No one will remove it!

[vinotinto88]

So long story short - we are hoping to TTC our third and final baby.

It's pretty much now or never - certain work opportunities and home finances etc, plus my age. And I'm so broody it's unreal.

My GP won't remove my implant, no clinic within a 20 mile radius will remove my implant.

I've called and hassled and nagged everyone. The last person I called said it'll be well over a year before their clinic is up and running again.

I know this is totally a first world problem. And it's more a whinge than seeking any kind of solution. I just had my heart set on it.

Has anyone else up and down the country managed to get their contraception sorted?

@OlivejuiceU2 as a sexual health nurse that is 100 million % untrue. We do not get paid different amounts depending how long people keep them in for that’s bonkers.

OP I understand and it’s a big personal issue for you but people aren’t having neurosurgery and are sat at home with brain tumours growing bigger and bigger, people not starting chemo etc. I know it’s a pain, I know you want to TTC and do sympathise but at the moment everything is just bare minimum emergency services. Hopefully it will improve soon and you’ll get it out.

You said upthread that a private clinic within driving distance would do it for £300, and implied that you can afford this. It’d presumably mean no more waiting.

Also to everyone suggesting removing it yourself please don’t! And for those saying it’s a simple medical procedure yes it is but you still need training and a qualification in it as a nurse or doctor you wouldn’t be insured just doing it for a friend or willy nilly if anything were to go wrong. I’ve had some really difficult implants to remove and I’m quite experienced. You could really do some damage. Just ride out this pandemic like everyone else and wait.

it's fucking crazy. this could be a disaster for unplanned/unwanted pregnancies. I'm trying to get a coil and a smear test rn.

If you lived by me, I'd say I'd get it out for you.

I'm not qualified too, but I've removed 2 implants and a coil in my friendship group 😂

Surgical scalpel, some boiling water, a steady hand, quick squeeze, pull it out, plaster on job done. Just like a giant splinter really. Coil was a bit more delicate I'd admit, we also had to Amazon prime a speculum and some other bits and bobs.

I'll bring the gin you supply the wooden spoon to bite down on if your squeemish. 😂

Do you think a friend would do it for.you of you can't get a professional to do it?

I feel for you op, when I wanted mine taken out I had to go to the sexual health walk in clinic, my gps simply wouldn't do it. Now I want a coil fitted after two babies, and I cant find anywhere that will do it. Contraception was supposed to give women control of their bodies and choices.

I had this issue 6 years ago and went to a family planning clinic at the hospital in the end.
My friend had the same issue recently. So frustrating!

I took mine out. An extra hand would have helped. It wasn’t deep though, so I would say that’s a consideration. Didn’t bother with numbing cream.
I can just about see the scar if I squint in a good light.

@coachBombay jeeeze everyone needs you as a friend in an emergency.

I'm sure its got something to do with invasive procedures being carried out at the moment. I asked my local family planning nurse to be put into the coil from the depo injection and she told me that they can't currently do anything invasive. Hopefully it won't be too long for you before things start opening up again

Ryan 😂 aii, I'm "that friend" in the group, strong stomach, will give it a go, not my fault if it goes wrong.

I've had a friend call me because she had a bullet vibrator stuck up her arse and to be fair I did say, I'm not fishing that one out, just squat and bear down, you may need to put a finger up there to see help navigate it out (get it pointing down) 😂

My cousin is a GP. Invasive contraception is off the table at the moment due to COVID-19. I know your pain, my coil is due out and I can't get an appointment.

I have also tried removing privately but the private premises have been given over to the NHS so not an option.

@CoachBombay I'm half horrified and half in awe! I'm guessing you didnt do potentially risky minor surgery on friends for fun and it was because HCPs had refused to remove them - that this is what women are STILL coming to in the 21st century in a country with a developed healthcare system is a fucking travesty!

I can’t believe the amount of posters saying they took their own implants out 🙀🙀!!

@CoachBombay i mean i did a few bedroom piercings on my mates as a kid but blimey haha. I agree its a feminist issue though as women are being denied bodily autonomy and thats not ok.

QuarintineQueen indeed. One had the implant put in and changed her mind after about 4 months of side effects and constant bleeding, but they kept telling her to wait and leave it settle. The other was similar to OP wanted to TTC but again health professionals seemed eager for her to keep it in as it hadn't been in long enough. Coil woman side effects nobody would take hers out because again "time to settle"

It's my opinion if a health care professional wants to put something in a women stating "women have a choice", they should be prepared for that person at any point even the next day to say, I've changed my mind I want it out. 🙄

Shouldn't really be in my kitchen having drank a few doubles splaying your arm or fanny out on my kitchen table, but that's the reality of it. I remain sober however, sharp things, people's arms and gin probably not a good mix.

I draw the line at dentistry, can't stand teeth!

I actually find this quite shocking. They're effectively removing control you have over your own body. The peak of the pandemic is over and friends I have in the NHS have said a lot of hospitals and clinics are actually pretty quiet. I have a friend who just had a coil fitted the other day so these type of procedures are happening in some places. I'd hassle your GP to find out where you can have it done or go private.

Def don't try taking it out yourself though!

@CoachBombay I think you're officially now my best friend.

@PurBal I think you're right I've contacted two places now and not even had a response!!

@vinotinto88 I'M GETTING IT REMOVED NEXT WEEK!

Finally! The Sexual Health Clinic I contacted first (different area) called me back today, and they're doing it! It's because mine is more "extreme circumstances" of getting horrendous migraines.

I'm in the NE unfortunately, so no help to you. But there are some people doing it.

@YellowPenny I'm so happy for you and so jealous!!!!!!!!!
The practice manager hasn't bothered to respond. Someone is meant to be calling me back (but hasn't bothered). And a contraception clinic has offered me a six months supply of the pill, I don't want to double up I want to COME OFF CONTRACEPTION.
I'm embarrassing myself now with all the chasing - I just don't know what else to do other than give it a go myself. Two private clinics have ignored me too.

@vinotinto88 Keep trying!
Ironically, the nurse said "we've only taken one out and it's because she threatened to remove it herself. I then said 'oh that's funny I was watching some YouTube videos and it doesn't look that hard" then I was booked in.

I think previous posters are right, you have to threaten to slice your own arm open before they'll take it out.

@YellowPenny I think I'll call again on Tuesday and when they decline (no doubt) I'll say ok I'll see you later on when I've attempted to do it myself.

Ironically I've been bleeding for four weeks now too. Gah.