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Original poster

Mirena Coil insertion - hurt?

35 replies

Needtoprotect16 · 21/01/2016 21:41

Due to have my mirena coil replaced tomorrow. Does it hurt? I had the last one inserted under GA as was having a fibroid removed at the same time so no experience if it being done without anaesthetic. Should I expect bleeding? Any other things I need to know?

OP posts:
sparechange · 21/01/2016 21:45

I had mine done during my period when my cervix was more relaxed/open
They tried on non-period days and couldn't get it in!

It doesn't hurt hurt. It is more uncomfortable than a smear but only momentarily. I didn't get particularly bad cramps afterwards but I think that varies between women

TheFormidableMrsC · 21/01/2016 21:46

Hi OP, I have had three Mirena coils and most recently, the copper coil. None have hurt on insertion. One Mirena insertion left me feeling a bit "wobbly" for a few minutes, I know that can be a common side effect, but it only happened the once. Have never had bleeding afterwards either. I was very frightened before the first one and got myself into an absolute state, all unnecessary. I hope that helps and it all goes smoothly!

Doublebubblebubble · 21/01/2016 21:47

Placemarking as I was due to have one inserted today but had to cancel for next week as ds is having a tough time after his jabs. I was going to post a similar thread. I've had two coils before but I cant remember the first one being put in as it was soooooooo long ago and I literally cant remember the second as I was under ga. Lol someone will be along to help us soon lol x

DefiniteMaybe · 21/01/2016 21:48

Place marking, I've got an appointment week to get referred to get a copper coil put in.

Doublebubblebubble · 21/01/2016 21:49

Do you have to have it inserted on your period then?? I'm breastfeeding and because I had an emcs I really haven't had any bleeding or periods in 3 months... I'm going to load up on paracetamol before now I think x

harridan50 · 21/01/2016 21:50

I would advise taking the strongest painkillers you have and not planning anything for the rest of the day. Based on 4 mirenas in the last 16 years.Worth it for no periods though.

Doublebubblebubble · 21/01/2016 21:52

Worth it for no periods though this exactly this! I technically haven't bled for a year. If I don't have to for another 5 that's fine by me 😁

Original poster
Needtoprotect16 · 21/01/2016 21:52

Does it hurt to take out the existing one though? The GP referred me to a clinic as she said sometimes the cervix goes into spasm when taking it out and then they can t get the new one in! I was like Shock

I haven't had periods since the first one went in so there'd be no point waiting for a relaxed cervix. They struggle sometimes with getting a smear as my cervix is positioned slightly oddly. Am dreading it a bit now ...

OP posts:
Original poster
Needtoprotect16 · 21/01/2016 21:53

Can they locally anaesthetise the cervix?

OP posts:
harridan50 · 21/01/2016 21:58

I have once had my cervix go into spasm. It is ok they were still able to insert the coil.I am sure you will be fine.

Doublebubblebubble · 21/01/2016 21:58

Taking a coil out is a piece of piss imo I was asked to cough and Dr pulled it out like an alien tampon..

Can they locally anaesthetise the cervix?

I doubt it but I wish/hope that they did. I had a smear test last week and I asked begged for gas and air... (id ask for a ga again but I think they might think I'm being dramatic)

imsorryiasked · 21/01/2016 22:04

Having it taken out hurt more than putting it in but it wasn't awful I just wasn't expecting it! Gp used some anaesthetic gel. Definitely worth the slight discomfort. Just take some painkillers before you go in and relax.

Original poster
Needtoprotect16 · 21/01/2016 22:07

But no bleeding right? So I don't have to take pads? Do they recommend showers instead of baths afterwards?

OP posts:
rollonthesummer · 21/01/2016 22:09

I found it extremely painful and was surprised as I'd read threads like this before saying it was fine. It was excruciating, took several attempts, I cried bled a lot and had cramps for ages afterwards. Talking to friends about it a few months later over a large drink, they both reported a similar story. All of us had c-sections rather than vaginal deliveries though, not sure if that would have made a difference.

harridan50 · 21/01/2016 22:09

slight spotting only. No problem with baths.

Mrsmistletoe · 21/01/2016 22:15

I'm surprised to see people have found it a breeze for fitting. I was traumatised the first time I had it inserted (very high pain threshold) but was worth it for no periods. I had it removed and conceived DD and then it took me 2 years to build up the courage to go again. Again it was awful but worth no periods. Iv never had a natural birth just 3 sections so that might be why.

Original poster
Needtoprotect16 · 21/01/2016 22:15

I've had both a c section and vaginal delivery (though 10 yrs ago). Okay, will take paracetamol and ibuprofen.

OP posts:
greatbigwho · 21/01/2016 22:18

Mine hurt a lot to be inserted - but for literally 30 seconds, then I had a day of mild cramping and spotting and that was that. Having it taken out was nothing - she out the speculum in, asked me to cough and then said I could get dressed - I'd not felt a thing!

Doublebubblebubble · 21/01/2016 22:18

Okay. Didn't realise it would hurt more after a cs Confused x

Follyfoot · 21/01/2016 22:23

I had 2 failed attempts at Mirena insertion - including one at the FP clinic and one with a local anaesthetic block at the Maternity Hospital. The 3rd attempt took absolutely ages but the GP got it in the end.

It wasnt for the faint hearted Grin

caledonianclown · 21/01/2016 22:23

I'd say it was more uncomfortable than a smear but not horrific, but I had just had a 10lb baby with just g&a and no tear so I might not be the best judge! I had a bit of spotting and cramping for the red of the day but nothing some paracetamol and a hot water bottle couldn't sort out. And no periods is soooooo worth it, I love mine!

For those who have swapped from Mirena to copper coil, what are your periods like now?

Pooshy · 21/01/2016 22:26

I had one and it was fine putting it in Altho felt a bit light headed and sick after

What was awful tho was getting it removed as the strings had curled up and disappeared!! If you can feel the strings you'll be fine tho. What I had was v unusual

Original poster
Needtoprotect16 · 21/01/2016 22:28

The strings gave disappeared up me as well :(

It's not looking good is it? Oh well.

OP posts:
Letseatgrandma · 21/01/2016 22:30

Strings got lost here too. It had to be removed with a special grabbing tool. It was horrific.

LondonStill83 · 21/01/2016 22:36

My experience- all four time- was that it is very, very painful and I had incredibly strong cramps for about 12 hours after.

Then, totally worth it.

I have never had kids.