Mirena coil a blessing or curse? PLEASE HELP!

[skitzy]

Hi all,
I had the coil inserted in Nov 18, because I’m unable to have any other form of contraception And after 12 month battle I would like to hear if anyone had the same experiences as me as I’m losing my mind..
Pros:
My periods stopped completely!

Cons:
*I’ve had lower back ache for almost a year
*I have a bad odour down there all the time especially after Sx but not always showing an infection however either have BV or thrush every few of months.
*Sex drive has driven off a cliff
*My boobs hurt all the time
*put on 10lb around my middle
My drs keep telling me none of it is related to coil but I didn’t have any of this before & I feel like I’m going crazy it’s ruining my marriage, I’m considering getting sterilised instead? Any comments or advice of experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks x

I kept getting BV, turned out that it was the coil that was housing the infection and no amount of antibiotics could get rid...i was also extremely bloated and moody! An awful experience!

My boobs have hurt since the day it went in. Only bad symptom so far and it's only been a couple of months but it's notably sore

@SardineJam
Thanks did how long did you battle with it, you keep the coil or have it removed my GP keeps saying it's not the coil but it has to be right? I'm so bloated i read posts saying people lose weight almost instantly when removed.

@smoresmores thanks for reply, the boob tenderness is horrendous enough, I pray you don't get any of the other symptoms x

It depends who you ask. For some women, it's fantastic. For others, there is a mix of symptoms, and you might experience just one or a whole cocktail.

Plenty of women have reported GPs insisting it can't possibly be the contraception, but I suspect that at least some of the time, if not always, this is just more evidence that women's symptoms are less likely to be listened to.

I think 12 months is more than long enough to see if things would settle down. If you don't think the side effects are tolerable, ask for it to be removed.

When you say you can't use other contraception - do you mean hormonal contraception, or no condoms either?

@EBearhug thanks for your reply I can't use any hormonal contraception due to a liver issue they caused me to have I was always fine on the pill then the patch then they said I couldn't have it anymore I'd rather the liver issue to be honest and I also suffer from a condition called lichen sclerosis so condoms are sometimes a unbearable experience i just know this coil isn't doing me any good x

Wasn't for me best thing ever having it removed after 18 months.

@RandomMess can I ask what made you decide to have it removed? Did you have all these symptoms too x

If you're having problems with it - do NOT doubt yourself and don't let the docs tell you it's unrelated or impossible. I had massive problems with Mirena, and they all went away as soon as it was removed.

I had mine for 6-8 months from what I recall. They removed it and then offered to refit a new one but I declined. Went on the pill which was another horror so just went with condoms in the end (I realise this isn't an option for you). When DS2 was 2 months old, DH got the snip

@AutumnOctober thanks I'm talking to GP again tomorrow as I'm sure I have another infection she just talks to me like It's all in my head I want it gone x

I had constant PMT, still had week long "periods", I felt my depression was worse on it.

Also turned out the itch that felt like thrush but wasn't turned out to be the threads irritating me.

@SardineJam thanks for your feedback I'm sorry your experience was awful but I'm pleased to hear it's not all in my head the Constant BV is just embarrassing. I'm thinking of getting sterilised as DH not keen at all and at 40 with 2 kids I'm so done with anymore babies. X

Don't take no for an answer, if you've made your mind up that you want it gone then push for it. I had to 'ask' so many times to get mine out and in hindsight I really wish I'd been more assertive. I should have demanded, not asked. Good luck op x

@RandomMess thanks, I said the same things about the threads and was told no that doesn't happen hope you are much better now. X

Why have you got the mirena if you are avoiding hormones?
Sounds like it isn't working for you at all.
Would you consider the copper coil? I have no probs with mine...
definitely insist to the GP that you don't want it anymore. Good luck!

@bumpertobumper apparently the mirena doesn't have the same hormones as the pill or patch I didn't want it I was kinda forced into it as my only option I don't think I want anymore coils x

Sounds bloody awful

Get it removed

Yep they told me that too re hormones. I mean, the fact that it has a brand name should be enough of a red flag for all of us. Patient info here www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1132/pil

I’ve had it for a year and my only side effect is hormonal spots, which I really am unhappy about as it’s getting worse. For not the pros still outweigh the cons but I’m giving it 6 more months and if my skin doesn’t recover I may take it out.

Thanks for all your feedback ladies. Much appreciated x