Copper coil fitting failed - worth trying again?

[Bloatstoat]

I went to have a copper coil fitted this morning, unfortunately they weren't able to get it in, apparently my cervix was having a 'muscle spasm' and wouldn't open enough despite me being on my period which was supposed to help. They had originally tried fitting a coil after my C-section but that failed too.

I have a retroverted uterus apparently, which makes it harder. The fitting was pretty painful but not unbearable. I'm just wondering if anyone else has managed to have one fitted after it failing? The doctor said she would book me back in 'for another go', and I don't mind if it works but I'm wondering if it's worthwhile trying or if it will be another painful half hour for nothing so I should just give up? Very frustrating.

Can you ask to be referred to a specialist? I had an awful time fitting my first coil (although he did manage to do it in the end). The second time my GP has a very quick go, realised it wasn't going to be easy so sent me to a specialist who removed the old one, with missing strings, and put the new one in in seconds with no pain at all.

Thank you, I will try this - I hadn't realised there were specialists. The GP was quite blasé about it all and said it happens quite often and might well work next time but maybe she's not that good and someone who's specialist would do it more easily. I don't mind going through the pain again if it works!

Yes, I had to go back for a second try with one coil, was fine the second time (same doctor). Probably ideal if you can go to a family planning clinic where they do them all the time though, I've also been down that route in the past & they were super quick & relaxed about it all

My local clinic has a "difficult patient" clinic
It's not called that but they know what I mean! Double appointments and more pain relief
Maybe ask the GP about diazepam?

Ask for referral to gynaecologist at hospital they will be fitting them all day long. My GP has referred me recently due to previous problems when trying to fit Mirena. Obviously there will be a wait.

I had terrible trouble. GP couldn't. So I went to Family Planning, the Dr there couldn't. She referred me for an internal scan. The information from the scan was then used back at the Family Planning Clinic to fit it. With that info it was then done really fast. I'll go straight to FPC next time.

Thanks everyone, it's reassuring to know I'm not the only one who's had problems and that it has worked when the right people try to fit it. I will have a look for our local FP clinic and see if they will do it.

Mine went in first time but it was very painful. Ten years later, I had it replaced with a Mirena by another GP. She had read the previous GP's notes and knew that I had a retroverted, bicornuate uterus. I was bracing myself but it was done before I knew they'd taken the copper coil out.

I'd say it's absolutely worth it. No worries for 5-10 years at a time and now with the Mirena, no periods either. Result!

I had a horrendous first coil insertion at 21yo in GP's office. Kept telling me it was 'nearly in!', I bit my poor mums hand (she came with me for moral support) it was so painful and they tried for 45 minutes before they got it in. It was removed 6mo later for various reasons and the second attempt at a different GP surgery was abandoned very quickly.

They instead referred me to the local hospital, and a gynaecologist inserted it under a few tablets of diazepam and gas and air. Much easier and quicker.