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AIBU?

To cancel my mirena fitting?

92 replies

WittgensteinsBunny · 06/04/2016 10:38

I'm getting cold feet after reading some of the risks this week. The GP didn't go through them with me, instead saying that it's a great contraceptive, effective, reliable and basically the best option all-round.

It's possible that I'll be on my period on Mon and I wanted to see if it could still be fitted. I then stumbled across the warnings on the front page of the Mirena website.

It seemed like such a good idea to start with: not having to remember a pill everyday, lighter periods, no risk of condoms breaking, reliable, no (or virtually no) risk of getting pregnant etc

But all I've read about this week is spotting / bleeding for months; ectopic pregnancy; no knowns re: cancer; moodiness; excess hair. As someone who suffers with anxiety this is all terrifying. There is no pressure from DH who thinks if it's causing me so much worry I should cancel and not give it any more thought. But then I know I can't cope with another baby. There is 21 months between my DDs and I've been through terrible PND / anxiety, which has only lifted in the past couple of months. Dd2 has just turned 1 and things are getting easier all-round.

I'm still bf'ing my 1 yo so the combined pill is out for now. This would be my go to choice.

The Pop pill is less effective than condoms. So I've ruled that out.

We are pretty sure we won't be having any more children but the snip seems too final.

Obviously it's an individual thing and everyone will respond differently. I just don't know what to do.

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Sothisishowitfeels · 06/04/2016 10:41

I had a mirena and it was fine, no pain when it was fitted at all.

I was specifically told to come during my period as it makes fitting easier!

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WittgensteinsBunny · 06/04/2016 10:42

Thanks so. Have you had any horrible side effects?

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Sothisishowitfeels · 06/04/2016 10:46

No I did bleed more regularly at first but it settled down. Other than that I had no idea it was there.

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LIZS · 06/04/2016 10:46

I think it is tricky to isolate side effects because it has only been around for 15 or so years and most women who have it are older therefore more naturally prone to similar symptoms such as weight gain and moodiness anyway.

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brightnearly · 06/04/2016 10:47

As far as I know, the combined pill is not prescribed during breastfeeding because it could reduce milk production - but not necessarily!

How long are you planning on continuing to breastfeed?

An alternative to the pill - but it's got estrogen in it - is the Nuvaring.

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LordoftheTits · 06/04/2016 10:48

I didn't even get to the side effect stage because when I had mine fitted at the family planning clinic, my cervix went into spasm and I vomited and passed out from the pain. The doctor let me roll around on the bed crying and in agony for an hour before he insisted on removing it.

I wouldn't go near one again.

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MyWey · 06/04/2016 10:51

I had mine fitted in Oct and after spotting for a couple of weeks I now don't even know it's there and love not having to worry about taking the pill.

Having it put in was fine and pain free for me.

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NeedACleverNN · 06/04/2016 10:52

There is never going to be a one size fits all contraception.

What suits some, don't agree with others.

Mine was hell to begin with. I had terrible tummy pains, nausea and bad mood swings. Also had awful headaches. However I rode it out and after 6 months, I now don't have a problem. I have no periods which is a delight and whilst I still get a few mood swings, I prefer having the coil to a pill

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takemetomars · 06/04/2016 10:52

you can have the combined pill if your baby is over 6 months old and you are breastfeeding. The POP, if taken correctly is just as effective as the COC so you do have 2 other options here.
However, the mirena coil is your best bet. Bleeding patterns are different for everyone but you need to be prepared to persist with this method for 6 months before everything settles into patterns that will be 'normal for you'.

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OhForTheLoveOfGin · 06/04/2016 10:56

I would still go to your appointment but use it to discuss alternatives/your concerns.

I'm currently on my third implant as I too am petrified of getting pregnant and wanted to continue breastfeeding. I have had some irregular bleeding in the past few months but nothing terrible, and far better than actually being pregnant. It should settle down soon.

Have you thought about having the implant?

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OhForTheLoveOfGin · 06/04/2016 10:57

*sorry, third implant overall, I've not got three in at once!

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flirtygirl · 06/04/2016 10:57

I would never have it again, implanting was painless and quick but side effects left my self esteem in tatters. We are a hairy girls family (ie girls have more than is usual) but hair increased even more and weight gain and i became moodier and very down, not sure if that was the mirena or from dealing with the side effects.
Either way not good.

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WittgensteinsBunny · 06/04/2016 10:58

I fed Dd1 until she was 2.3 and plan to do the same with Dd2. So about another year.

If you had the spotting for 6 months was it heavy, needing a pantry liner spotting? Could you go swimming?

Glad to hear it's mostly not painful but lordofthetits I'm so sorry to hear about your experience. Horrible.

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Niknack · 06/04/2016 10:58

I've had mine four years now and at first I hated it, bled constantly for a few months but the nurse talked me round to keeping it and I'm so glad she did. I have no periods just slight spotting every few weeks.
Was no worse getting it inserted than having a smear and no pain afterwards but I read to take painkillers beforehand so took some about half an hour before my appointment

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GertrudeBadger · 06/04/2016 10:59

it's like everything, there is some risk - there still isn't any risk free contraception. You hear good and bad stories about the mirena. I sympathize - I've gone back to the combi pill after I wrapped up bf in the end as the scare stories about mirena put me off. I do agree with your DH though, if it's causing you a lot of stress, put it back and think about it a bit longer.

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OliviaStabler · 06/04/2016 11:15

Mine was uncomfortable on and off for the first two weeks with some bad pain but then that stopped. My periods became lighter and then stopped altogether after about six months. I did not have any other side effects and it has improved my quality of life.

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hellsbellsmelons · 06/04/2016 11:19

I went for a fitting and they couldn't even fit it.
It was't painful as such but they really struggled. For quite a while before they gave up.
Problem being I hadn't had a baby naturally.
So... I settled for the implant.
No periods or moodiness but I did gain a bit of weight.

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Narp · 06/04/2016 11:21

I think it depends on your motivation for having it fitted

Aside from REALLY really not wanting more children, and the alternatives not being suitable, there was the real draw, for me of having no more periods. That doesn't work out for everyone but it did for me.

My first one took months to settle but I was only 3 months post my first Vaginal birth - I think my womb was grumbly. The next two settled quickly.

Pain on insertion - yes I had that the second time, badly, but again that's not everyone's experience and I'd recommend taking codeine ahed of time just in case.

No other side effects

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Owllady · 06/04/2016 11:21

Can't he just use condoms?
You shouldn't be putting yourself under this much pressure. If you don't want it, don't have it

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Narp · 06/04/2016 11:22

Re: spotting - very light - pantyliner.

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Narp · 06/04/2016 11:23

In your position and try it and see.

I found condoms, in the context of fear about another pregnancy, had the effect of enforced celibacy

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glasg0wmum · 06/04/2016 11:28

I have had a Mirena for 2 years in an attempt to combat my heavy periods which were so bad they were making me ill.

Yes, having it put in is not a pleasant experience but it's no worse than a smear and a lot better than childbirth, and having it fitted has completely changed my life.

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Mightywease · 06/04/2016 11:29

Has it helped with period pains? It has been recommended to me as a 'cure' for those but I am still unsure.

I have appalling pains, complete with vomiting and diarrhoea, and nothing else has worked.

Am a bit worried about the procedure as I have a retroverted uterus and smear tests are pretty horrid. Plus if they like to insert it during a period that is a worry pain wise.

Seeing my GP next week about it, any advice/experience would be appreciated

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glasg0wmum · 06/04/2016 11:34

Mightywease - it wasn't pain I had as much as very heavy blood loss. I was iron deficient through it and the bleeding was so heavy that I needed a super size tampon AND a super size pad and was up two or three times a night to change. It was horrendous!! I am now bleeding much more lightly and have no pain at all. My iron levels are back to normal and I'm a happy bunny.

I have a retroverted uterus too and after a consultant gynaecologist couldn't fit the Mirena, she booked me into theatre and I had it fitted under general anaesthetic. I'm in my 40s and can keep the Mirena in for 10 years as we're not relying on it for contraception as hubby has been snipped. It's definitely worth asking your GP for a referral to a gynaecologist or local Family Planning clinic to discuss it in depth.

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Mightywease · 06/04/2016 11:40

Thanks glasg0wmum that's really helpful. Will have a good chat with my GP next week.

Funnily enough my period is due any time so currently sitting here with alternating feelings of weepiness and rage!! Blush Grin

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