To ask my GP for this?

[BecauseIsaidso321]

I have an appointment to have the Mirena coil fitted in 2 weeks time (first time coil user, was on different contraception previously). I’m extremely nervous about it after reading online so many horror stories about how painful it is going in. I don’t deal with smear tests very well at the best of times so worry that this will be quite a traumatic ordeal for me. WIBU to ask GP in advance for some kind of sedative or something to relax me beforehand? I’m terrified of having this put in and even the thought of it makes me feel sick and dizzy, but I want to have it to (hopefully) eliminate my heavy and painful periods. Do you think it’s worth me asking my GP for something?

(Also, please, no horror stories about the coil! I’ve read enough to last me a lifetime! Positive experiences, on the other hand, would be most welcome )

[Justmuddlingalong]

You could phone and ask. No harm in trying.

[PurpleWithRed]

Definitely worth asking, and I’ve had a marina since 1993 - they’ve been fantastic for me. Worth a little pinch every 5 years.

[Mrsknackered]

I had one fitted about 5 months ago (I think) the fitting wasn't too bad, it's not comfortable but it's not pain.

My first period was very heavy. And I was quite freaked BUT it is now good. I have a heavy period for 3 days and then it's fine, I have more period pains than I used too but nothing unbearable. It also the only contraception I've had where my periods are regular (I've had the pill, mini pill, implant and now the coil)

You can ask, but it is pretty quick IME so you might be just fine without. Good luck x

[MajesticWhine]

You would not BU at all to ask.
My experience of mirena was that it took 3 goes to get it in, yes, three separate visits to 3 different professionals. I have a retroverted uterus I think, which makes it a bit awkward. It wasn’t horribly painful, just uncomfortable and crampy. No worse than a smear. Don’t worry about it. But yes you could ask for something to relax you.

[WeevilKnievel]

I went in for my mirena prepared for the worst. I'm quite a wuss and have the red haired gene too ( more sensitive to pain apparently 😫) But it was completely fine, no different to a smear.

[FarmerSee]

Worth asking I guess.

Although if it's any consolation I don't deal very well with smears, I have very bad anxiety where any medical examinations are concerned, especially intimate ones. But coil fitting wasn't nearly as bad as I'd built up in my head. I mean, don't get me wrong, it was a tad uncomfortable. But it was so quick I didn't have chance to feel any pain. It was more the usual problem of me tensing up with anxiety so the nurse had difficulty getting the speculum in. The cramps after were more painful than the actual insertion. And they were only as painful as mild period pain, which a couple of paracetamol sorted out. I could've kicked myself for getting so wound up the days before the appointment.

The horror stories are very few and far between.

[snop]

I've had 2 marina coils fitted in the past, the first one was just. A little pinch And the second I did not feel going in one bit, I had just recently given birth both times though.

[BigBaboonBum]

My friend had diazepam before she had hers done. Ask the GP, chances are they will prescribe something as a one-off for anxiety and exceptional circumstance

[Putkettleonlove]

I fit coils and recommend taking ibuprofen about an hour before having the procedure done as it can help reduce cramping. I also sometimes use a local anaesthetic gel during fitting. It usually doesn't take very long at all and the feedback from the vast majority of women is that it is never as bad as they thought it would be! I haven't prescribed diazepam beforehand but have known of a patient who had to take it before a smear so I guess it wouldn't be out of the question. Hope it all goes well for you!

[VforVienetta]

I recently had a copper coil fitted at a sexual health clinic after advice on here, and it was no worse than a smear - I was very surprised.
The nurse at the clinic fits these things every single day and has tons of experience with awkward vaginas/cervix etc, so just logically they’re going to be better at doing it.
If I were you I’d cancel the GP and make an appt at a GUM clinic instead.

[jakscrakers]

I am using the Mirena and have been fitted twice now the first time was a tad uncomfortable, but not pain and the next I felt nothing just a little nudge and im hyper sensitive to pain of any kind eek i would rather run a marathon than feel pain tyvm, my gp knowing my pain threshold suggested I take ibuprufen before but I forgot and thankfully wasnt needed yay

[HateTheDF]

I've been told that it really does differ from woman to woman. Some women feel nothing, others incredibly painful. I've had a hysteroscopy and it was the most painful thing I've ever had, to the point I blacked out but other women say it's fine for them.

YANBU to go to your doctor and ask for something, it won't do any harm but might do you the world of good by calming you down.

[Jamiefraserskilt]

Bachs rescue remedy. Plenty of.

[MrsDilber]

I had no problems having the Mirina fitted or removed. It was fine.

[MrsDilber]

It was my first coil too.

[Sprinklestar]

I was warned it was going to be painful and left the Dr’s asking - was that it?! Easy in and out, no worries there. For me it caused lots of other issues but re the fitting and removal, absolutely no worries.

[Hogtini]

Sorry if this is a silly quedtion but have you checked whether the GP will do it? I made an appointment with my practice nurse to be told by her that she would advise to go to Family Planning Clinic for it fitted as they deal with it much more. So then I had to wait to make an appointment there.
They were lovely, my experience of it was fine. Good luck.

[user1473878824]

I totally thought the same thing, didn’t, and in the end it was totally fine. I freaked out in December getting my new one fitted - no idea why because it’s not bad at ALL and they gave me one called I think Jaydess which is slightly smaller but only lasts three years rather than five. But honestly, don’t panic - it’s totally, totally fine. And so is having it out. It’s not something I’d do for a fun night out but you’ll wonder why you worried so much once it’s done x

[IlikemyTeahot]

I was like you OP I was panicking so much I had to have a nurse come in to chat with me about how the coil works etc and was reading/signing papers while the gp fitted it....I felt absolutely ridiculous afterwards haha. Apart from the discomfort of having someone fumbling around in my nethers it was nothing but a bit of pressure for like 30 seconds no pain whatsoever. Though to be fair I did cringe at the sound it made. I would much rather this again than have the implant in my arm.

[Hueandcry]

Just don't

[LolitaLempicka]

Do you have regular smear tests? It is not much different from that.

[Adarajames]

They e had real difficulties fitting mine both times it's been done, to point of offering a general anaesthetic the next time (I declined as crazy reason to have a GA!) so am sure if you explain to GP they will give you something to calm and relax you, bit second idea of GUM clinic as far more experienced (although maybe your GP is as ours won't do it at all)

[Cavender]

I’m on my second. Honestly they were both fine.

There’s lots of stuff online about the mittens but best in mind that the tens of thousands of women who are perfectly happy with it have no reason to post.

Good luck,

[Tigger365]

I’m with hue....just don’t

[FastWindow]

I had no idea there was even any other discomfort than the faintly rubbish knees up of a smear. But so be it: a coil insertion is a lot less unpleasant than a smear. Small beer compared to a sweep.