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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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:
NeeChee · 15/04/2018 19:44

I had a cervical block done for my fitting because of my narrow cervix.
My strings are really long, they kinda wrap around my cervix. I suppose its better for my partner than them being short and "poky" though lol (sorry TMI)

QueenofmyPrinces · 15/04/2018 20:17

bimbo

I wasn’t offered gas and air. I had an ultrasound scan and then I was put into stirrups. A theatre nurse lady came in to the room with a trolley full of utensils and a huge light was shone between my legs and it was removed whilst I was being scanned. He was obviously using the image on the screen to guide where he was going. I won’t lie, it really, really hurt.

I think I nearly broke my husband’s fingers because of his hard I was squeezing his hand.

I don’t know how long it took from start to finish, it was probably a few minutes though. It wasn’t nice but as soon as it was out I felt fine and so bloody relieved. I was so happy to have it out that the unpleasantness of it was soon forgotten.

bimbobaggins · 15/04/2018 20:19

Thanks queen. Will be glad when it’s over

QueenofmyPrinces · 15/04/2018 20:22

And it didn’t stop me having another one put in a year later Grin I had no problems with strings the second time and the GP whipped it out in about two seconds!

Follyfoot · 16/04/2018 00:24

Yes I have had one, and worked in gynae theatres so have seen it done many times. They use tenaculum or vulsellem forceps which are like a pair of scissors but with very small teeth on the end. They use this to keep your cervix still and stable, it doesnt clamp your cervix open.

roses2 · 16/04/2018 00:30

I had the mirena fitted. Felt extremely nauseous immediately after. Just managed to walk the 5 min back home and had to lie down for 2 hours.

Original poster
LittleRen · 16/04/2018 10:09

Ok so an update... I have a potential apt for Saturday at a private hospital with a gynaecologist. I feel a bit better about seeing a gynaecologist for it.. but they want to know in advance which coil I want!! I am still thinking copper, has anyone had the copper coil and not had horrendous periods?

Thanks everyone for the responses, its been so helpful!!

OP posts:
Original poster
LittleRen · 16/04/2018 10:14

Sorry mean to say has anyone else had copper coil and not had horrendous periods, I know a couple of you have said you haven't. Thanks!

OP posts:
honeycrumpet · 16/04/2018 10:22

I have the copper coil and my periods are the same as they were when I had hormonal contraception - I was very prepared for a bloodbath every month but they've actually been fine and I've never flooded or anything since having the coil. I have a couple of heavier days and then a few lighter days - literally just the same as they've always been. The cramps are slightly worse, but the blood is totally fine and manageable!
For me going onto non-hormonal contraception has been absolutely the right decision - I feel like my moods and skin are both much much better. But everyone reacts differently of course so you may have a completely different experience to me!
Good luck on Saturday, whichever coil you choose :)

curious86 · 16/04/2018 10:51

I have the merina, I felt it be put in and had stomach cramps for the day but I suffer with stomach cramps anyway, I drove to and from my appointment fine though so that shouldn't be a problem. I found it has helped my moods and also I have no periods so it was the best option for me

DSHathawayGivesMeFannyGallops · 16/04/2018 14:31

My periods are bearable on copper coil, i wouldn't say they've got worse due to it Smile. I had a couple of horrors before I got the IUD and I've had a couple since so I think it's more to do with what your cycle is like anyway? I chose it with fairly heavy periods and I haven't regretted it for a second.

DSHathawayGivesMeFannyGallops · 16/04/2018 14:32

Had it for nearly 5 years btw. So that's a lot of periods.

Pinkvoid · 16/04/2018 14:37

My DM had one a few years ago and advised me never to get one. Hers became dislodged, essentially went ‘missing’ and she needed surgery to have it removed. She isn’t the only person she knows that this happened to either. Her friend’s did the same and she ended up with twins at 44. My DM hated her periods being stopped too, said she still got all the PMS symptoms without the ‘release’ of a period.

applecatchers36 · 16/04/2018 14:41

Have had the copper coil twice, first time for a year post DC1 fitting and side effects e.g. heavy periods minor/ bearable with ibuprofen. Second time after DC2 fitting was somewhat painful, afterwards felt awful, very nauseous, shaky and unable to leave the house for 24 hours. Periods after second copper coil, very heavy. A few times heavy sudden bleeding at work, went through my clothing, had to wash out blood from clothing in work toilets, not pleasant. Then 18 months later my stomach became swollen, very painful to touch and they suspected ovarian cysts. I then ask to have coil removed. Swelling and pain went away. Will not be having another copper coil.

CurbsideProphet · 16/04/2018 14:52

I've had 2 copper coils. The first one dropped half out after 9 months and the second one had to be removed, as I was in constant pain. I went into cervical shock at one of the attempts to fit the second coil and I felt really unwell.

I'm sorry to be so negative, but I think it's best to be prepared. When they work they're great, but sometimes your body just doesn't like them. All the HCPs I saw over the two years made me feel like a hypochondriac, as they kept saying it doesn't hurt to fit a coil and they don't have any side effects. I must be the exception?!

bimbobaggins · 16/04/2018 15:02

Ended up being quite easy. In and out in under 11 minutes and that included the dressing and undressing.
Nice and quick, can’t say painless, was like really intense period cramp for about 3-4 minutes. They located the old coil very easily. The nurse was lovely and reassuring. Took my ibuprofen before I went.

tidiot · 16/04/2018 15:05

I had Mirena, no trouble with insertion (slightly more uncomfortable than a smear and cramps after) but I've had friends say it was hell.

As for after........it's a huge regret, it wreaked havoc on my health. I kept it for 3 years so definitely not a 'settling period'. My periods were lighter but sporadic and I had evil PMS with or without the period - to the point of suicidal. My skin was worse though it's supposed to help with acne and my hair fell out; within a week of removal my new hair was growing back, but 2 years later it's never completely recovered. I could also feel it poking in my uterus and suffered terrible cramping throughout. On the plus side, I never got pregnant.
I would definitely go with the copper coil if I were to go that route again, but there are plenty of women who love the Mirena and have no such side effects.

EastDulwichWife · 16/04/2018 15:08

Nearly 10 years with the Mirena and no periods at all. Loved it. Got pregnant soon after it was removed.

It's not a barrel of laughs having it fitted, but I walked home both times afterwards. You'll be fine!

Original poster
LittleRen · 23/04/2018 10:14

Ok so I have my coil apt today at 5, ended up having to change it from Saturday. Stupidly I have been reading all about perforated uterus and coils going missing and now I am terrified and on the verge of cancelling... I know I am being irrational but I am so worried I will be one of the few who has a huge problem Sad

OP posts:
beargryllshasabigrope · 23/04/2018 10:22

I have a 5 year copper, it's wonderful! My periods are heavier but they're also shorter, so I get 1 day of mega period (though not uncontrollable) and then it's all over and done with within 4 days.

I have three children too and fitting was a breeze. The worst bit was when the dr measured my womb, but that was strange rather than sore.

DearTeddyRobinson · 23/04/2018 10:25

Honestly you will be fine. It's about 3 seconds of OUCH! Then all done. Generally the places that do them, do them all day long, so they are really good. Efficient and quick, and highly unlikely to do damage.
I was nervous as I have never given birth (2 c sections) but it was really fine. Had toddler DS in the room with me 😀

Original poster
LittleRen · 23/04/2018 10:34

Thanks both... I am going to the sexual health clinic now so hopefully they are really experienced there!!! I think I might go shopping to take my mind off it... I’m the kind of person that doesn’t worry until the day or the day before, then I have a bit of a panic!!

OP posts:
RoundaboutSnail · 23/04/2018 10:37

Take painkillers beforehand. Yes, there is a pinching type pain but that's all over in 5 minutes. I had slight cramping afterwards for a day or two, but that was all.

Tell the doctor you're feeling apprehensive. Mine said that I could always ask them to stop at any time, which was helpful.

I am using the Mirena and like the way it makes periods much lighter.

Original poster
LittleRen · 23/04/2018 11:04

@RoundaboutSnail have you had any side effects with Mirena? I am most concerned about loss of libido (sort of defeats the point of contraception!!) and weight gain (had baby number 3 in Jan and feel I have just got to pre preg weight). Thanks Flowers

OP posts:
RoundaboutSnail · 23/04/2018 11:32

Personally I've had no problems with it LittleRen. I have endometriosis and it has made my periods lighter and less painful. The pill affected my mood, whereas the Mirena doesn't seem to. Apart from these benefits, I can't tell it's there and it gives me no trouble! Everyone's different though, so I can't speak for others.

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