*trigger warning: mention of SA
I was recommended to this clinic by my PCP and I have had the most HORRIFIC experiences. I have been on the receiving end of a botched copper IUD procedure, been gaslit for months about my IUD being sideways and causing me horrific pain, been force-fed pro-life crap, and was shamed for being sexually assaulted.
COPPER IUD EXPERIENCE
When I first did a consultation to get the copper IUD, Dr. Maxwell told me that I couldn't have sex for 2 weeks before the copper IUD was inserted, no exceptions.
I was confused by this because I had done my own research and it turns out that the copper IUD can actually be used as emergency contraception within 5 days of unprotected intercourse. I told Dr. Maxwell this and then she went on an aggressive pro-life rant about it being used as emergency contraception and how she wouldn't do it. This made me really uncomfortable, as I felt her own personal beliefs and views were getting in the way of her providing accurate information and unbiased medical care.
When the day of my actual copper IUD insertion came, it hurt A LOT. I especially experienced pain in my lower right side and as time went on, it got worse and worse. I went for MONTHS dealing with this horrible pain in my right side and I felt like from the very beginning Dr. Maxwell and the nurses/other staff were very dismissive of my pain and my concerns. I was being completely gaslit by the healthcare providers here that "everything was fine" and "the copper IUD is in the correct place" even though it wasn't. Know how I know? I went to a different clinic and not only was the copper IUD sideways, I had also gotten pregnant because it wasn't in the correct place. If you want effective, properly placed birth control, don't go here. If you want to be treated like a human being and have your concerns taken seriously, don't go here.
SHAMED FOR SA
During the last appointment I ever had with Dr. Maxwell, I disclosed to her that I had been sexually assaulted earlier in the year. Her response, verbatim, to me was "well did you say no?"
As you can imagine, I left that appointment completely furious and upset. In what world do you think it is ever ok to say that to someone? Since when did a DOCTOR working in women's health not understand that not saying "no" to sex isn't the same as consenting? To those still reading, know that if you have ever been in a non-consensual situation and did not say the words "no," it is NOT YOUR FAULT. If someone is coerced/manipulated, too scared, too embarrassed, too intoxicated, etc... to say the words "no," it doesn't mean that they consented or deserved to be sexually assaulted.
Shame on you, Dr. Maxwell. Shame on you for implying that assault isn't really assault if someone didn't say the words "no." Absolutely sickening. read more