To be terrified of getting the coil fitted?

[rhaenyra01]

I have just had my first DD and have started taking the pill again, but have been thinking about changing my contraception. I have always had really heavy periods, even when on the pill, and had lots of unpleasant side effects including hormonal acne, and bad mood swings, as well as heavy breakthrough bleeding when taking my active pill. I spoke to my GP about it at my six week check up post-baby, and she suggested that non-hormonal contraception would be best for me, i.e the coil.

My issue is that i'm terrified of getting the coil fitted. My first ever smear test was extremely painful and quite traumatic and I feel like it's left me with a phobia of being touched down there (by anyone apart from DP of course, hence the baby!). The nurse couldn't reach my cervix despite trying two different speculums, she was quite rough, I was in a lot of pain, crying and being held down by the other nurse, when I finally stood up after it I passed out and threw up. I remember crying for hours when I got home after it and feeling really violated. I haven't been able to use tampons since. When I was pregnant the thought of having a vaginal birth or vaginal examinations made me sick and panicky at the thought so I ended up having an elective C-section.

I feel like the coil is the best contraceptive option for me in terms of being non-hormonal and long lasting, but I am just so terrified of having it fitted. This might sound stupid but I feel like I would have to be knocked out to have it fitted. Even when I had my C-section and they had to fit the catheter I was crying, shaking and hyperventilating. I don't want to stay on the pill and my GP said that the coil would be best for stopping my heavy periods.

Does anyone have any advice? I know it seems extreme but could I have the coil fitted under a general anaesthetic?

I had a coil fitted which gave me an infection, which then spread to other organs and I spent a while in hospital very, very unwell. They still wouldn’t remove it so I had to remove it myself. Worst thing I’ve ever done and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone.

i get the injection now!

Don't be pushed into something that isn't right for you. GPs do receive financial incentives for prescribing specific meds and this includes the coil.

I was pushed and pushed by a consultant who wouldn't take no for an answer and told me that there were no other options. I walked out of the hospital room and insisted on seeing another doctor. In my case they had no idea what was causing the symptoms and so I argued that they couldn't prescribe a coil without a scan at the v least. The second consultant agreed, I received an apology and full diagnosis (I had to have a hysterectomy).

Just a note - if they're talking about it stopping your periods then it's likely Mirena they're talking about and therefore still a hormonal contraceptive.

My GP convinced me to get one, citing that the hormones don't go systemic (around your body) and that turned out to be a load of rubbish. The hormones affected me hugely almost immediately and it was the one of the worst six weeks of my life as a result. Then the GP tried to avoid taking it out and I had to go to the walk in at the hospital for removal. Please read up on the side effects, GPs seem to enjoy glossing over them. Good luck!

I have had three caesareans, and 2 miscarriages and am not squeamish in the slightest about using tampons etc but having my mirena put in was absolutely horrific. Unfortunately having it out (it went wandering) was probably even worse.

If you feel like this about the thought of it, I just wouldn’t entertain the idea

I'm sorry about the trauma you've experienced.

I've had 2 coils fitted previously. Though the first appointment I had was unsuccessful, though honestly not painful. The GP just couldn't get it in. I was then referred to a specialist (was either a consultant or someone from the sexual health clinic).

I've had awful periods my whole life and it's been life changing for me.

If you decide you would like to give it a go. I would ask to be referred to someone who's fitting very regularly. The lady that fitted mine said she fits a minimum of 60+ a year & due to the regularity fines it easy. Some gps might only fit 12 a year (the minimum to keep their qualification) so don't have the same confidence etc.

This is appalling. I am so cross for you. I've heard so many coil horror stories at this point - I'd never have one again.

I have the copper coil OP and in your circumstances I really don't think it's right for you. Yes, not taking hormones is great, but the periods are more painful and I also get strong cramping pain at various other times in the month. I'm waiting for an appointment to get mine removed after 8 years.
Do you want more children? Vasectomy is definitely the best option if not.

I removed my Mirena myself after waiting forever for an appointment. I was extremely shocked at how easy it came out.

I’d say it’s a bad idea. I thought it was extremely painful having a Mirena fitted. We’ve used condoms for 17 years.

OP, would you consider going private ? I recently saw someone privately and it was so much better than I expected. It was in London, pm me if you want details.

I think you sound very bitchy and clearly lack any empathy at all.

The GP that did mine does a lot of them - it's one of the things I asked her after reading up on having one. Also asked her if she'd remove it if I didn't like it and she seemed shocked that anyone would refuse to. Of course you have to decide whether you trust them about these things, and luckily I've had no issues that required it being removed early.

I am on my third now, no DC
It was basically a speculum, then they sound/measure your womb which was like a big cramp, then fit the coil
I said "OUCH" but by the time I had finished saying it, it was done. I go to a clinic that has a special clinic, not sure what the actual term is but I know it as the difficult patient one as they're more experienced and can do more pain relief
Then after fitting I get cramps so always take the day off work

The GP that fitted mine said the pain is often worse in those who have never had a vaginal delivery as the cervix can be rather shut tight 😫

I have had very painful experiences with having a coil fitted in the past as I have a wonky cervix.. not the technical term! I had to have a womb camera thing recently and had a coil fitted at the same time...they gave me a local and gas and air...I honestly didn't feel a thing. I don't want to put you off if you can't go down that route but in my experience having a coil fitted is much worse than a smear test.

OP I ended up having mine fitted at the hospital as they couldn't do it at the doctors surgery despite trying! I was scared but you know it was so much better than the tries at the surgery. It was local anaesthetic which was fine then I was chatting to the nurses about holidays etc and before I knew it was done! I can't even remember feeling pain or tensing up like I do with a smear. I've never regretted it. My periods are non existent and I'm no longer anaemic Xx

A thought lovely. Why not reach out to someone who can help talk through what happened to you before and maybe get some relaxation exercises to help you centre yourself when you are feeling scared during a medical procedure. So for instance with having a smear test I try to relax my body from my toes all the way up through my pelvis to my head, concentrating on breathing, even counting so many seconds in hale and so many seconds exhale. Another trick I've been doing a lot just lately is my ABC game. In my head I chose a topic so lately it's places in the UK 😂 I start from A and name as many I can then move onto B. I know that sounds weird and simple but believe me it helps to refocus my brain. So example a few weeks ago I had an MRI. I'm terrified of enclosed spaces after severe childhood trauma. I felt myself building up to a panic attack so I closed my eyes and started to breathe in and out soft and slowly then tried my ABC game. It really did help me. Sorry if that's too simplistic and I don't want to minimise your trauma xxxx

I have numerous treatments - letz and smears (every 6 months for 2 years and yearly for 8 years) to check. I also have endometriosis so had the first coil under GA while being treated - it changed my life and periods are no longer ruling my choices - I can leave the house without fear of flooding.

I had my second coil not under GA - even after all my experiences it hurt and I have a tilted cervix so know that it takes a few attempts. I swore very loudly and shouted.

In order for me to function I will replace it when the time comes, on balance it helps me so the pain is worth it. Reading what you’ve said it’s probably not the best option. I’ve had issues with my smears due to the angle of my cervix but never had to be held down by another nurse - usually changed postions and used a smaller instrument.

My Dr was obsessed with the Mirena coil and eventually I relented. It ruined my health for a full year- I had every test going due to ongoing bladder spasms, stomach pain, ibs, indigestion.. my cycle and moods were all over the place etc and the GP still refused to believe the coil had anything to do with it.
I had to beg for it out to be honest.
That said, I have friends who absolutely loved it. Please look into it properly before you have it because the medical world really promote it and minimise and deny the side effects

@rhaenyra01 Just to say, if you did want therapy but you don't want to talk about your trauma, then you can choose EMDR.

I’ve had two coils fitted and one removed, it’s quick and easy but I didn’t have a phobia.
I wasn’t able to do the pill because I just can’t remember to take. I’ve loved my mirena

I've had 2 coils, both fitted under GA. They tried to do it manually both times and it was horrendous (sorry) and impossible to do. Other women I know have no problems, it's just the shape of my womb which makes it difficult, but it was physically impossible as well as really painful. This time round, my GP tried to do it but had to admit defeat, then she referred me to a clinic where there was a doctor and a nurse and a special machine, but they still couldn't do it. So I had to go into hospital and have a GA.

I recommend the coil, it's been fine since being fitted.

The copper coil made my periods heavier and more painful- I wouldn't have one again for this reason. Insertion took longer than expected but wasn't terribly painful. I hadn't had a baby, so I think that's why the nurse had difficulty getting it in. Removal was totally fine. I used to feel a bit nervous about whether I was checking the strings properly.

I can't take the pill, so we just use condoms. With pp on that one.

God OP I could have written this, I also had c sections mainly due to not wanting to be touched down there. I insisted catheters put in once I was asleep.
Ended up having examinations in first pregnancy and then fingers inserted due to cord prolapse in second! Then had first smear at the grand age of 36. Awful experiences.
You couldn't pay me to get a coil fitted. I had my womb out as done having kids.

It's not dramatic as someone said, it is genuine fear and pain.
I can happily go to the dentist for any procedure. Pain threshold is otherwise high.

Also didn't have sex until I was 24 due to vaginismus. Some people are so close minded about others experiences..