To not understand why I have to talk to a nurse before I can book an appointment for implant removal?

[Alarae]

Considering I want it out to start to TTC?

Rang up my local GP today to book an appointment for removal, only to be told my the receptionist that I need to speak to the nurse first, and then she might schedule an appointment for me.

I don't see why I should need a conversation considering my reasons? Understandable if someone wanted it out for other reasons such as concerns on side effects, recent implantation etc but even then if someone wants something out why should someone be trying to convince me otherwise?

Just a bit annoyed as the earliest telephone appointment is in 10 days, and then who knows how long it will take to actually get an appointment considering only one person holds the clinic!

I can't even go to a walk in clinic as I need a GP referral for that in my area because I am not 25...

[Alarae]

Sorry about the format, I did type in paragraphs but they disappeared when posted!

[3ChangingForNow]

Because you are a woman and stupid of course. They have to check you know what you are doing

[Traveler001]

Yabu, you’re a mere woman, how would you know what is right for your own body? Silly girl.

[ILoveMaxiBondi]

That’s ridiculous! What a waste of NHS resources to make you go in for a chat rather than just using that appointment to have it removed!

[Tolleshunt]

Because you are not allowed autonomy over your own body when it comes to long-acting contraceptives. Some HCPs believe they have the right to make you continue to have it in your body, even if you don't want it.

Sound ridiculous? Check out the threads on Mirena removal on here.

[kaytee87]

Yes, silly woman. You must be lectured first. They might want your husbands permission too

[JohnnyMcGrathSaysFuckOff]

Because the nurse knows best, of course! Silly girl.

[TeeniefaeTroon]

They tried to get me to do the same. I ended up booking into the the family planning clinic at my local hospital and they removed it without any queries.

[dietcokemegafan]

I'm a female GP and clearly believe in female autonomy. But about half the women who come to have their implant out are doing so for a reason that doesn't exist and they often change their mind when given the facts. So if double appts for removals are in short supply, it's reasonable to triage them.

[frugi]

Is there another family planning clinic you could potentially drive to? Lots are drop in and would be able to do this for you. Sounds like a waste of everyone’s time.

[Inde96]

I went to a sexual health clinic to have mine removed as it was affecting my mental health. The person who removed mine responded with "Well, if you get pregnant, you'll certainly be depressed then".

[kaytee87]

@dietcokemegafan but op wants to ttc.

[TheInventorofToasterStreudel]

I had to have a private conversation with the nurse before I had my coil out and she was really aggressive "why do you want it out?" "well, are you on folic acid?" "Is your husband?" (???!!! I kid you not!)

We are both in healthcare.

[Grace212]

sorry to hear this OP

I could use the Mirena as an alternative to the pill but I am suspicious....there seems to be a lot of attempting to pressure women to choose it - cheaper? - and then from what I hear from friends, if you want it removed it's a hassle.

if it's causing side effects, it seems to involve virtually having a row with the GP or nurse or whoever.

it does all boil down to "women can't possibly make a choice without being hassled".

[Tolleshunt]

You may act properly, dietcoke but there are plenty of GPs who don't. Check out the many threads on here from women who have reported suffering known side effects of the Mirena or implant, and yet have been poo-pooed by HCPs, who have failed to follow the patient's request for removal.

[beeRB]

Oh this made me so annoyed when I rang my GP I didn't bother. I contacted the local sexual health (GUM) clinic instead and saw them that week and got it removed.

A much easier experience and I now only use the GUM clinic for contraception related appointments- the ridiculous wait and unnecessary appointments at the GP's was infuriating.

I also find the staff at the GUM clinics seem very happy to get to speak to a sensible adult who knows what they want with regards to contraception and TTC

[YouSayRisottoIsayRisotto]

I got the lecture when I had mine out.

They've paid for it so they want there money's worth I guess

I was also given a lecture at the post natal checkup because I said dh would be getting the snip.

Apparently this was unacceptable and I was given the hard sell for the Mirena Coil, which I made very clear I didn't want. Left with an appt for the coil.

After 3 kids and years on bc why would dh take some responsibility for our fertility?

Cancelled the next day when I wasn't so out of sorts.


When dh went first his first appt to discuss vasectony he basically got talked out of it/denied one and told it would be better if he used something else (a wife on the coil most likely).

The second time I came with him and let all three dc loose in the GP office.


We left with an appt.

[Wantmyflipflops]

As @beeRB said you don't have to go to the GP to get it removed. Sexual Health Clinics will do it as will FAmily Planning Clinics if you have a local one. I got my implant removed the day I called the GUM clinic...

[MsHopey]

I always thought it was standard to discuss the procedure, sign off any paperwork and just have a general discussion. It didn't seem a very big problem in the grand scheme of things.

I was quite surprised when my DH phoned up for a vasectomy and was given an appointment for the operation right there and then. No consultation appointment or paperwork.

[YouSayRisottoIsayRisotto]

The removal barely counts as a 'procedure' honestly. Nothing to discuss.

I've seen threads where people say they did it themselves. (Not suggesting op do that though!)

[AliceAforethought]

Seems very unreasonable. Fair enough if it’s because you’re wrong attributing side effects to it or something, but when you’re ttc? An annoying waste of time.

My GP took mine out after a brief discusson.

[frugi]

Removing your own mirena would be easy. Not sure I’d fancy removing my own implant without any local anaesthetic, but maybe I’m a wimp.

[AliceAforethought]

I've seen threads where people say they did it themselves. (Not suggesting op do that though!)

Yes I’ve seen this. Someone said they took a Stanley knife to it

[anniehm]

You requested it to be put in, you knew how long it lasted. As you are requesting removal early then it's right and proper they explain the process and check that you want to come off contraception, they don't want to be paying for something else!

[BlackAmericanoNoSugar]

I was just wondering about self-removal. They are pretty close to the surface, aren't they? I was thinking some local anaesthetic cream and a scalpel would do it, probably no more painful than a bad splinter.

I bet if you said "it can't be that hard to do it myself" to a nurse who was trying to refuse a removal that you would get a removal appointment without further comment.