Mirena Coil - honest opinions?

[YoureAllABunchOfBastards]

After a scan, blood tests etc etc etc it turns out that there is no underlying cause for my ridiculous heavy periods and other peri symptoms. I am 47 and am still producing eggs, ffs.

The doctor has suggested I try a Mirena coil. I haven't used hormonal contraception for about 18 years. I have heard horror stories about mood swings and horrible side effects. Does this happen to everyone?

[FantasticMissFox]

I have a Jaydess coil, similar to a mirena but only in for 3 years and not 5. I've had no issues, don't get any bleeding and only a little discomfort when it was put in.

[Nanmumandmidwife]

I found it brilliant. We are all different, so ultimately you probably need to try it. At least they are easy to remove.

[Span1elsRock]

I've had them since I was around 30.... I'm now 49. I had them initially as an alternative to hysterectomy following heavy periods due to scar tissue from 2 c sections - they stopped my periods and I never noticed any bad side effects.

But I've had the last one in 2 years and am now getting dreadfully heavy periods. I'm obviously heading into peri menopause and am getting really pissed off with the every 21 day cycle my body has adopted I'm trying to book a GP appointment to see if there is anything else I can take now to lessen the flow again. They told me this one could stay in for 7 years due to my age and would lessen my menopause symptoms but I don't think it is................

[twolittleboysonetiredmum]

I’ve had one for about 18 months. It’s fine. I do have random bleeding and a period so in that sense, tedious. But nothing compared to the horrific periods I was having and added bonus that I can’t get pregnant. It’s definitely a better option than awful periods.

[Soontobe60]

I was the same as you, had a mirena fitted and it was a godsend. Go for it!

[Mitebiteatnite]

Mirena was a game changer for me, genuinely. I haven't had a period for 8 years now and I don't ever want one again. No side effects apart from very mild cramping and bleeding after insertion both times.

WRT the hormones, as far as I know they don't actually enter your bloodstream, it's localised so they don't have the same effect as other hormonal contraceptives.

[Cabezona]

I feel awkward being the only one with a negative view... I had one fitted last year. I went into cervical shock and the most pain I have ever felt (including Labour) until they took it out. I felt like my womb was physically trying to push it out and scraping on the edges in the process. I was in severe pain for the next week and some pains I have now may still be related.

Apparently this happens when you have scar tissue on the womb such as endo or c section scar.

[Herocomplex]

Never regretted it for a minute, I’d say it transformed my life. It’s different for everyone though. It sounds like your life is being made pretty miserable by your heavy periods, I’d give it a go.
I’ve had two CS and I had no problems with insertion or removal.

[Brandyb]

A friend uses them for horribly heavy periods and says they are a life saver

[Chaotica]

I'm another with awful experience of side effects: enormous weight gain and migraines (and other neurological symptoms) so bad and persistent that the GP thought I had MS. All cleared up once the coil was removed. Didn't stop periods either.

But these side effects are rare, so it is worth a try.

[HoneysuckIejasmine]

I hated it for a month or so. Went so far as getting a prescription for antidepressants. But never filled it, as GP urged me to give it another week. Now I love it. I have endometriosis, it's changed my life. No periods, no pain.

[MangoSpice]

I had mine fitted 2 months ago due to awful bleeding. It's been okay, bled for 3 weeks after it was fitted and have had a week long period since. Waiting to see if that improves!

[Campervan69]

As you say everybody has a different reaction to it. Mine was nothing but negative didn't really affect my periods and started 6 months of terrible depression weight gain and withdrawing from the world. Fortunately as soon as I had it taken out I went back to normal in about a week so it's certainly worth a try.

[Bat3]

Changed my life!

Had awfully heavy periods - Which I lived with for 2 years. I was regularly off work they were so bad.

As soon as I had the mirena fitted, I was back to normal. I wish I’d had one fitted sooner.

[ThomasShelbysBunnet]

Horrible experience here.
Horrendous insertion, followed by months of side effects that I didn't even attribute to the coil at first..the doctor thought I had developed a gluten intolerance because I became so bloated when eating. Lots of pain, awful cramps akin to labour after passing a bowel movement.
It was awful. The removal was just as traumatic, over an hour while they rummaged around trying to find it.
Worst ten months ever, I would never recommend one.

[RippleEffects]

1st one was an absolute game changer. From flooding a nighttime towel plus heaviest tampon in 90mins during heavy flow to no period.

2nd one I've had for two years and get very very light periods/ a day or two of spotting.

[Napmum]

I had a bad experience having it inserted by a trainee (the reason I allowed a trainee is a long story). Any way I have had bad reactions to other hormonal contraceptives so even though I had PTSD from the first insertion I have had a second one following the birth of my son. They gave me dizapam because I was so anxious to have it fitted which helped a lot. But basically no side effects (1st one I had some side effects for a couple of months but it waa great after that). This time even better it's the best contraceptive for me by far (I had bad periods before this). Everyone is different but I would recommend trying it

[MissSmiley]

I had one fitted for the same reasons as you, it completely stopped my periods but I felt really nauseous the whole time it was in, e see up having endometrial ablation 4 years and haven't had a drop since, I'm 47 now

[Floralnomad]

I had one for heavy periods and it was excellent , random spotting for about 7 months then no periods for 3 years , unfortunately I then because seriously ill and had it removed because I wasn’t sure if it was the cause of my issues ( it wasn’t ) . After I got my diagnosis I had a new one put in , had random spotting for about 2 months and then bled more or less 20 days out of every month for 13 months so I had it removed again . I’ve now started on a progesterone only pill for my heavy periods . I’m early 50s and absolutely no sign of the menopause unfortunately .

[DramaAlpaca]

The Mirena was a life changer for me, I had it put in at 46, it stopped my very heavy, unpredictable perimenopausal periods completely & saw me out the other side of the menopause. It's a wonderful thing if it works for you.