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Original poster

Coil fitting - how painful will it be?

43 replies

Sheruns · 03/08/2023 08:54

OK please don't laugh at me. I have to start by saying I'm a completely squeamish wimp so please be kind.

I am having the copper coil fitted today. After lots of discussion with nurses and Dr I think this is my best option. I definitely don't want any more children, I can't take the pill (or one type anyway ) due to migraine. The implant gave me continuous random bleeding. The dr won't sterilise me- just didn't feel they took that suggestion seriously by me.

They've described the process to me and honestly it made me feel sick. I just keep telling myself it's better than another pregnancy and birth. They told me to take what I'd normally take for a headache before the appointment. Can anyone suggest exactly how long before I should do this?
Can anyone who's had this done reassure me?

OP posts:
Margrethe · 03/08/2023 10:17

I was told it was quick and easy, no worse than a clumsy pap smear.

I showed up unprepared. I didn’t take any pain killers before hand. (I rarely need them. 2 natural births, no pain killers after wisdom teeth removed and surgeries, etc.)

For me, it was so painful that I went into shock. I tried to grit my way through it, but my body temperature dropped, I couldn’t quit shaking, I couldn’t control my arms. My GP who had been quite breezy was a little thrown bu it all.

I am not saying that this will happen to you, but definitely take so e pain killers before hand!

AuntieJune · 03/08/2023 10:23

I had one pre-kids that hurt intensely but briefly - kind of like labour pain (I realised later!)

Post-kids I didn't even notice they'd done it.

Is there a reason you're having copper not mirena? Copper can give you heavier periods. Mirena lightens them but you can have the usual hormonal side effects.

If you definitely don't want more children, is vasectomy a better option? I'd had enough of my body being mucked about with after two kids and decades of contraceptive hoo-hah!

Original poster
Sheruns · 03/08/2023 10:46

I was advised against hormonal coils because basically every hormonal contraceptives I've ever had have given me unpredictable periods all over the place, some very heavy. I was under the impression that a non hormonal solution would leave my periods as they naturally are which is manageable and regular

OP posts:
Original poster
Sheruns · 03/08/2023 10:48

Also I'd love a vasectomy. Or my partner to have one obviously. My exh had one (he is my kids dad) but now I'm with a new partner I feel kinda guilty asking him to have one when he wasn't responsible for my previous pregnancies.

OP posts:
AuntieJune · 03/08/2023 10:51

Erm well try it and see! I think they are associated with heavier periods but maybe that won't be the case with you.

Mirena is a lower dose of hormones than the pill as it's delivered to the spot - might not cause the same issues as the pill.

You could talk it through with the nurse/doctor doing the fitting?

I only had a copper one pre kids, it made my periods quite a lot heavier and crampy. Loved the hormone free element, not so keen on the other things.

mrsneate · 03/08/2023 10:53

Depends on a lot things. As I found out last week. My first three were fine. Slight cramp when it went in. And I carried on with my day no problem

Last week. They struggled because of my age. The position of my cervix and it took 35 mins. And I was in bed for two days afterwards

(I'm 41. My first was 13 years ago

USaYwHatNow · 03/08/2023 11:01

I had x2 attempts before having a baby and it was the worst pain ever (prior to childbirth 😂) I ended up having it done by a Gynae consultant at the hospital with gas and air and a shit load of diazepam. Still had it taken out 6 months later as the side effects were crap.

TheFormidableMrsC · 03/08/2023 11:11

I've had several coils over the years and it's been absolutely fine. Take some paracetamol before you go and try as best you can to relax. It's over very quickly. Some cramping afterwards but completely manageable for me.

TheFormidableMrsC · 03/08/2023 11:12

Sheruns · 03/08/2023 10:46

I was advised against hormonal coils because basically every hormonal contraceptives I've ever had have given me unpredictable periods all over the place, some very heavy. I was under the impression that a non hormonal solution would leave my periods as they naturally are which is manageable and regular

I really loved my copper coil. I'd say my periods were slightly heavier and a little longer but it was a price worth paying for no hormones.

NewDogOwner · 03/08/2023 11:34

I felt really sick and dizzy. Stupidly booked a driving lesson for afterwards.

WhatHaveIDoneNo3 · 03/08/2023 11:38

Mine was completely painless. I had it fitted on the last day of my period which is meant to be ideal as cervix is still slightly open, so that’s probably why 🤷‍♀️

theluckiest · 03/08/2023 11:48

I think it depends on a few things, the most obvious being if you've delivered vaginally.

I have (twice!) so my cervix had already opened. Apparently, it's easier fitting a coil if you have.

More uncomfortable than anything. I've had two coils - first one, I didn't feel much at all. The second was slightly more uncomfortable with cramps afterwards.

My friend hasn't had DC and she found it very painful. But worth it as you can then forget about it!!

LaviniasBigBloomers · 03/08/2023 12:12

Margrethe · 03/08/2023 10:17

I was told it was quick and easy, no worse than a clumsy pap smear.

I showed up unprepared. I didn’t take any pain killers before hand. (I rarely need them. 2 natural births, no pain killers after wisdom teeth removed and surgeries, etc.)

For me, it was so painful that I went into shock. I tried to grit my way through it, but my body temperature dropped, I couldn’t quit shaking, I couldn’t control my arms. My GP who had been quite breezy was a little thrown bu it all.

I am not saying that this will happen to you, but definitely take so e pain killers before hand!

@Margrethe that's a recognised 'thing' - I get it too. My GP won't go near my cervix, I get referred to our Women's Health Centre where they are all gynaes and have excellent technique. They use numbing gel and inject a painkiller and it's OK for me - not perfect, but tolerable.

The first time my (otherwise excellent) GP tried to remove and refit I passed out, it was awful. but she'd seen it before and knew what to do. Unfortunately you don't know if it will affect you that way until you get it done.

Gettingbysomehow · 03/08/2023 12:21

I never felt mine going in at all, then I ejected them a few weeks later, every single one. Wondering what's wrong with my cervix!!

Margrethe · 03/08/2023 12:29

Good to know that I am not the only one @LaviniasBigBloomers !

PrincessPeaches123 · 03/08/2023 15:30

theluckiest · 03/08/2023 11:48

I think it depends on a few things, the most obvious being if you've delivered vaginally.

I have (twice!) so my cervix had already opened. Apparently, it's easier fitting a coil if you have.

More uncomfortable than anything. I've had two coils - first one, I didn't feel much at all. The second was slightly more uncomfortable with cramps afterwards.

My friend hasn't had DC and she found it very painful. But worth it as you can then forget about it!!

I've never delivered vaginally and had no problems

Covidwoes · 03/08/2023 22:14

I took ibuprofen beforehand OP and honestly found it fine. My smears are more uncomfortable! I was so surprised at how pain free it was. Best contraception ever as well. So easy, and no hormones!

blacknredsweeties · 03/08/2023 22:17

I've had 2. I pulled my last one out like an idiot. Had to go and check all was ok, was fine.

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