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

[Maarias]

Hi all, wish I'd looked on here before. I was offered the Mirena coil for extremely heavy periods - I've been anaemic on and off. I decided against it because of hearing really negative things. After having a really really awful period last month I went back and said although I didn't want the coil I wanted to try something else - progesterone tablets?
My gp suggested I try the progesterone only pill, which I have just started today and see how I get one with it. I have two concerns - one is the slightly increased risk of breast cancer, second is the increased risk of weigh gain - I'm only just getting anywhere near my pre-pregnancy weight and my younger son is nearly 5!
Anyway, just thought I'd mention it as a possible alternative to the coil for heavy periods.

[Sbow123]

I had the coil fitted a week tomorrow and my cramp is still very bad is this normal? My mum said it only lasts for 24 hours but im still in a lot of pain! No blood but so im not sure whats happening.

[NewNetter]

I thought I'd share my story, not to warn people off the Mirena but to inform those who might be going through the same this I am.

I had mine fitter in March '14, so 7 months ago now and will be looking to get it removed ASAP for several reasons:
1 - my irritability is off the charts, I've never been good with Hormonal contraceptive but (as seems to be a theme) my contraceptive nurse assured me the dose was low and localised to the womb. Maybe I'm just extra sensitive but I've read a lot of resources which seem to suggest that even if this is true, even the small amount can mess with your own bodies hormone levels.
2 - weight gain. I've been consistently the same weight for the past 5 years but have put on about a stone in the last 7 months, even though I now walk to work rather than drive. I know I eat more and move a lot less generally but I put this down to the general lethargy I feel. I know (for me) this is hormone related. Before mirena, I would have the same feeling for about a week before my period, but this is go away as soon as my period started and I'd have 3 weeks of normal energy level and eating. Now I have no rest bite from this feel, except maybe a couple of days here and there.
3 - and finally the icing on the cake is hair loss. Even when I saw my nurse and showed here the 1 inch square bald path on the back of my head she still maintained the hormone levels were much too low to cause this and sent me for thyroid and iron level tests (all normal). What surprises me is that hair loss is listed as a side effect, granted an uncommon one (1 in 100) but to dismiss it straight off seems wrong.

I'm off to the docs today to ask for it to be removed, fingers crossed.

[missicarus]

I've had it a little under a month, and I'm pretty much like what bealos described.
My periods where usually really very heavy and clotty but over & done with in 4days. This is around the time of my period, its very light which is kind of better, but I'm on day 5 now an no signs of letting up since the cramping is getting stronger.
I didn't have much of a libido before this, so was looking forward to worry free hanky panky with my partner, but no such luck, I have zero libido Just not interested at all. It feels like hard work.

[Squeegle]

For me the mirebs coil has been a godsend. I had suddenly started getting unbelievably heavy periods (aged 46). It stopped those, I only have a very light period for a couple of days. It has changed my life in a very positive way. No bad side effects.

[missicarus]

In reply to sbow123 everyone does heal differently, it took about 3/4 days for my pain to subside, but it was like I could still feel it, a bit like an wrongly placed tampon. I wanted to pull it out, but that feeling has gone now. But I do feel kind of 'heavy' in that area, difficult to explain, thats probably best way I can explain it. I took paracetamol & ibuprofen alternatively, t keep mostof pain away.

[debbie1970]

i had the mirena coil fitted 6 weeks ago and it has been a horrible nightmare ever since, hurt like hell to insert, agonising period pains, back pain, heavy bleeding, monday was the worst day of my life, heavy bleeding all night work up covered in blood, made it to the bathroom and before i had chance to sit i had lost 2 massive blood clots the size of an open adult hand! scared the living daylights out of me, went to gp to remove the damn thing, she said it had moved in to my womb canal? hurt like hell taking it out too!
she then gave me treanexamic to help with the blood loss but even thats not working, got a scan booked in January and bloods in 2 weeks, im 44 years old with other health issues ( spinal) and had this as contraception as i can not have the injections anymore ( to old) up until this July i hadnt had a period in 10 years thanks to the pill injection , really heavy period in July, nothing then until this was fitted, so constant bleeding, clotting for 6 weeks has taken its toll on me i feel washed out. not sure how much more i can take now, the thing is out, on these pills to help stop the bleeding but neither are working ??

[kezza0306]

Hi, I need help or advice, im truly at my wits end, im 39, I have 2 children and my husband has had the snip, so don't need a contraceptive. To cut a long story short my periods have become un bearable, I cant leave the house, I flood through layers of clothing, I pass huge clots, and don't get me started on the pain. I have been told that the merina coil will sort all this out, but im struggling to see how? I have read so many reviews of negatives, is this because all the goods reviews people haven't listed because there living a normal life again? Im terrified of the bad side effects, im really struggling to cope now, how can they get worse? please please, if there are good reviews out there lets hear them. Many thanks a very weary woman.

[debbie1970]

Kezza0306 hun you need to speak to your gp about how heavy you are bleeding, i agree with you from personal experience i cant see how the Mirena is going to help?
thankfully now ive had it removed and taken the tablets my gp gave me i have finally stopped.
speak to you gp about the injections wheni had that my periods stopped completely, also the mini pill is supposed to do the same so im heading back for that.

after reading the reviews on here and on the mirena website i wish i had seen them before i had mine fitted because i wouldnt have had it at all

[Squeegle]

Kezza: I had all the same problems as you, definitely go to the GP there are lots of options, but also some tests they should do.

For me the Mirena has literally changed my life. No more problems. It's a miracle! But transexamic acid tablets were also a great help so get your GP to give you some options. Good luck!

[ProjectGainsborough]

So glad I found this thread. Had mine fitted a little over a month ago as a CURE for hair loss (which was attributed to anemia from heavy periods). Again, I felt the doctor pushed me into it - do they get funding for them??

Since then I have put on weight, got spotty, shed a ton more of my hair and have been utterly, utterly moody and vile with my family. This morning I screamed at my children for messing around and then burst into tears. I feel so guilty.

I have a terrible history with hormonal contraceptives and have only recently come off ADs for depression. I'm cross with myself for allowing myself to be talked into it. I raised these concerns and they were brushed off. I've been seeing the same GP for six months or so regarding my hair loss and have been resisting the IUS over several appointments. I gave in as the mirena was honestly put forward as some kind of miracle cure...

[porkpieman]

I had the marina coil fitted back in july due to heavy bleeding, like many I read the discussions which to be honest nearly put me off with bad negative experiences, but I still went ahead , to all those who are worried just give it a try ,it was the best thing I ever did, no more bleeding ,no pain or mood changes, if anything the moods disappeared ,if i was to be negative I have put on a few pounds but nothing major, it has changed my life I forget I have it fitted ,what a relief, to be fair everyone is different so it may affect people in different ways, I recommend it

[Kez100]

Oh my!

Today I returned to my doctor in desperation as the tan acid hasn't worked and I now get 8 days of flooding every month. He virtually told me I should have the mirena coil, even though I said I hadn't wanted it as I had heard bad stories from others. He said I should be fine and it wouldn't hurt!!!! B***y men!

I have been given the date for fitting....22nd December!

Great, right on Christmas, which I had thought would be good but not if this is going to happen.

Grrrr.

Have I been duped?

[Kez100]

....could I ask to just take a progesterone pill instead? Would that work the same?

[ilovepowerhoop]

www.netdoctor.co.uk/sex-and-relationships/medicines/mirena.html

Mirena can be used in cases of heavy bleeding. The hormones thin the lining of the womb and should make periods lighter and can stop them completely. I don't get periods any more and have had my mirena for a couple of years now

[scaevola]

Kez100: have you had any investigations into why you are having such heavy bleeding. There are several possible causes and, although mirena might be the best way of tackling symptoms, it's a decision better made in light of cause.

[Kez100]

I have had an ultrasound, yes - in May 14. They say I don't have fibroids. The bleeding is awful but very much related to a period and I don't get bleeding in between. I also have had missed periods, in the last 18 months I have had 7, but the last three months have been every month so whereas I was coping given long breaks, now I am not.

I've not had any other checks.

This is something my mother suffered from when younger and moving towards the menopause, so I guess it is genetic.

[Kez100]

I have talked to more friends and I cancelled the 22nd appointment. For many reasons : I didn't like the timing so close to Christmas and us going away, in case there were any initial hiccups or discomfort after fitting, and also to give myself time to think and get more information. The worst that will happen is I endure one more period in early January but, however awful it is, at least I know where I am with it and am prepared.

[Polly2502]

I had the Mirena coil fitted about ten weeks ago now. I made the decision after the pill I had been using was discontinued. I didn't want to battle through pill after pill and suffer the symptoms. However, I am starting to have concerns. At my 6 week check the nurse detected mild thrush like symptoms which cleared up after a couple of days. 4 weeks later and I have started another bleed and the thrush like symptoms are back, although just the itchiness, no discharge. I am starting to regret having it but at the age of 45 it seemed like the most sensible option. Is it worth sticking with it to see if these symptoms ease?

[Curtis9]

I had my mirena coil changed today, the first insertion was very painful due to me having a tight cervix pain 7, moving on 5 years to today pain level was off the scale, the removing of the old one was painful and the insertion was soooo painful. I took analgesia before and three hours later I'm experiences cramp like pain. I should say I have had three children naturally and a long time ago, I'm 50 and decided to keep with the coil in preparation of the menopause! I'm sure it is painful due to my tightness, about the only thing that is tight at this age!

[ulz222]

Hi I'm 48 have two children in their twenties and had the mirena coil for over 5 years - no bother at all once it settled down and no periods - pure bliss!! Yes there was a little discomfort getting it inserted but that was to be expected. My GP had explained all and I was able to go back to work afterwards. None of the symptoms or side effects that others have experienced so don't be put off by the comments - give it a go. Remember everyone is different.

Today I went back to have it removed and a new once inserted. I experienced immediate cramping when it was removed, it had moved off to the left a little so was a slightly more difficult to take out. Anyhow, getting the new one in was terrible. My cervix spasmed, the pain was unbearable, I thought I was going to pass out so and she had to stop the procedure and get me to relax. I really think an anaesthetic of some sorts would help. Apparently also, I have a tilted womb which added to the what should be a pretty straight forward procedure. It wasn't the nicest of experiences at all. 50 mins later I was in my car consoling myself.

Two hours post insertion along with 2 paracetamol and a hot water bottle at my tummy the cramping isn't too bad it's easing. Pretty much the same as the first time. My GP helped me to relax and got me through it, otherwise I was back in the morning for a second attempt. Not to be a martyr but she said it was her most difficult coil to insert to date. she got there eventually and I managed to hang on literally.....

Some advice - take some strong painkillers before your appointment and take it easy afterwards. My GP was so lovely an absolute lady. I'm hoping for more of the same - so fingers crossed!!!

[claireS15]

Hi! !! Iv had my marina coil for 2 yes now, was a pain at first I seemed to be on my period for 7 months none stop, however I stuck with it periods died down but then my skin started to change I started to get huge boils very sore and feeling very tearfull and depressed one month and then the other month I'd be really angry I always had a bleed for a day or so on the month I was depressed and took my self to bed for a couple of days but the other month that I felt angry short tempered I had no bleed! !! I still have the coil in and I'm confused as to whether I should have it removed it's not good having 5 children and feeling like this every month even my oldest son will say to me I'm crackers must be that time of the month is it mam lol ! !! I'm also in a new relationship after splitting for my long term partner of 15 yrs it's been hard trying to keep everything balanced and now with my mood swings I feel I'm only sain 2 was of every month! !! I'm also now starting to break out with loads of mouth users each month this has happened now for 3 months is this normal ??? any advice would be great :-)

[Chloemon]

Well I'm currently talking to you from my hospital bed. I was admitted 2 days ago with septic shock.
Iv had my coil fitted for 6 months and requested it out after 5 weeks due to infection, hair loss ( really bad) and serve pain.
They have been trying since November to remove it with no luck. Iv had approximately 8 doctors and 5 nurses try and remove it even hospital staff with no joy. The only way now is to remove it through surgery. However I'm in so much pain and infection they Carnt remove it even 5 months down the line.

Everyone's experience is different but mine has been pure hell since it was put in.

Think very carefully because once it's in, they may not ( like me) be able to get it out.

[Caravanoflove]

There's some frightening stories on here. I hope you are ok Chloemon.
I've had mine put in yesterday. I'm assuming all those with positive stories just haven't posted?

[StrawberryTallCake]

I've had mine since early december - brown bleeding for the first 3 months non-stop but wanted to give it a chance to settle. This month I've had a week of brown blood, a week of red blood and a week of brown blood again and horrific mood swings, this has all happened since I started exercising more.

So difficult to decide what to do because even though I'm bleeding for a longer time it is much much less than without the mirena when I would flood within an hour.