Question from a woman of age of reproduction

Bit of a TMI post, but I don't know where else to ask this (no PCP/OBGYN right now and no buddies I trust their judgement on this one)

So....not sure if this is a thing I should let go or be wary of...

Have 2.5 y/o IUD which was in place last time I knew of (the doc that inserted it clipped the string too short so I could never feel it therefore could never be certain if it was in the right place), but I did get a CT scan back in I think February if I had to guess, and it was in the right place then. Last period in March (was irregular for quite a while, but have gotten progressively more regular over the past year or so), little bit of spotting every now and then, some menstrual-like cramps every now and then, and all of a sudden today a crap ton of discharge (getting a little gross here, but it's sometimes clear and sometimes kinda grey and has a snot-like consistency, and I'm not appreciating the smell), also have noticed more spotting/bright red blood than usual.

I'm definitely not pregnant (played with the idea that I was in the <1% where the IUD failed, so took a pregnancy test, and unless I was in both the 1% of failed birth control AND 1% of false negative tests, not pregnant).

Don't think any menstruation is coming up because I'm not going from screaming to crying to SHing to tap dancing every 10 minutes either.

Idk. Just want to know if my ovaries are going to overthrow the British empire or my uterus is one of the 6MWE peeps. Would totally demand removal of the reproductive organs if either were the case

Could it be an STI?

I'd go to a doctor right away...

I’d see a doctor or a nurse. Doesn’t have to be ob/gyn. Any doc. Or any nurse practitioner.

Discharge you described doesn’t sound like something to ignore, honestly sounds like it could be STD or some other type of infection. Do you have any itching or burning or pain?

No itching or burning. I guess I'll try to get a PCP. Probably should for other purposes too.

Good plan

Ughhh I don't want to find an MD stranger to check out my bits. I had a really nice gynecologist, but she left the practice (I'm still in their system though, and I heard good things about the other doc there too so I'm favoring that route for this).

It's probably nothing though, and I don't want to waste anybody's time--including mine.

It's unusual... I wouldn't count it as "nothing"... go to the doctor or nurse pratitioner asap.

Do you have 811 to call to speak with a public health nurse by phone? Worth a try...

I don’t see how checking up on something like this (weird looking and smelling stuff coming out of your privates) or in fact anything pertained to one’s body, is a waste of time. It’s never a waste.

If you are familiar with a clinic or practice, then going there is definitely wiser than going to a random clinic. I only suggested to see “any doctor” because you said you don’t have ob/gyn and asked us what you are supposed to do. Everyone seems to be in consensus that you must see medical professional ASAP.

I hope you do see someone very soon. If it’s in fact “nothing”, it’s still important to confirm that and move on safely and have a peace of mind about it

'Tis also a waste of money, but insurance man. Good shyt. Wish it weren't a scam, but at least I'm "only" $50,000 in medical debt (but am in the appeal process for that "life saving treatment", so hopefully that won't be the case)

Have an appointment Friday.

I was involved in two different practices--OBGYN at one, primary at another (well, and then there's the CMHC). Regardless of which practice I go to, it's going to be a stranger I have never met before. Either will be a familiar building.

Don't even give a shyt about any possible diagnosis. I just am terrified of what I'm guessing the appointment will entail, and I have absolutely no clue how to chill tf out about it.

Might even cancel it because the discharge isn't gooey anymore. Although the spotting has gotten a bit more than it was before and now the cramps are worse and in my lower back too. We'll see how the rest of the day and tomorrow morning goes.

Do you qualify for Medicaid?

I have medicaid. They didn't cover my Zepatier treatment though which was hella expensive, and I'm waiting to hear back for an appeal.

Had the appointment today, a swab, get the results next week. She said it's probably just two+ weeks of symptoms of ovulation or menstruation for the first time in four months so it does feel like it was a waste of time. It's cool because now I'm throwing up.

What type of IUD do you have? I have a copper IUD (Paragard), but I know there's a hormonal type too, so they may differ. I've had the Paragard twice, once after my daughter was born, had it removed some 4-5 yrs. later to try to conceive a 2nd time (never did conceive that time), got the copper IUD again when I turned 40 and determined a pregnancy at my age is just too risky.

I never had any discharge with it except spotting upon insertion.

Best of luck with your doctor's appt.

'Tis a hormonal one (Lilleta).