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Family planning

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Original poster

Wanted to get sterilised - doc wants me to get Mirena!

15 replies

bonkers20 · 26/07/2011 22:50

My family is complete. I am 40, DH 41. I wanted to get sterislied and read a but about it on the web and thought that it was no longer the invasive general anasthetic operation, but apparently it is and she won't refer me knowing I won't be allowed because it's wanted only for contraception.

Anyway, she thought the Mirena coil would suit me best. The thing is, my periods are no bother at all at the moment. I have one about every 5 weeks, it's no big deal. I really don't want to mess with this - unpredictability etc, months for it to settle down etc.

I guess DH should get the snip, but he's been talking about that for a while now. Meanwhile our sex life is rubbish because we both hate condoms and I am really scared of becoming preg. again. I don't want to take the pill again (been on it for years and years - great at the time, but it's not for me now).

There seems to be lots of negative reports here. Can all the women who love theres reply to this please and sell it to me!

If it's of any relevance, I never had problems with the pill (either combined or mini). I do get worse PMT these days (or maybe that's just the preteen!).

Thanks

OP posts:

QueenStromba · 26/07/2011 23:01

I get the impression that trying to get sterilised is a bit like converting to Judaism - they like to refuse you a few times just to make sure you really want it. If I were you I'd go back to the doctor and tell her what you've written here - that you really don't want a merina because you've heard such bad things about it and don't want anything that will mess with your cycle. Also tell her that you are so terrified of getting pregnant that it is affecting your sex life which is having a knock on effect on your relationship and therefore your psychological well being. If that doesn't work then try a different doctor - her excuse of you not being able to get sterilised solely for contraception is ridiculous.

thisisyesterday · 26/07/2011 23:03

hmmm i would seek a second opinion! i really see no reason for them to refuse to sterilise you, that's very odd...

RandomMess · 26/07/2011 23:07

the reason is funding!

I had my tubes clipped for other reasons, it was horrendous, not a simple pain free op, had to stay in for 2 nights.

I had tried the mirena coil and as with the pill and mini pill it didn't contol my bleeding.

If you've not had problems with the pill give the mirena a try.

SpottyFrock · 26/07/2011 23:11

Isn't sterilisation mostly done for contraceptive reasons then? I think you should see another GP tbh.

Can you have a frank discussion with DH about having the snip? Maybe book an appointment? If you have no issues with your periods and they currently cause you no trouble then Id be loathe to mess around. In your shoes, Id definitely be sending DH for the snip.

Im due our 4th in Sept and we're definitely done. DH has recently had it done with just a bit of soreness and no problems afterwards.

If you want a sterilisation you should get it but but DH and I agreed that it was a far more minor procedure for him to have it done therefore it made the most sense.

Hope another GP can refer you though, if that's what you decide.

Original poster

bonkers20 · 27/07/2011 21:59

Thanks. I wouldn't know how to get a 2nd opinion. Our practice has 2 docs, husband and wife. I went to see the woman. I wouldn't feel comfortable seeing the man, and it's probably a practice policy rather than just her opinion. She did say that even a woman who had stronger reasons than I did was refused. Maybe it's regional?

I do think it would be better for DH to get the snip. I mistakenly thought it was now an easier procedure for women.

OP posts:

Sidge · 27/07/2011 22:16

There's a current push for implant fittings because it's more effective than female sterilisation apparently. (And it's quicker and cheaper). Mirena can be a close second in terms of effectiveness.

It's easier for a man to be sterilised than a woman - vasectomy is done under a local anaesthetic, female sterilisation is done under general. Male sterilisation isn't effective though for some months so you still need to use contraception for about 4-6 months. Female sterilisation is effective immediately.

You can ask for referral for sterilisation from a Family Planning Clinic too if your GP won't refer you. She is giving you crap advice, in that sterilisation is only done for contraceptive purposes - I can't think why else someone would undergo it!

RandomMess · 27/07/2011 22:55

Our local PCT has stopped funding for female sterilisation............mirena or implant is the way.......

Memoo · 27/07/2011 22:59

I had no problem with the pill but actually got pregnant with the mirena fitted.

QueenStromba · 28/07/2011 12:32

The OP is talking about Essure which is a new method of female sterilisation where they go in through the cervix and place a small metal coil in each of the fallopian tubes, tissue then grows around the insert and the tubes are normally occluded within 3 months. The initial insertion takes about 10 minutes and is about as invasive as having a merina fitted. After three months you have to go back to make sure the tubes are occluded which apparently is more uncomfortable than getting the inserts put in since they have to fill your uterus with contrast dye and then do an x ray.

VivaLeBeaver · 28/07/2011 12:45

How dare pcts cut funding, I'm bloody furious. What about the people who don't want hormones being put in their body so the implant or mirena would be no use.

I got sterilised eight years ago when I was in my late 20s. I asked for it to be done under a spinal rather than a ga and they did do it. So you don't need a ga. Ask for a second opinion.

Original poster

bonkers20 · 28/07/2011 12:45

Yes Queen that's it! I presume it's not widely available or very expensive though. My GP didn't mention it to be even when I said I thought there was a much less invasive procedure. I didn't want to swagger in all full of info. because it's only what I've read on the internet and I think GPs get enough of all that.

OP posts:

nocake · 28/07/2011 13:02

You can opt for a standard coil, instead of a mirena. It doesn't contain any hormones so has less affect on your periods.

But, I would have a chat with your DH about getting the snip. It's a very simple procedure for him.

Original poster

bonkers20 · 28/07/2011 14:34

I thought the copper coil could make periods much heavier.

OP posts:

VivaLeBeaver · 28/07/2011 17:08

Copper coil made my periods a lot heavier.

lachesis · 28/07/2011 17:13

Yeah? Well, she's not you. You know what you want, and it isn't a Mirena. Stand your ground. Go back and see the other doctor for a referral (he doesn't need to examine you for it) or see someone at the family planning clinic, they can also refer you, and tell them you don't want a Mirena, you don't want a Mirena, you don't want a Mirena. You don't want a copper coil. You don't want a copper coil. You don't want a copper coil. You need to be persistent.

Even better if your DH goes for snip. It's far less invasive.

I completely agree with Viva as well. This is a choice for women and should remain so.

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