To ask if a coil fitting is as bad as I think it’s going to be?

[TeddyIsaHe]

I think I’m more nervous about this than I was giving birth

Going on Friday and working myself into a tizzy about it! Having the Mirena I think, rather than copper.

Had several fitted over the years. Its uncomfortable for a few seconds and I had cramps for a couple of hours but was amazed by how painless it actually was. Please don't worry. You will be fine

What are you worried about?
The pain? The embarrassment?
I had a copper coil fitted and it’s about the same time/comfort(lack of) as having a smear test. I was done in 15mins tops.
You will be completely covered by a surgical paper towel across your lower half as you lie on a bed probably with your feet in stirrups, and they then insert the coil.
Maybe some light bleeding a few days after.

Not worried about anyone seeing my fanjo, but the pain! I’m a total baby when it comes to anything gynae and sore - I nearly blacked out at my last smear which was highly embarrassing.

I’ve recently had my 7th Mirena coil fitted. The clue in the lack of agony lies in the number of times I’ve returned for the procedure .

The only time it did really hurt was the last time aged 54 and the nurse said that it is more uncomfortable when menopausal. Even then it was over pretty quickly. The benefit far outweighs a few moments of discomfort.

I really found it short term pain for long term gain. It is a little uncomfortable during insertion but it's over very quickly. There's a bit of cramping afterwards & then I haven't known I've got it.
An added bonus for me has been no periods. I'm on my 2nd Mirena now.
You will get some replies from posters that it hasn't been so great for but having it put in really isn't anything to worry about.
Hope it goes well for you.

I have two...

The first one was fine going in but a total nightmare to get out. The second one hurt like fuck going in but came out no with no problems.

My GP is trying to convince me to have a third and I’m really not keen

I won't lie, it isn't pleasant, and it does hurt BUT only for a few seconds. If you had a virginal birth, it may not hurt at all as the cervix has already opened

It is uncomfortable, either if mine have been painful to fit and I’ll have another one put in once I’ve given birth again.
I find putting my hands under my bum and doing long deep breathing helps me, in for four and out for eight.

I've never had a baby so can't compare pain wise.

But I am a total wimp needle wise and find them to be more unbearable than the coil fitting.

I'm on my second so, last time I went they took one out and put the second one in. Really quick and simple. It's a odd sensation, like a smear test and the pinching is easy to breathe through once you get past the initial pinching.

An experienced nurse will be in and out faster than you know! I think it took longer to get my tights on.... Actually I'm fairly sure I've had longer blood tests...

Have you picked it up from the pharmacy yet? Bring a deep /wide bag if you don't want it seen... its comes with it's own applicator thing so is a good 30/40 cm long box.

Calming breathing is an excellent tip. I’m half tempted to take a diazepam left over from back spasms. I’d probably think it was a great day out then!

Would it help to understand the procedure?
I have had 3 fitted - about 5 seconds of discomfort and a bit of cramping afterwards so take some pain relief before.

I’m on my second Mirena. It’s a slightly odd sensation, not unlike a period pain, but certainly not agony. I’ve stubbed my toe and it’s hurt more! Plus the benefit of no periods for years.

I’d have one put in tomorrow and not think twice about it.

I do understand your concerns, but, like so much in life, the thought of something is often much worse than the thing itself.

It's like a smear, a bit of discomfort, some pain and pleading afterwards.

@MrsPatrickDempsey

Would it help to understand the procedure? I have had 3 fitted - about 5 seconds of discomfort and a bit of cramping afterwards so take some pain relief before.

Yes! Any first hand experiences would be great. I’ve had the initial appointment & gone through the basics of what happens, but first hand is better.

Having it out is worse than having it put in but it’s only a few seconds worth of pain - and definitely not as bad as a contraction or period pain. Perhaps have a couple of ibuprofen an hour before? Also, any pain was worth the problems that were solved by having it put in.

My coil fitting was awful, so painful and the gp couldn't get it right and spent 15 minutes pissing about up there.

18 months later I had it taken out due to problems and a scan revealed it wasnt put it in place correctly

But that's rare I think. The majority of fittings are ok.

Its put me off having another one to be honest

They will normally give a local anaesthetic, the worse bit is if they have to clip the cervix. Not pleasant but tolerable good idea to take a couple of paracetamol before fitted.

I have had a copper and a Mirena. Copper I didn’t feel, didn’t realise it was done. Mirena was worse but not so bad - my cervix is tilted though and hard to reach!

I almost chickened out half way through! The dread was much worse than the procedure. It was a slight pinching followed by the slightest cramp- not as bad as period cramps. I had one period after it was fitted and then have enjoyed many blissful years of no periods!

Good luck Teddy. I did find it uncomfortable but tried zone out as she did it. Then she said its done. So it was quick. My 3rd. I dreaded it though!!

No they didnt in my case pixxie

In fact my gp was a right old cow, told me to stop being silly, 15 mins of pain and distress and sobbing..had previous trauma which brought back flashbacks.

My consultant at hospital was not happy, said that it shouldn't be more than a few seconds of discomfort

I was really not a fan. Never had a baby. Was a hell of a lot worse than a smear. There was an extra nurse there just to hold your hand! Take cocodamol beforehand and dont move while they have your cervix clamped!

I’m on number 4. The first was pretty bad as I’d not had kids. The rest have been fine. Slightly uncomfortable, fitted in < 5 mins. A bit like period cramping for a couple of days after then years of no periods and no babies. I love my Mirena!!!

I was absolutely dreading mine but it was fine so try not to worry too much.

The doctor told me to take two painkillers beforehand, which I did, and I would describe it as uncomfortable and mildly crampy for a minute or so. It certainly wasn't the agony that I'd read about online. I've had a couple of vaginal births though which probably makes it easy. My friends who've had sections seem to have found it more uncomfortable.

Had two copper coils, and it was like a long smear test I suppose, repeated being asked to cough on command.

Admittedly I'm quite relaxed about such things, so the second time I let the doc train up another doctor for another half hour, which I hope will reduce the waiting list to get spots in future.