger after all. Oh, well. At least I don’t have to worry about remembering to take a pill every single day for the next half-​decade. :)