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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To feel like I'm being railroaded into an IUD?

93 replies

NotQuiteJustYet · 05/05/2016 12:54

I'll begin by apologising if I've put this in wrong place - I couldn't find a contraception section.

I've been prescribed a medication by my endocrinology consultant to regulate my hormone levels which my GP was meant to give me the prescription for. The letter from the hospital states this can only be done once I'm on reliable contraception as this medication has a known effect of making women more fertile - fair enough, I'm fine with the need for sensible contraception.

I'm also on a medication which I absolutely cannot risk getting pregnant on as it has a known risk of birth defects. DH and I are well informed about this and happy to wait to have children anyways.

GP today has essentially refused to print prescriptions for this medication until I've been fitted with an IUD because he feels hormonal contraception would undo the work of the meds prescribed by the consultant.

DH and I have been using condoms for 5 years now with no mishaps but I understand why this is no longer sufficient. Am I going to have to suck it up and have the copper coil fitted?

Does anyone have any fitting stories where they didn't end up in agony?

OP posts:

cornwallandson · 05/05/2016 17:26

depo-provera probably a reasonable alternative option.

PokemonMaster · 05/05/2016 17:38

Never had kids, think they put some gel in on me, they asked if I could feel cramping, I looked blankly at her, she proceeded. Was in and out in 10 mins. You'll be fine, the horror stories had me scared but we're all different I'm sure you'll be fine.

AndTakeYourPenguinWithYou · 05/05/2016 18:20

My GP is withhold my medication until I specifically have an IUD fitted

That may be, but he isn't doing it for shits and giggles, is he? He's doing that because his professional opinion is that it is the best course of action medically. If you want to go ask someone else, do that, but don't complain about a dr giving you their best advice as if they are just being mean. It's juvenile.

takemetomars · 05/05/2016 18:29

Please stop demonising the GP in this scenario everyone, it sounds as though they have identified a serious issue with your combination of meds OP.
Ask for a referral to a gynae bod, they need to sort this out for you (altho it is possible that ypur GP has already spoken with a CASH expert - ask)

Original poster

NotQuiteJustYet · 05/05/2016 18:34

AndTake At no point did I insinuate that he was doing it for 'shits and giggles', in fact I've already said I see where he is coming from and I agree that the need is there for long acting, reliable contraception otherwise I wouldn't be open to other ideas such as the implant - I have acknowledged that condoms are no longer sufficient.

No matter how you look at it having an IUD fitted is a procedure, with risks I might add, that should not be forced onto someone when there are alternatives.

I offered to have the depo done today to carry me over until I could get an appointment with the clinic to get their input and this was refused and I was told he'd see me once 'everything was sorted'. Exactly what else am I meant to take from that?

OP posts:

AndTakeYourPenguinWithYou · 05/05/2016 18:36

No matter how you look at it having an IUD fitted is a procedure, with risks I might add, that should not be forced onto someone when there are alternatives

But you aren't being forced into it, are you? Go to a differen doctor if you don't like the recommended course of action from this one.

Original poster

NotQuiteJustYet · 05/05/2016 18:37

I haven't demonised my GP, I'm rather fond of my GP. I'm not fond of the situation I feel I've been placed into. I realise GP's hands are somewhat tied too here.

OP posts:

Nan0second · 05/05/2016 18:41

I think your GP is in a very difficult situation given that the endocrinologist has suggested a copper coil in their letter.
Condoms aren't reliable enough when you are on a medication that can cause birth defects.
Depo provera isn't great when you're trying to treat pcos and will ruin what the metformin is trying to do.
I understand your fear, but they are making the best medical suggestion.
I had a coil before I'd had a child. Insertion hurt but it was fine. There are slimmer ones for people who don't have children. In fact I then had a second when the first ran out!

(Consultant in obs and gynae as well as coil user)

museumum · 05/05/2016 18:46

Avoiding hormonal bc makes sense to me given your issues but they can't demand that it's a coil.

What about a cap or whatever they call it? Coupled with condoms to double up.

CantChoose · 05/05/2016 18:52

This sounds very complicated! Could you ask your GP to ask your endo for advice re implant as they may be able to advise more about the interaction with the other hormonal problems. They may have just assumed you're happy with an IUD but would be happy with an implant too - really they should have checked with you as it sounds so crucial to the whole plan but it's easy to assume...
It can be challenging as a GP when you're asked to prescribe a medication by a consultant you're just not comfortable with. It's your signature on the script at the end of the day,

43percentburnt · 05/05/2016 18:53

I had a copper coil for 5 years. It was ok when being fitted, I drove home afterwards and had mild pain. However my periods were very, very heavy for 5 years after fitting - I use a moon cup so I know this for sure. Occasionally I felt a metallic sensation - I have been told this can't happen - but I would feel it randomly (not when I was thinking about the coil).
I really liked the coil (not a fan of hormonal contraception), I got pregnant the month after it was removed (planned).
I have heard it can be difficult to persuade them to remove it if you don't like it.

What is the failure rate vs correct condom usage?

Zaurak · 05/05/2016 18:54

I work in clinical trials and we do not (cannot) dose patients who are female and of child bearing age unless they are using TWO reliable forms of contraception.
Your GP isn't being ridiculous- condoms used correctly still have a non negligible risk of failure. He has a duty of care
I've had an iud pre baby and it wasn't exactly fun to put in but it was ok.
Anyway, if you don't want an iud there are other doubling up options - condoms plus diaphragm for example

Blistory · 05/05/2016 19:02

If you don't want an iud there are other doubling up options

And this is the issue. Her GP isn't talking to her about other options - he's holding her medication to ransom on the basis that he is more comfortable with the idea of an IUD. He's refusing to recognise that she's a responsible adult who is entitled to have all the options explained to her and to make her decision based on that information and her own personal views.

MigGril · 05/05/2016 19:04

I'm on Topiramate for migraine, I'm also fertile at least it only took me and DH a couple of months to concive both DC's. But my GP has been perfectly happy for us to just use condons as birth contontrol, I've had a lot of problems with hormonal contraception which rules them out and the last coil I had wasn't much fun either. Although I've never tired a copper one but I'd be very unhappy if they made me have one.

Chipsahoy · 05/05/2016 19:04

How is this Gp not forcing her? He is withholding medication until she agrees to have an Iud. Complain.

ToadsforJustice · 05/05/2016 19:17

Cut ties with this GP. He has no idea how traumatic having a coil fitted can be. He should not be holding your medication to ransome until you give in to his demands. He is being unethical. There is always a choice. See another doctor. This GP is unreasonable and your doctor/patient relationship is now over.

Lightbulbon · 05/05/2016 19:31

Id second Zaurak's suggestion of condoms + diaphragm. You could also avoid sex mid cycle.

I'm kind of surprised no one has suggested no piv for the time you are on this combo of meds, surely this is good prep for the early days of parenthood

AndTakeYourPenguinWithYou · 05/05/2016 19:33

How is this Gp not forcing her? He is withholding medication until she agrees to have an Iud. Complain

He's doing his fucking job! And she can say no and see a different dr, so he is not in anyway "forcing her".
You don't have to get an IUD. He doesn't have to prescribe you anything at all. No-one forces anyone.

OTheHugeManatee · 05/05/2016 19:40

The Hippocratic oath commands doctors to 'do no harm'. He may feel that prescribing medication that carries the risks described would contravene that oath unless sufficient precautions are taken to prevent pregnancy. I think that's his ethical prerogative.

OP, I had a copper coil and thought it was the bee's knees. Bit uncomfortable to fit but not hugely more than a smear test. I'd just do it in your shoes.

If you're really not comfortable with the idea though, get a second opinion.

madcapcat · 05/05/2016 19:42

Would a combination of barrier methods be more acceptable for them eg using diaphragm, spermicide and condoms together? I

pollyblack · 05/05/2016 20:03

I had a copper coil put in and it was really sore but only for a few minutes, then I had bad cramping for a week or so. However I bled SO MUCH, such long heavy periods, it was just no fun. So I had it taken out a year later and switched to Mirena which so far seems much better. I wouldn't call having a coil put in traumatic though, if you go to a proper cliniic (i.e. not your GP) the people there do it ALL the time, and you have a nurse to look after you throughout. It was an unpleasant afternoon but a good solution if it works (and I have had a traumatic birth and a total wuss about fanny things now)

Original poster

NotQuiteJustYet · 05/05/2016 20:05

I'm deeply uncomfortable with the whole idea of it, from insertion through to it being in me for an extended period of time to removal. I've spoken to DH about this as well and actually defended the GP's stand point (I do realise why he has taken the view he has, I am very aware of the risks and how the drugs interact) he's still not happy that he refused to prescribe until I'd been treated by the clinic.

My consultant requested reliable contraception, I advised him of my concerns with IUD's and when I asked if the depo would be sufficient he agreed that it would be - hence today coming as a bit of a shock to suddenly be told otherwise - Endo consultant put in the letter to GP that ideal option would be an IUD but it just needed to be something reliable - GP has advised copper coil, endo never mentioned this to me.

DH and I are more than happy to use multiple barrier methods. I'm happy to have the implant too. I'm not happy to be told I will only be getting medication prescribed by my consultant if my GP thinks me to have taken enough precautions despite refusing to discuss these all with me, instead pointing towards the clinic and IUD.

I have an appointment with the clinic at the end of the month to discuss all of my options, including the copper coil and hopefully set my mind at ease if I do end up going this way (which I'm not happy about but desperately trying to keep an open mind) or if we can work something else out that works for my circumstances.

Roll on the invention of the male pill!

OP posts:

MigGril · 05/05/2016 20:07

Why should she have to have one of she doesn't want one though. No form of contraception is 100% and DD best friend was concived on a copper coil. I think as long as op is aware of the risks is prepared to take precautions then it should be up to her not her doctor what form of contraception she uses.

I had a chill fitted pre DC's it wasn't much fun they almost had to take it straight out. Luckily it settled down and I was on with it for a while, but I've never had a straight forward fitting even after children which is why I won't have another one.

BonerSibary · 05/05/2016 20:09

There are people who won't use IUDs for religious reasons because they believe life begins when sperm meets egg, and see a method preventing a spermed egg from implanting as early abortion. I have no interest in hearing dozens of views why they're wrong btw, I'm pro choice myself, but the fact is that there are people who won't countenance IUDs for religious reasons. I wonder what would be done if OP were one of them, would she simply have to forego the medication?

MigGril · 05/05/2016 20:11

^ that should be coil not chill.

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