Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Flip

1 2 3 4 5

Original poster

Coil Fitting

121 replies

LittleRen · 15/04/2018 10:40

Sorry I am posting here for traffic really but it is kind of an AIBU. I have an appointment to get the coil fitted tomorrow AM, still not decided which type (any advice there - I don't have heavy periods and don't like extra hormones so my current preference is probably copper). My Husband was hoping to work from home so he could come with me but he is just too busy in the office now so he can't, although he has said he will if I really need him to, but I am not that bothered. However I have heard some horror stories about people going into shock after, feeling faint etc and I am worried I won't be able to drive home.

Generally I have a pretty high pain tolerance, have had three babies, so I wasn't too worried but now I have a niggle in my mind about the whole thing.

Have any of you had such bad experiences with the coil fitting that would mean you wouldn't have been able to drive home?? I have waited a month for the apt, and to rebook would be late May unless I go private but the places that offer it privately seem to be so limited.

So AIBU to go on my own, or do I need someone there? Mum can't come as she is minding my two youngest. It's about a 20 minute drive.

PS DH will be getting the snip at some point but it's just too final for us right now.

OP posts:

itneverrainsitpours · 15/04/2018 16:14

I've got a mirena coil. I've had it for over 2 years now.
Didn't really feel much when it was fitted and was fine afterwards.
Had some mild cramps in the evening and haven't really thought about it since!

QueenofmyPrinces · 15/04/2018 16:29

I’ve had a Mirena twice. The first time it went in no problems but the second time hurt like hell but that was only because of the doctors crap technique.

On both occasions though I was fine immediately after insertion and wouldn’t have needed anyone with me etc, I was fine to drive myself home.

Yogagirl123 · 15/04/2018 16:31

So pleased to hear you have rebooked OP. A sensible decision.

I am on my second Mirena coil, I have to be honest, the first time, I went into shock and passed out, the second time was painful for me too. I have given birth to two DS’ without pain relief, so I would consider myself to have a reasonable pain threshold.

You just never know how your body will react. Many have no trouble at all. Wishing you luck. At least when it’s done you don’t have to worry for 5years and no periods are fab with the Mirena too.

speakout · 15/04/2018 16:35

No periods? I am reading this thread with interest. I am guessing that those with no periods have a hormonal coil? But that must surge with output/time? Is that Ok? Safe? Healthy?

Pinksun12 · 15/04/2018 16:36

I had a mirena fittes about four weeks ago, pain was over in a second, but I did feel like passing out. The receptionist made me a coffee with some sugar and I was fine after 10 min.
So far I kind of forgot about having a coil, but it's only been four weeks so can't comment on any side effects yet

ThomasShelbysBunnet · 15/04/2018 16:59

@Mydoghatesthebath the nurses did say that because I've had 2 emcs it might be more painful. It took nearly a week to settle down and that was 6 months ago - I've had no bother at all since. Despite the pain and discomfort I would have another one fitted if it lasts the full 5 years.

Cakedoesntjudge · 15/04/2018 17:09

Speakout - because the hormones don't need to travel in the same way the pill does there's actually a very small amount in the Mirena compared to the coil. I had problems mood wise due to hormones on the pill but nothing since I've had the Mirena fitted.

I second others re the only pain at the actual time of fitting is a sharp pinch. I was fine for about an hour afterwards and then had the worst period pains I'd ever had for about 2 days. I bled really heavily for about 6 weeks on and off and thought I was going to have to get it removed BUT so glad I stuck with it. I don't get periods anymore, don't have to worry about remembering my pill and don't actually notice it at all! I would definitely get one again.

MargaretCavendish · 15/04/2018 17:25

But that must surge with output/time? Is that Ok? Safe? Healthy?

As safe (or not, depending on your view on this) as any other form of hormonal contraception - and a lot, lot more effective than the pill (mostly because you can't stuff it up). Contrary to what a lot of women think, there's nothing more 'natural' about hormonal contraception that gives you withdrawal bleeds that mimic periods.

WhatsGoingOnEh · 15/04/2018 17:29

Can you have a Mireya to control heavy/flooding/long periods caused by fibroids?

And can it turn you into a fat psychopath (like the normal Pill did for me)?

Hogtini · 15/04/2018 17:30

I had the Mirena and was absolutely fine. Sharp pinch going in and they make you sit up slowly and take a minute before leaving - think that was to do with blood pressure? Had no issues after either - highly recommend it! Good luck.

QueenofmyPrinces · 15/04/2018 17:30

I still had regular cycles and periods for the duration of the time I had my first Mirena but they were far, far less heavy and lengthy than pre-Mirena days. They’d last about 3 days and I would only need to use party liners whereas previously I’d had really heavy periods that lasted 5-7 days.

hibbledibble · 15/04/2018 17:31

I went alone, took my baby, and drove home. I really wouldn't worry. If you do feel queasy then your mum could come over with the children

Rachie1973 · 15/04/2018 17:34

I had a copper coil between children 2 & 3. Made my periods heavier than ever and I flushed it without even realising! Fortunately I was in bed and saw it or I wouldn't have known.

Am on 5th Mirena now. Love it! No pain on insertion, maybe a dragging sensation for the evening. No periods for me either.

WipsGlitter · 15/04/2018 17:35

When people say "check the strings" what exactly does that mean?!

Chickoletta · 15/04/2018 17:38

My GP wanted me to have a coil but I opted for 12 weekly depo provera injections instead. They work brilliantly for me - no side effects at all and non-invasive.

Sorry if this is off topic but thought I’d mention it as an alternative. GP surgeries are apparently paid to refer women for coils, which I find slightly troubling too.

MargaretCavendish · 15/04/2018 17:40

When people say "check the strings" what exactly does that mean?!

You just have a quick feel to make sure that the strings that come out of the coil and through your cervix are still in the same place they were when it was fitted - that they haven't got significantly longer or shorter or disappeared altogether. When the Mirena fails it is almost always because it's moved out of position, so if you check the strings regularly the chances of accidental pregnancy are vanishingly small. It's still by far one of the most effective forms of contraception even if you don't do this, though (and a lot of people don't).

MargaretCavendish · 15/04/2018 17:43

GP surgeries are apparently paid to refer women for coils, which I find slightly troubling too.

I know a lot of people don't like this, and I get why, but the targets aren't from the company that make the Mirena or anything - they're from the NHS, because it's such an effective form of contraceptive that they work out very cost effective.

Bluelonerose · 15/04/2018 17:45

Make sure they don't cut the threads to short. They did on mine and I had to go back twice. The second time to try get it out she told me she basically had to do a d&c to get it out. That was painful.
Good luck

QueenofmyPrinces · 15/04/2018 17:48

Back when I had my first Mirena put in we had to abstain from sex for 4 weeks and then go back to the GP for them to check the strings so they could give the go-ahead that everything was where it should be and that sex can be resumed.

When I went back at 4 weeks my strings had disappeared so i had to be sent for an ultrasound scan. The scan showed my coil was where it should be so it meant my strings had been drawn up my cervix and into my womb.

I aaa told the Mirena would still work effectively but that obviously there’d be issues when I wanted it removed (and they weren’t wrong)!

bimbobaggins · 15/04/2018 18:15

Oh no blue I’m going tomorrow to get mine removed and I’ve got no strings, no ones mentioned a d&c

fhefelineofthespecies · 15/04/2018 18:26

I've had one copper and one mirena. One fitting was a bit unpleasant but over quickly followed by horrific cramps where I almost fainted.

Second fitting was horrific - took 3 people, my cervix was 'resistant', they had to do a hysteroscopy to see if there was anything wrong and wanted to give up and do it under general (was as endometriosis treatment rather than contraceptive so they had to get it in). Weirdly though after the horrific one I was absolutely fine about 5 minutes after.

I think every fitting is different.

EC22 · 15/04/2018 18:28

Ask for anaesthetic gel. I’ve had 4 copper coils fitted with it and it was totally fine x

QueenofmyPrinces · 15/04/2018 18:29

Oh no blue I’m going tomorrow to get mine removed and I’ve got no strings, no ones mentioned a d&c

Be prepared to have the equivalent of a mascara brush pushed through your cervix and then rotated around the womb in the hope the little hooks may find a stray lost string

Unfortunately even that procedure didn’t locate my lost strings and I had to be referred to a Gynaecologist to have it removed

eggcellent · 15/04/2018 18:43

Follyfoot yes they do. Have you ever actually had one?

bimbobaggins · 15/04/2018 19:44

It’s the gynaecology department I’m going to queen. Do you think I might be able to get some gas and air.? I don’t cope well with pain

Flip

1 2 3 4 5