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Original poster

Getting a mirena coil tomorrow

50 replies

Philosopherstone · 03/07/2023 18:30

As the title says im getting the mirena coil put in tomorrow and im terrified for the actual fitting but also the side effects it can cause. I've had 3 children and do not want anymore so feel I've no other choice really.

Anyone care to share any recent experiences.

OP posts:
ThanksItHasPockets · 03/07/2023 18:35

I have had Mirena coils since I was in my early twenties and am now on my fourth, having only had them removed to conceive my DC. I haven’t had any side-effects and it has been incredibly liberating not to have periods any more. Insertion is unpleasant but quick and definitely easier after childbirth, so after three children you have good odds of it being OK if they were vaginal deliveries.

However I wouldn’t have got one if the idea terrified me and you don’t have to either. You have options. Have you considered sterilisation?

husbandcallsmepickle · 03/07/2023 18:41

I'm on my third. No problems overall, bit crampy for first day or two once inserted. Love having no periods!

Happycroc · 03/07/2023 18:48

Fitting is fine, maybe some cramps soon after. You may spot for a while after, and this may go on longer than you think it should, but if you persevere it stops then you’re period free for years after

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Women's health
CarbonNeutral · 03/07/2023 18:48

I had one inserted last week as the progesterone part of my hrt. I was booked in at the gynae clinic to have a hysteroscopy and biopsy of the uterus as my lining is 11mm thick. The consultant asked me if I wanted it fitting at the same time and she also did my smear whilst she was down there!

I was dreading it bit I can honestly say I never felt a thing really. She put a Cotton swab with anaesthetic on it on my cervix and then an injection into my cervix to numb it even more. She said I could have gas and air if I needed it but I was fine.

I'd looked on mumsnet for others womens experience before I went and some have an horrific time so.i was expecting the worst. If they numb the cervix I think you'll be fine.

Too early to.say if it has had any side effects but I'm not bleeding anymore so that's a plus!

LudicrouslyCapaciousBag · 03/07/2023 18:49

Like pp I have had a good experience but they don’t agree with everyone and some women’s periods don’t stop. A friend had hers removed because she had constant spotting for six months and of course the major advantage of LARC like Mirena is that they are removable.

You do not have to have a Mirena if the thought terrifies you, however, and I’m a bit concerned that you don’t feel you have any choice. As a pp has said, you have options. You could be sterilised or your partner could have a vasectomy in addition to the usual reversible contraceptive options.

Original poster
Philosopherstone · 03/07/2023 18:50

My GP is doing mine and I was advised she would be putting numbing cream on in advance not an injection.

Has anyone had numbing cream and can say if it helped or not.

I'm worried about mood changes and weight gain.

Thank you for your experiences

OP posts:
ThanksItHasPockets · 03/07/2023 18:53

I’ve had four and never been offered any pain relief! Interesting that this is possibly not the norm.

Original poster
Philosopherstone · 03/07/2023 18:54

I've had 3 vaginal births with youngest baby 3 months old so hopefully it won't be as bad as some people have had it.

OP posts:
LudicrouslyCapaciousBag · 03/07/2023 18:57

Why do you feel that you have no choice, OP? Has anyone talked to you about your options?

notatherapist · 03/07/2023 18:59

Another one with no issues, has one in for about 12 years now (no periods!) Bit uncomfortable but quick to insert for me. No side effects for me. They can be removed if it doesn't suit - it's your body OP

Beachhutnut · 03/07/2023 19:02

I have had two, no pain relief and it was absolutely fine. With the first I bled on and off for 3 months then nothing for 4 years. With the second I bled solid for a month and a half and nothing since ( so far) but have not bled for over a month so 🤞🤞 that's me for the next 4 plus years

Harebrain · 03/07/2023 19:02

I had no pain relief with mine but was told to take 2 paracetamol an hour before my appointment. I didn’t find it painful and haven’t had any side effects. I did bleed for about 4 weeks after the fitting but when that stopped, that was it. I’ve had no bleeding since & have had it for 18 months. With a bit of luck you won’t have any side effects either.

tweener · 03/07/2023 19:07

Without sounding daft, where is she putting numbing cream?
When I've had the coil fitted it's simply been a speculum, like for a smear, coil inserted, then speculum taken out. A few period pain type cramps for a day or so after, job done.

Coilfitterhere · 03/07/2023 19:09

Quick name change for this as I've posted so much on here under my other name that if I add that I fit coils I might as well post my name, address and vital statistics on here 😃

What's frightening you, maybe I can help? Ask away.

From my experience at the other side of things it did used to be a lot more difficult for people to have them in but there's now a topical anesthetic that can be applied to the cervix. This seems to have made a big difference. I'm finding I'm having to tell a lot more patients I'm finished which I hope means the procedure was pretty much painfree.

As far a side effects go its always a bit difficult with contraception because not everyone will have the same side effects at the same severity and we all have different tolerances for these side effects. I think the key is to ask the person who's putting it in so you have a realistic idea of what might happen. The Family Planning Organisation's website is good for this kind of info.

Starlightstarbright2 · 03/07/2023 19:11

I am on my second one ..

I had it replaced a couple of weeks ago .. I was advised to take a couple of paracetamol before appointment but was running round so no time .

it was uncomfortable but bearable - period pains occasionally for a few days all fine since .

BretonBlue · 03/07/2023 19:23

I have also had several and never been offered pain relief, which I mention not. as a weird flex but because I'm not sure it's the norm in many GP surgeries. Taking two paracetamol beforehand is a good idea.

The main thing to say about side effects is that the Mirena is removable if it doesn't agree with you. I have found it life-changing but it's not true that you don't have a choice here. Have you previously had a bad experience with hormonal contraception? It is not always an indicator for Mirena as my understanding is that the hormones act locally. I had a terrible time on the progesterone-only mini pill but have had a great experience with Mirena.

FarTooHotForMe · 03/07/2023 19:34

I’ve had three under general and no bad side effects after. I had slight cramping the third time and also very intense and easily achieved orgasms for about six weeks which was nice.
I have the coil as half of my HRT.

Moredarkchocolateplease · 03/07/2023 19:39

Had one inserted last week.

Pretty hard for about 90 seconds then I stood up and drove home no problem.

Just breathed in my nose and out my mouth.

Been bleeding ever since but I was due an HRT bleed anyway and the cramps have eased off now.

intothewildmilkyway · 03/07/2023 19:49

I've had two and it was painful during insertion and after for my first. When it was due to be replaced they couldn't find it as the strings had been cut too short and it had to be removed by a consultant without pain relief as it had traveled into my womb. It was a very painful experience.

But...the coil works so well for me that I had another put in. It settled a lot quicker than the first and I haven't had a period in years.

I appreciate I could have just had back luck the first time but I don't think I would let a GP put one in again. I would want someone who fits them all day every day.

Louoby · 03/07/2023 19:49

I had mine done about 3 weeks ago. Actually hurt a bit when they were putting it in. I had some cramping afterwards but went away after some paracetamol and then I felt fine. No bleeding and no issues. I'm due on my period this week, so we shall wait and see what effect it has on them. X

Louoby · 03/07/2023 19:50

I was given local anaesthetic cream which she did without asking, but she told me what she was doing. X

Gameofmoans81 · 03/07/2023 19:55

I’m on the waiting list to get one - I’m currently on the mini pill which suits me fine, (no periods) but it absolutely kills my sex drive which is the only reason I’m swapping for coil. Is the coil actually better with regard to that or am I swapping for no reason?

BretonBlue · 03/07/2023 19:56

Gameofmoans81 · 03/07/2023 19:55

I’m on the waiting list to get one - I’m currently on the mini pill which suits me fine, (no periods) but it absolutely kills my sex drive which is the only reason I’m swapping for coil. Is the coil actually better with regard to that or am I swapping for no reason?

That was exactly my reason for swapping from the POP to Mirena and it made a huge difference.

BarrelOfOtters · 03/07/2023 20:03

I had one fitted for hrt. The fitting wasn’t great, no pain, but due to where my cervix is apparently I fainted, v glad I was in hospital as had to go to ward for afternoon. Felt really ropey for a couple of days. But have since lost not gained weight…and moods much better.dreading it being taken out.

weegiemum · 03/07/2023 20:03

I loved my mirena, no periods, no hormonal migraines, it seemed fantastic!

I started getting a bit of hormonal effects after a year, felt a bit like pms but no period. Turns out it had slipped into my cervix and I actually got pregnant. Dd2 is 19 now and just finished training as a beauty therapist!

So my advice would be go for it, but check your strings and if you feel at all that it's not working (breakthrough bleeding, other hormonal stuff) get it checked out asap!!