Mirena coil

[jamtoast12]

Hi

I have recently had the mirena coil fitted and now wander if I've made a huge mistake!!!!!!

I have always been on the pill and had no problems at all, regular cycles, bleeding etc but I am lazy taking it (forget regularly) so thought it get the coil as I'm 36 and not planning any more children.

However I have read lots of horror stories about it so seriously wish I'd not got it. In particular, I have a family history of thinning hair and mine is already very thin and I have recently read not only all the horror stories about hair loss but also that the mirena is bad for people like me who may have androgenic hair loss.

None of this was mentioned at the families planning who basically didnt offer any advice at all or give even general information.

It's only been about 10 days but I don't want it anymore!!, I'm worried about getting it out and what they may say. I asked for it but genuinely wasn't aware of all the issues with it so scared to ask them to take it out as I know its expensive etc?

Any advice please! Thanks

[CMP69]

I had my first mirena fitted 10 days ago. Only had a bit of spotting on that day and the next. Then my period started as normal, when I finished my pill, on the following Monday, back to spotting yesterday and today. No cramps, no pain -fingers crossed

[intrepidtraveller]

I'd like to defend the merina coil if people are looking for encouragement :)
I had mine fitted 6 months ago - before this I was on Yasmin (Pill) for about 4 years, after which I had 4 months of just condoms and adjusting to the hormone change having quit the Pill (that's another story). I came off Yasmin because I wanted to be free from hormones, but I don't trust condoms so my sister recommended the merina coil as she had had hers for several years. I also had a friend on the IUD (copper coil), who recommended that as well. In the end I chose the merina because before I went on Yasmin I had very heavy and very painful periods, and I didn't want to risk this again. Also, I was assured the hormonal impact of the merina was minimal.
I had a fair amount of bleeding and pain in the first week of having the coil, with a bit of odd, light spotting for the next 1 or 2 months (at most). Since then I have had no periods, no spotting, nothing. I'm the envy of all my friends! As for other side effects - I have experienced none. I have been treated for mild depression and anxiety in the past, and although I remain an emotional person I must say my mood swings are now very very mild compared to what I experienced on the Pill. (The fact that I have them at all I'm pretty certain is natural me and not the coil.) I have not gained weight, in fact I have lost it - this may be from coming off the Pill. My sex drive is quite up and down, and I did wonder if it had decreased a bit since the coil. Perhaps it has, but I think more likely it just oscillates with my natural hormone cycle (I believe I still have 'time of the month' symptoms even without the bleeding - but only very, very mild).
I don't check my own strings because I tried and couldn't feel them before my 6-week check which showed they were there, but I think I will ask a GP to check it every 6 months or annually for peace of mind.
When I have this coil removed I might consider the IUD copper, to see what life totally hormone free is really like. But adjusting to periods again will be a bit of a shock!

[marieliz]

I had my first one 5 years ago mainly to control v heavy periods and migraines and it worked, migraines came only once a month and periods almost disappeared. On the down side mi weight started to increase gradually despite exercising every day (walking the dog for up 45 min) and my belly is always swelled. Varicose veins have multiplied. Because of the other benefits I've stuck with it. I went to have it removed and new one inserted on due date (demanded local anaesthetic as find the process to painful) in and out in 15 min. Felt great for 14 days and then and awful 3 day migraine accompanied by constant and heavy bleeding plus even more swell tummy. So I've been back to GP, merina is in the right place, however got infection somewhere in the region and a course of 5 day antibiotics has been prescribed. 2 days away from finishing course I feel no better, bleeding, pain have continued and now added feeling of cystitis. I'm exhausted so I feel like asking the GP to take it out, I would like to see what difference it makes to my health. I'd say anyone should try it and see how it works for them, I'm convinced the experience has got to be different for everyone and until you try it there's no way of knowing if it'll be good for you

[metallicpoo]

When I think about it now, I feel I was almost pushed into getting my MC fitted by the GP - its the only sensible option, you'd be foolish not to etc etc.... After many years of very heavy periods culminating in blacking out incidents that were put down to pain, anaemia (i'm not anaemic) and reduced blood volume every month (?!) it seemed like the cure all I was looking for. Initially after it was fitted I did think great no excruciating monthly pain and only occasional spotting to deal with - whoop!!

However, every day for the last couple of months I've had a lightish period, headaches and a general feeling of flatness and lethargy. I think a constant period is actually harder to deal with, and makes me feel much dirtier, than having a heavy period for about 3 days. During the time its been in (since March 2013) I have gained at least a stone in weight despite reasonably healthy eating (i'm not going to lie I like a biscuit as much as the next person) and going to the gym at least twice a week.

I have no libido which means it works brilliantly as a contraceptive because I cant actually be bothered to have any sex. I am covered in spots and I constantly feel exhausted (although I concede some of this is due to a hectic work/lifestyle). I'd like to go back to my painful, but swiftly over periods please - at least you know what you're dealing with then so I'm going to ask to have it taken out.

I know people for whom the mirena works a treat and I know others who detest the thing. For me I think its time to have it out... you don't know if you don't try though right. Hoping life without mirena is much sweeter :)

[Keeley112]

Hi all, I've registered on here just so I can tell you all about my experience with the mirena coil, last June I swapped the copper coil for the mirena coil as my periods were so heavy with the copper coil and I was advised that the mirena coil would make them a lot lighter and eventually would stop them (great) I thought. I have had the mirena coil in for 12 months and although my periods were so light I found I was getting spotting more or less every 2/3 weeks , I found my moods changed , I had no patience at all with the kiddies or my husband and the slightest thing would make me feel so angry and I'd be really moody , I noticed myself that I always seemed grumpy with my family but yet fine at work and out socialising, on Friday 7/9 I went to see my gp and talked to her about removing my coil and she said although the mirena has a small amount of hormone in it some people can be very sensitive to it and can cause mood swings and spotting not to mention no interest in sex at all , I asked her to remove it which she did and I can honestly say I feel a complete different person , I feel so chilled, nothing seems to be irritating me , and I'm a much calmer person , cannot believe a little devise made me feel like I did, now I am considering having the copper coil re inserted and will just grin and bear the heavy periods once a month , hope my experience will help someone else .

[kristianlucy]

I had the mirena coil fitted 4 weeks ago, very painfull fitting altho I have 2 kids 15&12 suffered from labour like cramps for 2 days after but no bleeding. I suffered from mild period like cramps on and off and lower back pain since, i went back to GP who put me on antibiotics for an infection only to be told from test results its thrush (never had it before) and the antibiotics have made it worse. Now treated for thrush and wandering if this will settle as was quite happy on the pill but being as I am 40 next month my GP sad it was a better option to see me throught to menopause !!! I know scary thought lol

Is the pain something i have to put up with for a little longer before I change my mind and get it removed ?

Thanks

[Poopoopeedooo]

Hey Keeley112- your post really HAS helped me, so thanks a mill for writing it!
I feel so cross with myself for being bamboozled into having a second Mirena fitted about 6 weeks ago.
Private gynae brushed aside all my questions as to whether it was making me bad tempered saying it was just my stage of life and having to deal with small kids. I´ve never been bad-tempered before but - if I look back in hindsight- my terrible feelings of rage and impatience with my family completely coincide with when I had my 1st put in! I have even screamed like a crazy banshee at times- shocking!
I wanted to take a break when my 5 yrs were up but he persuaded me it would just lead to massive hormonal fluctuations and, since I was very likely to want another one, best to just pop it out and pop one straight back in.
The reason I feel I have been terribly duped now is that, after using my savings to have a new one, since my private insurance doesn´t cover it, he demanded to be paid IN CASH in his room, door closed.
Yes, I know this does NOT happen in the UK, don´t worry- I´m in Spain ...yadda yadda...I won´t go there, but let´s just say these things go on a lot.
NOW I have gained weight, broken out in spots and had horrible week-long black moods where I can barely get out of bed in the morning because everything just looks bleak and awful.
So much for the smooth transition and now that you describe your experience- identical to mine, I am even more livid because it confirms exactly what I and poor long-suffering hubby have been suspecting.
Bloody bloody hell! soooooooooo cross now!!!!!!!!!!!!!Grrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, probably made more so by this bloody bloody device. I am thinking many expletives in my head right now but shall keep it civil while on Mnet!! Haha
OK...there lies my 20 pence worth re the %&*Ç·! Mirena

[Raquel73music]

omg! I am reading this re the moodiness, lack of libido, severe lack of patience with hubby & kiddies etc etc which is just not me. Before reading this, I had kinda decided it is down to the MC & have made a GP appt for next week as it's just really making me either grumpy, tired, angry or all 3. I too have found myself wailing like a banshee, knowing that it's cRazy but unable to stop the craziness. I have week long mood swings where I can be awful to my hubby whom I love loads. Thanks to all above who've written their experiences, good or bad, as this has helped me greatly xx

[tanbaby7]

i just had the coil fitted 2 days ago, nothing else suited me so this is my last option! (5 beautiful children later!) it was very painful for me :( the first day was very bad for me & today i still feel very sore & painful but I'm hoping & praying that this passes soon! i have heard so many mixed reviews about this coil, i just don't know what to think? And i can't feel my strings??? lol! I'm scared & worried that i should not be in so much pain? don't know what to do! xx

[Tmallett92]

I had the coil fitted last thursday, it was very painful and I bled a lot. I experienced very bad bleeding and pain and then sunday evening my body rejected it amd it came out. I am still bleeding very heavily and still in pain. if anyone has any advice on what I should do please message me! I have never bled this bad not even after having my children.

[LittleMissSunshine2013]

I had my first in 2004, new one in September 2011. Never experienced any problems. Enjoyed the lack of periods !

However am currently 21 weeks pregnant after falling pregnant with mirena coil!
Odds on a viable uterine pregnancy with mirena are so ridiculously low that I have to see this as a blessing!

I'm 36 and had considered my family complete with my youngest child being 9 years old!

[shebelaby]

Hi there...

In response to your query I would like to add one of my own. I had the mirena coil fitted approx. 4 weeks ago. This was in response to DUB - Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding, where I had bled consistently and heavily for around 4 weeks. All tests were carried out, such as swabs, smear, bloods for anything sinister (although my smear has to be redone due to a lack of cells). Anyway, over the time I have had this device inserted, the bleeding has not stopped (I was informed that I could still bleed for 4-6 weeks after insertion, by my doctor) and although it is not heavy, there is lots of clotting, as well as a foul smell, which I wake up to daily and am having to have baths 2 and 3 times a day to remove. I return to the doctor in a couple of weeks time for the 6 weekly check-up, but really wanted to know if this has been happening to anyone else.

Thanks a lot

[Peppapigisnotmyname]

Just thought I'd tell my tale - I had the mirena coil fitted in March mainly for contraception. No periods but constant spotting, acne, weight gain, tender breasts - like they were rocks!! Dreadful headaches that lasted for days, so bad I could barely see straight and that paracetamol wouldn't shift. In September the bleeding got worse - lots of discharge and pain down below. Eventually asked the gp to remove it, she said no. Pains got worse so saw another gp, told him my tale - he removed it straight away.

So I'm feeling much better now. Pains easing. Boobs are fine, a bit moody I have to admit!! Felt very down the last couple of weeks - it's seems that's the mirena crash, never heard of it until happened to me!! Bled a bit after it was taken out. Stopped bleeding then had a dreadful period - flooding etc felt like waters breaking !!! Extremely glad it's out though, works for some but not for me x

[minigoods001]

Hi ladies, Iam 46 I recently had my merina removed, after 2 years. I thought i had hormone issues prioir to it being fitted , any way to cut along story short I have been told I am post menapausal, hence the removal.
After a week of having it removed I have been having a strange discharge of thick gloopy clear jelly like substance, does anyone know if this is normal for post menapausal ladies or should i get myslef checked out. would really appreciate your feed back :-)

[sylve2013]

I really thought i was better off without the coil. I thought i was happier however. I am insecure again and have extreme mood swings. Since the coil was removed i look awful before menstruation and i am in pain with heavy bleeds. I was a bit depressed on the coil but am now depressed a week and a half after my period and a week before. I am sick of my life being ruled by this. I have always had problems with my hormones. It is seriously ruining my relationship so i am going to have it fitted again. I LOST LOADS OF WEIGHT OFF IT. BUT WOULD RATHER BE NORMAL

[littlemissbloody]

Hello there, I have just had the mirena in for too much bleeding. Waiting for my results of the biopsy they took too at the time. My problem is I just don't stop bleeding and every day is different. Since it has gone in, Ive had 3days grace. Now I know its newly put in and takes time. But haven't had any pain with it. They say i haven't any cyst though diagnosed PCOS. It drives me crazy. These forums are a life saver. As I cant talk to anyone about it as they just look at you like your from some other planet. When do you suppose I should start too see any big difference? I lost the strings a day or so ago, but I go in on a follow up in a week anyway. Hopefully they can tell me more. I always felt there is something more sinister. But as you say all the test come back normal. Drives me crazy. I'm always hot and when the outside temperature is very warm I cook up qyuickly so I never feel clean. My wardroab sux, my underwear always looks dirty. Its expensive, and theres no compensation for that. I really do struggle at the best of times, mentally and financially. Im an up beat positive person but all my life if it wasnt pms, it was somethen else if wasnt pcos its somethen its just a blood making machine. Talk about feeling like frankienstens wife omg.

[LadyGardenersQuestionTime]

I had my first marina inserted in January 1994 and have never been without one since. I do sympathise with anyone they don't work for, because they have been brilliant for me.

[kldw2014]

Hi there, it is comforting to read this thread as I now know I am not alone! Hormones are a tricky thing, and I know a few people with the Mirena Coil; it seems a bit 'Marmite' - either you love it, or hate it.

The old adage comes to mind.."If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is...." Don't want to be too negative though, as I do know that it works for some women really well. You will never know how your body reacts to it unless you give it a go, but on doing that I think you need to listen to your body - no one else can tell you how you feel.

I am three weeks in, and at present I hate it. I have been told to stick with it a little longer, as my GP surgery recommends a nurse appointment at 3 weeks and the doctor check at 6 weeks. The support from my surgery has been fab, with all the information I needed. I think that Progestogen only products just may not agree with me - had the mini pill before and it didn't work. Fitting a little uncomfortable, but having children it pales in comparison. The main thing is the bleeding... literally EVERY day as if I have a period, the pains are like a previous 'bad' month in my teenage hormonal years, but without the release of having a heavy period and it all being over. I feel like my body is waiting for something to happen, that won't.. is that weird?! NO sex drive at all either, like the nerve endings are all dead. That being said, I don't have mood swings or skin issues etc; in fact a couple of people have commented on how healthy I look in the last couple of weeks. My second child is now 12 weeks old, and I had my first full period just before the coil was fitted; so perhaps my body is still recovering from birth too.

I am also getting dizzy spells every day, like I am about to faint, but I don't. Is this a typical symptom does anyone know? I can't see anything about that in the blurb...

Considering that I chose this as something that would ensure that my husband and I will definitely not concieve again, and a way to have a hassle free and full sex life, it is a bit of a let-down as I a) don't want to be intimate at the moment and b) am bleeding all the time anyway, and that's not pleasant!

Here's hoping that it will improve, as I am not allowed any Oestrogen products anymore (pre-eclampsia and high BP during pregnancy, and history of BC in the family). If this doesn't work, it is condoms or more drastic medical intervention for hubby or me!

[littlemissbloody]

Hi all, Jamtoast, how are you now? I had mine fitted due to excessive and infrequent bleeding, so I had it done. I still bleed being patient as I've had in for 2 weeks. They just found out I have a urine septum. So being the good doc she did it anyway. It is only divided down to the the cervic thank god for small mercies. Don't know what they might do about it maybe nothing. I hope the bleeding stops like its suppose too. At least the smell has dissapated I had a lump on the left side which she removed. Still worry, I struggle with writhing what with pcos and underactive thyroid. Very slow motsbilism I swim as much as I can eat healthy and still they weight stay. My experience of the mirena was sore and painfully at first first week dreadful but now just waiting for the bleeding to stop.
All the best just got to be patient.

[Grace1970]

I had heard nothing but positive things about the Mirena coil from 2 doctors and friends.Am genuinely happy it works for them but was the worst thing I ever did.My periods were just very unpredictable, no real cycle at all ,so thought I'd give it a go.......
Having it put in was agony, but just thought,it will settle.Next evening had severe pain low down,thought "oh it will settle" and it did for about 3 days,then my period started.The pain was absolutely unbearable(having had 2 natural births without pain relief)...was in tears.After having it in for 7 days could bear no more,so returned to doctor who said "well we usually wait a bit longer before removal.You may have a perforation in your uterine wall or your body might be expelling it..."Great.Was given 2 lots of antibiotics and strong painkillers.That night,nearly passed out with pain and it was finally taken out the next day.It came out without any resistance which the doctor had not seen,so she said my body had been expelling it.Like a few other ladies here, the doctor was most concerned what I would use for contraception now.....after 8 days of heavy bleeding and pain I wasn't in the mood!
Glad it works for many women but beware,there are some women who it effects very painfully and you are not told of this before hand.Read the nhs website.......no mention of this at all.Felt much better after reading mums net experiences.

[LillyPurple]

Just to add my tuppence worth to the discussion - I had my 1st one fitted in 2004 after birth of #1child. Recommended to me to help with excessive flow during my periods. Worked like a charm: periods eased off then stopped within 3 months then nothing at all until I had it removed in 2008 in order to get pregnant again. Periods started within 1 month of removal, I was pregnant by end of month 3, child #2 born. 2nd mirena inserted 4 months later. It's now been in 4 1/2 years and I'm wondering if its reaching the end of its shelf-life (5 years) as been feeling achy/periody and been getting breakouts for the last 10 days or so. Never connected this to the coil until reading all the comments above. If it is expiring, I would definitely have it again. It has been a godsend for me. And I honestly don't remember much in the way of pain during insertion or removal - I took ibuprofen before removal, maybe that helped take the edge off.

[jucas68]

Ohhhh, totally confused now. I'm 45 and came off the depoprovera injection 2 years ago. Since then have tried nuvo ring but didn't like it so have spent last 9 months putting up with horrendous periods and condoms. My gp has suggested the mirena iud would be a good solution, but one of the reasons I stopped the ring was because I found (after coming off the injection) that normal contraception killed my sex drive, it was driving a wedge between me and my husband. She said it wouldn't affect my libido, would make my periods lighter, shorter, or disappear altogether, but reading your posts, it would seem this is not necessarily the case. Someone else has mentioned having novasure, which is a modern day d&c. Anyone else heard/had this? I really don't know what to do. Also think I am peri menopausal, but gp won't give me blood test, reckons it is obvious if you are or not! Anyone got any advice?

[marlena121]

hi jucas ,

first thing off i'd advise anyone who's suffering from heavy/floody/clotty/agonising periods to insist on having an endo-vaginal ultrasound scan to check for fibroids and polyps, this is what happened to me a few years back.

Also hormone tests are needed if only to verify you don't have a big hormonal imbalance which actually is a cancer risk.

Can you go back to gp and ask again 4 those 2 things 2b done?

the hormones to be tested are as follow:

[marlena121]

FSH (follicle stimulating hormone)
LH (luteinising hormone)
Oestradiol
Progesterone
prolactin
testosterone

this last one not all gps agree to have it tested however is very important to health and well being also have read in times article: menopausal process starts off with level of testo dropping.

To evaluate proper balance of hormones the bld must be taken on day 23 of a 28 days cycle, earlier if cycle shorter (20-22), a bit later if cycle longer.

[marlena121]

you did not mention for what reason you're considering the coil, is it for contraception or heavy flow or both?

If you want to find out whether you are still ovulating you can buy ovulation tests or possibly take your temperature for a month?
Do you get ovulation discharge at mid cycle?