AIBU to ask you about having a coil?

[DirtyDeeds]

TLDR: I’m debating getting a coil but with a history of endometriosis and heavy periods plus reacting badly to hormone treatments not sure which could be best
Plus I’m worried about the strings?!

Longer version:
I can’t take the pill and I have a history of endometriosis. Hormone based contraception seems to make me bleed and affects my mental health. I need to review contraception and the coil seems the most sensible option.
However I have concerns
Mirena - I know the hormone dose is low but will it send me loopy given how I react with hormones?
Copper coil - apparently can make periods worse? Mine are already 8 days and heavy!
Both - can you feel the strings?? Can your partner?! I’m worried about this affecting sex

AIBU to ask you for your advice - rather than the sales pitch I get from my GP?

TIA

I also had BV all the time until I had it removed which I’m sure contributed to scaring in my tubes

I'm on my third Mirena. Haven't had a period in 12 years. No side-effects whatsoever.

Had mirena fitted in July 2017 and wish I had done it years ago! Its transformed my heavy periods and will hopefully see me through menopause (I'm 50) without needing changing. Had a bit of a faff getting it in as first doctor discovered a polyp at the entrance so had to have that sorted. My womb tilts the wrong way so had to go to hospital where they have beds which tilt differently to those in the GP surgery (don't ask me how!) and the lady there inserted it really quickly and easily. The strings on mine have wrapped themselves around so they aren't 'dangling' but I can feel them if I ever decide to check its still there.

Like I said, I wish I'd done it years ago - would have made my life so much easier,

I had the copper coil and I would never have it again. My periods went from 4/5 days to 10/11 days and heavy for most of that. After 8 months of having it I then bled continuously for 7 weeks. They couldn't find any other reason and put it down to the coil. I had an ultrasound which showed it was in the right place but a few weeks later it came out on its own. I was grateful for that, as I'd had quite a few appointments at my GP surgery leading up to that point and they kept saying to give it a while longer and wouldn't remove it. I also had an increase in watery discharge which had a strong metallic smell. The GP put that down to the coil as well and I had swabs done which were all clear. Maybe I was just unlucky, and maybe if I had had it in for longer, it would have settled down. But I won't try it again.

@halcyondays I’ve had lots and lots of surgery for endo...

@Bagofoldbones was yours copper or mirena?

Mirena coil here and I'm considering getting it removed. Hormones haven't effected me but I haven't stopped bleeding since I had it fitted 3 months ago. It's not a lot but it's enough that I'm fed up

Mirena coil here and I'm considering getting it removed. Hormones haven't effected me but I haven't stopped bleeding since I had it fitted 3 months ago.

My doctor warned me that I'd bleed for 3 months. Maybe worth waiting another couple before deciding to remove?

It was nearly 20years ago, RositaEspinosa, but IIRC it messed with my mind. I was constantly convinced I was pregnant! Also, I hadn't realised how connected I was with my body, how subliminally aware I was of where I was in my cycle (back ache, mood, appetite etc were all influenced by my cycle). On the mini-pill I lost all of that, and felt totally disconnected. Perhaps that's why I thought I was pregnant.

I don't remember how long I was on it. Less than a year, 8-10 months maybe? The relief when I stopped and reconnected was wonderful. In the meantime I had discovered the Mooncup, and my heavy periods were no longer nearly such a hassle. Far less discomfort, too, with a Mooncup.

Conversely, when I was on the mini-pill were the best days of my period life. Basically no period.

@Blobby10, please tell more about having the Mirena fitted in hospital. I find that the worst part of having a Mirena is the fitting (removal is nothing). Last time the GP gave me diazepam to help me. I also have a retroverted uterus.

I had the mirena fitted 7 months ago because of my heavy periods and slight anemia. I had to goto the hospital to have it done though as they couldn't do it at the doctors as my cervix was tightly shut! 3 dd were c section. It's been brilliant wish I had it done many years ago! No periods. No pain and no other side effects xxx

If you are sensitive to hormones do not get the Mirena. Despite a few medical professionals telling me that it is such a small amount concentrated in my reproductive area and couldn't possiby affect me at all, I lost my libido completely, had depression, mood swings, lethargy etc etc. My OH also got scratched by the strings despite them being made shorter, so the copper wasn't a possibility for me either because of that. I felt the effects within maybe a week or having it put in and had to threaten to pull it out myself as they were EXTREMELY reluctant to remove it. They finally did after about two months but the damage it did to me did not repair for months afterwards.

@Lweji it was the same for me. It wasn’t just spotting either and got heavier and heavier. Was in a lot of pain too.

I discovers that I am very sensitive to progesterone. Even the tiny amount in the coil was awful for me. I feel shit with my own stuff let alone adding extra.

*@Dilbertian * I honestly didn't have any issues. I got shown into a room and went through all my obs then given the old surgical gown but was shown how to tie it so my bum wasn't on display. I could keep my bra on so didn't feel totally exposed although I did decline the paper pants . I went into the theatre type room which sounds dramatic but really wasn't and sat on the tilting bed. Nice lady doctor had a look inside me and kind of harrumphed when I explained how the GP couldn't fit the coil. She got me to take some deep breaths and before I could do two it was all over. Was advised to wear a panty liner for a few days as there would be some bleeding.

I do still get periods (unlike many of my very lucky friends!) but they are regular and so much lighter that I almost forget I'm on!!

My advice would be to practice the deep breathing exercises given for childbirth and take yourself to your happy place. It honestly didn't hurt me in the slightest although I did feel a bit of rummaging as she positioned the coil before opening it.

I suffer from severe endometriosis and had the mirena coil put in place in June last year.

I had the copper coil before and it was horrendous- I went for the copper at first as I too struggle with hormones making my crazy so decided that the copper would be ideal.

I had terrible pain, excessive bleeding and I felt worse than ever.I saw a new consultant who convinced me to swap to mirena and the difference is night and day.

I get very small amount of spotting for 1 day(only need a panty liner) and I can go for months with no pain at all. I sometimes do still suffer flare ups and have to take medication but this is only every few months.

The hormones haven't really affected me as badly as the pill so it's been a really positive outcome for me.

Also - I can feel the strings if I am looking for them but my DH can't feel them at all