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Original poster

Coils... Copper or mirena?

15 replies

ChatterMonkey · 02/02/2022 11:05

So i currently have a copper coil in thats due to be changed, which is my second one. Never had an issue with them, no heavy periods, everything as normal.

Had an appointment today to get it changed, which wasnt very succesful as she couldn't find my threads, so ive been referred to the family planning clinic to potential have local anasthetic injection while they dig about...

But the GP seemed keen to try and get me to have the mirena rather than the copper. Why would they be so keen to advise one over the other?

Ive previously had the contraceptive implant, and had horrendous side effects from that, so was keen to avoid hormones, but GP said that as the mirena is localised, it works differently so far less likely to have side effects?

She also said that as a pro for the mirena, it could potentially stop my periods. They said this as a pro for the implant as well but i still got one every month like clockwork. If my periods didnt stop with the implant, is it unlikely that they will for the mirena?

Im stuck between just sticking with what i know which is the copper, and its never caused me any issues, or giving the mirena a try, which may be better, but could be worse...

What should I do??

(Also, does anyone have any experience about the removal procedure if they cant find the threads? Im a bit worrried that its going to be pretty painful and invasive...

OP posts:

OwlBasket · 02/02/2022 11:39

I’d absolutely stick with copper if it’s suited you so far. A lot of women have problems with mirena, it’s also common for removal to be refused even when the issues are obvious.

Strokethefurrywall · 02/02/2022 12:05

I’ve got the copper but my OBGYN is recommending that I move to mirena as my periods are still quite heavy and occasionally painful.
I used to suffer with heavy periods before kids.
Honestly I’m more concerned about the anecdotal issues others have experienced with mirena though.

At this point I’m ready to have the coil out entirely and not replace it but then would have to go back to other birth control and the coil helped to stop my intense ovulation pain!

I know if I had the mirena and had issues with it my OBGYN would remove it immediately but I’m still apprehensive. Sorry I’m no help but in the same boat as you!

ElinorOliphant · 02/02/2022 12:09

Yep I agree,stick with the copper if it suits you.

I have the Mirena for heavy periods so obviously wouldn’t have the copper.

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HobnobsChoice · 02/02/2022 12:11

I've got a copper one, my third and it should last me until menopause now. I'd stick with what you know works for you and based on the number of women who have prolonged bleeding with Mirena I'd avoid. I like being hormone free too

Scorpio85 · 02/02/2022 12:14

Following for advice on removal procedure.
I currently have mirena, this is my first coil and had it due to issues/pains I experienced down below. I’ve had no issues with it and no periods since which suits me. ☺️
I Have couple year yet before I need it removing but also curious about the removal procedure.

Rainbowshit · 02/02/2022 12:16

I didn't want a mirena as was worried about the hormones, but got one after my copper coil I'd had for 10 years was removed.

Really wish I'd done it sooner. So good not having periods!

whatsagoodusername · 02/02/2022 12:18

I've got a Mirena one. I haven't had a period since I got it 10 years ago. The first two I had 6 months of mood swings before it settled and weight gain. With the third one (inserted a month ago), I've had no side effects. I had originally planned to get the copper one, but got talked into Mirena on the day.

Cynically, I've heard that they push Mirena because they get commission. No idea if it's true.

If copper works for you, I'd stick with it. There's no guarantee on the no-period thing, and honestly that's the real bonus. I'd be pretty annoyed if I'd had copper, switched to Mirena, and still had periods.

WorriedGiraffe · 02/02/2022 12:18

When my GP advised me to have mirena she explained they got some sort of commission from it, could it be that? If the copper one works I’d stick with that personally

Original poster

ChatterMonkey · 02/02/2022 12:19

Glad that people have the same sort of opinion as me to just stick with what I know, i was just caught off guard a bit as to why she seemed so keen to convince me of the mirena rather than the copper, despite the fact that she had both lying on the table next to her. Just seemed strange that she seemed to have a preference of one over the other.

I did mention to her about my previous experience of trying to get the implant removed due to side effects, and that I had to push to get it done, and that the cost of it being wasted being mentioned in my appointment, and she assured me that it wouldnt be the case, and if i wasnt happy with it then they would remove. But who knows once its in.

Is there a major pro that the mirena has over the copper? I just dont really understand why it seems to be the obvious favourite for health professionals in my experience.

OP posts:

Original poster

ChatterMonkey · 02/02/2022 12:23

@scorpio85 in terms of removal, i want to assure you that if it goes smoothly then its totally fine! When I had my first one removed, she asked me to cough and pulled it out with the cough! (Obviously with all the clamp thingys etc which is slightly uncomfortable but not painful)

The issue with mine is the threads arent reachable, which im guessing is uncommon. Im sure yours will be straightforward and be an easy procedure!

OP posts:

Scorpio85 · 02/02/2022 12:29

Thanks for your reply @ChatterMonkey guess it’s similar to a smear with the clamps?
This has been the only bit I’ve been questioning since getting it.

Knitter99 · 02/02/2022 12:29

I've had both. With the copper coil my periods were regular as clockwork but heavier than usual. With merina they were all over the place. Irregular, long, short, heavy, light, completely unpredictable. I put on weight and had terrible mood swings. I'm now on the depo injection and I'm fine. Everyone reacts differently, it's hard to advise.

I would say if you have something that works you should stick with it, unless it's easily changed.

BringOnSandwiches · 02/02/2022 12:34

I've had the implant previously & I currently have the mirena coil.

Implant - I had terrible bleeding. Ended up on the pill at the same time to control the bleeding.

Mirena - other than when I first had it inserted, I've only had 2 individual days of very very light spotting. I've had it in about 6 months now.

emmathedilemma · 02/02/2022 12:35

I had a mirena to "help" with heavy bleeding, it might even stop your periods they said......my periods hardly ever stopped!! An entire year of hell and being told "it might settle down". I wouldn't recommend it to anyone I'm afraid. The best thing it did was fall out the bleeding was so heavy!

Badhairday101 · 02/02/2022 12:47

My strings went missing too with my copper coil. I had to go for a scan to check it was there and then referred to the gynaecologist at the local hospital. For me it was pretty unpleasant as it had become embedded.
The doctor said that my appointment wasn’t the norm though and strings have usually just got folded up in the neck of the cervix so it’s really simple to remove with the right equipment.

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