Coil Removal Question

[Helga55]

Thinking about having my coil removed, when it was last checked, the nurse had a job finding the strings 😳 Which left me thinking, if the strings can't be found, how is it removed?

Well, in my case I went to the family planning clinic first who couldn't remove it. They referred me to gynae at the hospital who had a go with a different instrument with no luck. I was then referred to get it out under general anaesthetic at the hospital day surgery unit. This all took several months and the coil went past the expiry date so had to take the mini pill alongside it. Expired in March, removed under GA in September.

Oh @dementedpixie that doesn't sound great

Hopefully it won't come to that for me when it comes out

Apparently my cervix is very far back, and they always have trouble locating the strings on mine. Touch wood I've never had a problem with removal (had 3 out over last 15 years) and usually end up lying with a pillow under my hips and a pretty grim looking large speculum. The joys .

I am wondering the same. I had my coil replaced 18 months ago and I've never been able to feel the threads on this one. At my smear I mentioned I had a coil and the nurse said she couldn't see the threads either. Have since had an ultrasound and the coil is in place so they are happy just to leave it another 3 years. I asked how they would get it out and they said that they'll cross that bridge in 3 years time. Eek!

I had to have the strings on mine cut short for LLETZ after an abnormal smear. When it came to removing the coil a couple of years later they ended up giving me a local anaesthetic into my cervix and having a good poke about. I think the (male) nurse just didn't want to admit defeat ha! Didn't enjoy the local but the rest of it wasn't uncomfortable.