does the mirena coil last 5 years?

[aristocat]

hi everyone,
just wanted some advice on mirena coil.
i've had it for about 4 1/2 years now without any problems. does it need changing after 5 years and how soon can you have a new one after taking other one out?
any help would be grateful

Yes its ment to, but if you havent had periods with it, and they start to return its a sign to get a new one fitted.

I think they are designed to last 5 years but agree with Divvy. I think you can have one removed and a new one put in at the same appointment.

i posted a thread bout this as had mine nearly 4 years and started to get periods and had 2 periods in 4 weeks. so off to docs tomorrow .. hope it has still been effective

I had mine in for 4 years and 10 months before taking out to ttc. You can have it taken out and a new one put in straight away I think.

May I hijack/ask you ladies a quicky please? Am booked to have one of these fitted and I understand they have to dilate your cervix, is it very painful?

i went when a few weeks post natal, it was a tiny bit uncomfy but nothing much,like a more complicated smear test really

There was no dilating of my cervix!!!I went at the end of af, the cervix is still soft enough then, it wasn't that uncomfortable. I took a couple of nurofen before the appt.

thanks ladies that's good to hear, trying to think what af is!

Af = aunty flow, ie period

Aha!

thanks girls, a few friends also got this coil & one had lots of trouble.
she thinks she can feel it - been checked & doc said its all in her HEAD!

been ok for me though and will get another.

hurray for MN - knew you would help me.