AIBU to not want to go to the Sexual Health clinic?

[Allgoodnamesaregone]

I'm 50 years old. I've been going through perimenopauae for the last year. When I was put on HRT the doctor said my Mirena coil was due to be changed this Feb. He suggested having a coil again. However, 6 months later I found he had put me on the wrong HRT & because I have a coil, I was getting double the progesterone I should have been. I'm now on patches of the correct dose. But I wanted to see a doctor to discuss the patches & if I need another coil. When I spoke to the Receptionist yesterday she told me my surgery no longer has a gp who can fit coils so I need to go to the Sexual Health clinic in town. I know gps often have to refer you elsewhere, but the Receptionist just told me "give the Sexual Health clinic a bell." She could have provided a number.
I haven't called yet, but presume this means I just get my coil changed & have no chance to discuss if it's what I really need. Dos anyone have experience of...

1. Getting another coil after a year of no periods and perimenopause.
2. Going to a sexual health clinic to get a coil changed.

Any advice appreciated.

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Honestly, I've found the sexual health clinic the best place to discuss the coil. I've had two fitted at SHCs and they've both been fantastically professional and knowledgeable. By comparison, I've found any discussions with my GP about the coil to be rather painful.

The sexual health clinic will be able to discuss the suitability of the coil with you. They are very knowledgeable about suitable contraceptives for a range of people and situations.

My DW is a sexual health nurse. Clinics are the font of knowledge re contraception options. And they see men and women of all ages.

Sexual Health clinic is the best place to get this sorted out - they deal with this stuff all day every day and won't just whip a coil in or out without discussing it properly with you and going over your options.

Not the coil but I got my most recent implant at the sexual health clinic because my GP no longer did them, it was honestly a much better experience super quick and easy and it's what they do day in day out so I thought were actually better at answering questions than when I'd had them at the GP

I've had two coils fitted and my best experience (and first) was at a serial health clinic. In my experience they are significantly more knowledgeable than the GP, it was much less painful and was a nicer environment.

They are usually very thorough with contraceptive options

Goto the sexual health clinic, they are extremely skilled and respectful as well as knowledgeable. Plus you get to watch all the teenage boys swagger in a room and come out with less swagger

I had the doctor from there for my first coil, good advice, experienced at fitting, loads better than the GP.

My GP has started doing that as well. I understand they are often gynaecologists and a lot more experienced than the doctors. The issue around here is getting an appointment at one, it's a pain to actually make an appointment (a million questions online or a half hour wait on hold on the phone), they told me to go to walk in clinics and when I have done they've been too busy to see me, and when you finally do get an appointment it's a few weeks wait. That's just for the consultation then presumably you have to do the same again to actually get treated. I have wasted so much time trying to sort it out I'm thinking of just giving up and going private but that costs around £500.....

They are referring you there because they know the details and suitability of options, why would you think they're only there to follow orders to fit? They have the specialist knowledge you seem to want in a GP (but they don't have one suitable any more at the practice). Just go to the SHC, they are the referral you need.

Unless there's a reason you don't think they'd be suitable (previous medical complications that requires non gynaecologist type medical training), use them - if they need to liaise with a GP about related complications/medications outside of their remit, they will advise.

I’ve actually been to my SHC this evening to get my implant removed and the nurse there was so informative, friendly and talked me through my options going forwards due to other health issues limiting my choices (a coil was one we discussed). She really knew her stuff and seemed to care about getting the right option for me, she talked to me for ages and didn’t make me feel like there was limited time. Plus a late night appointment was a bonus! I would always go there in future for contraception. They really are specialists.

Call them but check wether you’d be eligible for one first. In a lot of contraceptive services contraception can only be issued for contraception purposes if that makes sense, ie a woman requesting a coil for symptom control of menopause may not be eligible for one at a contraceptive service because it’s purpose wouldn’t be for contraception and would need to be seen by Gynae. We’ve had massive issues with GP receptionists signposting women to us when it’s been inappropriate to do so and it’s infurating for all parties. It’s a shame as we used to fit coils for any reason but due to funding and commissioning it’s no longer the case. ( I’m a nurse practitioner in contraception and sexual health ) but definitely ring your local service and check as it may differ from ours, good luck

Thank you everyone. Your replies have made me feel much better.