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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be terrified about coil fitting on Wednesday?

101 replies

user1483284537 · 01/01/2017 15:37

Long term MN lurker here but first time poster, so um hi

I'm going to start taking medication soon which requires the use of contraception because it causes birth defects. My doctor won't prescribe it to me unless I have a coil fitted so I have an appointment on Wednesday to have it fitted.

Bit embarrassing at my age (22!) but I've never had sex and can't use tampons because I find them too sore.

AIBU to be terrified that this is going to hurt but also be wondering htf it is even going to be fitted in the first place?

Someone please tell me it won't be that bad....

OP posts:
aurorie11 · 01/01/2017 15:39

If you aren't planning on having sex, why have a coil fitted?

Original poster
user1483284537 · 01/01/2017 15:40

Because they won't give the medication without one.

OP posts:
Maxwellthecat · 01/01/2017 15:40

I've not had a coil fitted so could t say (getting one next week though so came to see the answers as I too am terrified) but could you not get the implant??
I use that now and the insertion wasn't bad at all.

fairiedemon · 01/01/2017 15:41

I had my second one fitted a few weeks ago and I can honestly say it was fine! I'm not going to lie there was a few seconds where it was a bit crampy and I had to take it easy for the rest of the day. I currently have a stinking cold and am suffering more now then when I had it fitted if that helps with some perspective!

Musicaltheatremum · 01/01/2017 15:42

I would have a serious chat with them before you go ahead. Is the drug roaccutane for skin? My daughter went on the pill for this, could that be a better option.

MiladyThesaurus · 01/01/2017 15:42

Take some painkillers first so they've kicked in by the time you have it fitted.

Original poster
user1483284537 · 01/01/2017 15:42

They never mentioned the implant. They just said it had to be a coil.

OP posts:
Cinnamon2013 · 01/01/2017 15:43

Sorry to hear you're feeling nervous. Have you ever had a smear test? It's the closest comparison, I think. Not fun but not awful either. You need to be completely honest with the person doing it - tell them what you've said in this post about tampons etc. I told the woman doing mine that I'd given birth by c-section (ie not vaginally) and she made adjustments to size of speculum etc. They should also be a bit gentler/kinder/slower to you also hopefully. It really is a great method of contraception in my experience - an uncomfortable ten minutes but nothing to think about for years. I hope it goes well for you.

FlyWaxSleepRepeat · 01/01/2017 15:44

Is it Roaccutane? Totally worth it, if it is!

I have the copper coil, I can honestly say fitting took a few minutes and I hardly felt a thing.

Who is doing the fitting? The family planning GP who did mine does them day in day out so I'm sure once you explain to them that you're worried they'll reassure you.

Original poster
user1483284537 · 01/01/2017 15:44

Not roaccutane (sp?). It's Toctino for eczema.

OP posts:
Original poster
user1483284537 · 01/01/2017 15:46

I know I should have told my doctor that I've never had sex but I didn't because I am embarrassed.

Do you think I should mention it when I go in to have it fitted and see if they still want to do it?

OP posts:
HerestoyouMrsRobinson · 01/01/2017 15:47

Honestly it will be fine. Mine wasn't the most fun experience of my life but I was so anxious beforehand and it wasn't at all bad.

LimpidPools · 01/01/2017 15:47

It's uncomfortable, but manageable and quick.

Do tell them your concerns and that you've never had sex. You don't need to feel embarrassed at all.

Oh, and do take PP's advice about taking painkillers in advance.

Original poster
user1483284537 · 01/01/2017 15:47

It's my GP who is doing it.

I've never had a smear test as am too young.

OP posts:
MiladyThesaurus · 01/01/2017 15:49

Tell your GP. They aren't going to think anything of whether you've had sex or not. And do tell them you're nervous too. It's ok to feel that way and they can reassure you.

Do take the painkillers first. It does help.

TerriB84 · 01/01/2017 15:52

It does seem a bit odd that this is the only contraceptive option they are giving you. When I requested mine they were initially reluctant as I was told they generally don't suggest them for women who have not had children yet. I got the impression this was to do with ease of insertion more than anything else. I did go ahead and get one and there were no issues with insertion. As a PP mentioned a cervical smear is the closest feeling if you've ever had one. It didn't hurt but was definitely uncomfortable. I felt crampy for a short while afterwards but once it settled down I couldn't feel it.

GnomeDePlume · 01/01/2017 15:56

I have had the coil fitted a couple of times and found the fitting uncomfortable rather than painful. Take a couple of paracetamol before hand (if you are okay to take this) and have paracetamol and ibuprofen available for afterwards in case you get a bit of cramping. You can alternate paracetamol and ibuprofen so long as you don't exceed the maximum dosage for each of them. Let your doctor know that you will be doing this.

The coil itself is T shaped. I think it is incerted through the opening in the cervix folded and then the T is extended like an umbrella by the 2 threads which will be left outside the cervix but inside you.

I hope that helps a bit.

natwebb79 · 01/01/2017 16:02

Do you think they are under pressure to only offer the coil as it's cheaper to dish out than the implant? It may well be worth asking.

EveOnline2016 · 01/01/2017 16:06

I would get the hormone based one rather than the copper.

It's was ok to insert for me but a bit of cramping afterward nothing that paracetamol or ibuprofen didn't solve.

CantChoose · 01/01/2017 16:07

I am on roaccutane and have an implant. In terms of effectiveness there should be no reason for you to not have that instead. I'm afraid I'm not familiar enough with your medication to know whether there's any interaction with hormones in the implant though I find it unlikely. Might be worth holding fire and checking with your dermatologist. I have fitted coils in the past and would say it's very different for different women even with the same person (me!) doing the fitting. The vast majority find it at most uncomfortable but some do find it sore.

AVirginLitTheCandle · 01/01/2017 16:08

I bet everyone here who is saying it wasn't that bad weren't virgins when they had it fitted though Confused

I'd imagine a speculum would be painful if you've never had sex and especially if you struggle with tampons...

Awwlookatmybabyspider · 01/01/2017 16:14

Firstly there's nothing embarrassing about being a virgin. Its your body. Also I can't use tampons either, so. I don't think. Its got anything to do with virginity, and. I'm going to be honest. Having a peice of metal put inside you, isn't going to tickle.
Now on to the point. I'm really not liking what I'm reading op. Your GP is basically forcing you to have a procedure done. That you don't want.
I'm sure that's illegal. Infact. I think. Its classed as assault and battery.
Also what's the coil got to do with your medication.

I think you need to see a different doctor.

Miloarmadillo1 · 01/01/2017 16:16

You need to talk to them again. If you can't insert a tampon then having a coil put in is going to be very unpleasant. I had one and it was uncomfortable having it fitted, but I've had 3 vaginal births. If you are not sexually active then you don't need to use contraception. I'd be frankly insulted if they were implying I wasn't capable of acquiring and using contraception if and when that situation changed. Being a virgin is absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about but it is very relevant to whether this is suitable for you.

QueenOfTheSardines · 01/01/2017 16:22

I must admit that I thought they tried to avoid giving the coil to women who hadn't had children? My friend was asking for one for years and they wouldn't do it (this was some years ago though).

I don't think that the coil is the right choice for a woman who has not only never had children, but also never had a smear, and never had sex? Doesn't seem like a good option to me.

I had a coil after 2 DC but due to various birth things I never actually went into labour let alone dilated / had a baby through cervix and when I had it out (consultant at hosp long story) he was very surprised they had done it for me. But of course they looked at my notes and saw "2 children" and assumed. He said that they must have had " a hell of a job" getting it in and although it was doable it certainly wasn't pleasant.

There must be other options for you OP - I believe (personal opinion) that the coil is not appropriate for you / not the best option.

identityhidden · 01/01/2017 16:25

I'm going to sound awful but I was a virgin when I needed a coil - they wouldn't even attempt it without a general anaesthetic (or spinal block). I had it under a spinal and am glad I didn't try without. They tried to fit a new one without and I couldn't cope at all. Does the medication need to be started asap? Could you have a chat with the doctor again first?

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