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Original poster

Mirena coil

1000 replies

Lizzer · 07/01/2002 12:41

Hi all, after my treatment (see smear tests) I am wanting to have the Mirena coil fitted. I've read the blurb but don't actually know anyone who has one. Really I'm interested more in the fact that it often changes / stops periods because of the small amount of progesterone in it, and was wondering how this affected people. Also I was told there is a lot of breakthrough bleeding when first inserted? I was under the impression that you can't feel it at all, but wondering if that's true? I've never had a coil fitted before so hope it is the right decision for me. My GP told me it was as affective a contraception method as man having a vascetomy!! Which sounds great for me at the moment... Any comments welcome.

OP posts:
Twink · 07/01/2002 13:49

Lizzer, firstly all the best for your treatment, fingers etc all crossed.
I had one fitted in September. It was very uncomfortable but not painful during the fitting and I felt as if I'd got bad period pain for a few days after. I was warned that I might have a lot more bleeding for the first month, less 2nd, even less 3rd and then back to 'normal' (whatever that might be !). I bled a lot for 3 weeks following the fitting which was a right pain cos I was told not to use tampons until it had been checked after 6 weeks (curious 2 year olds are such a joy aren't they !!)
I now seem to be having a 4 week cycle which I put down to the progesterone cos I was a 6/7 week person before. The bleeding is very light now, just enough to be there if you know what I mean. Mood wise I don't think I'm any better or worse than before although I haven't dared stop the starflower oil.
I can't feel it at all now and dh says he can't either (but make sure when you have it checked that they trim the strings as much as poss)
Definitely recommend it.

Twink · 07/01/2002 18:23

Lizzer, just done a 'Search Board' using 'Mirena' as a keyword and it brings up quite a few more comments and experiences (none negative which is a relief !)

Sweetie · 07/01/2002 22:15

I've had a Mirena for 3 years now (had one removed to conceive my son, then another one fitted 3 months after having him.) yes, it is pretty uncomfortable having it fitted, but the pain is only momentary, followed by some period type pains for a day or two.
I cannot feel mine, and neither can DH. An added bonus for me is that I have no periods to speak of, although I know some women would not feel comfortable with this. I haven't noticed any side effects at all. Go for it!

jasper · 08/01/2002 00:41

Lizzer, my sister who has two kids, does not want any more and is a GP has one and thinks it is the greatest thing since sliced bread

emsiewill · 08/01/2002 19:51

I'm going to sound a bit thick now, but can you just go to your GP and ask for this? When I was discussing contraception with the GP at my 6 week post-natal check-up (2.5 years ago!), she talked about the coil, and explained I just needed to make an appointment and I could have one fitted, but she didn't talk about different types of coil. I've only heard of Mirena since then, but it does sound like it's what I'm looking for. Do I just go along and ask for it, or is it only available in certain areas/ FP clinics?

Twink · 08/01/2002 21:54

I first heard of it at my NCT antenatal classes and had seen no mention elsewhere. I told my GP I'd read about it and asked for an opinion, and was told it would be probably be ideal for me. It seems that the key thing with it is that the initial costs to the practice are quite high so they're not keen on promoting it unless you are pretty sure you're not going to want it removed for a while.

Original poster
Lizzer · 09/01/2002 14:05

Thanks for your advice everyone, I'm feeling a bit more confident about it, just pleased to hear some feedback. I hate the thought of the fitting after all the poking about I've had recently and to follow. I just don't think I'll be rushing straight down to the surgery asking for it to be fitted straight away but hopefully once everything (touch wood) calms down again after my treatment I'll be brave - can't stand the thought of being miss moody/fat/depressed on the pill again...!
Emsiewill, I heard about it from the contraception leaflets you get given to you before leaving the hospital with your new born (like, as if ANYONE is thinking about having sex ever again 2 days postnatally!!) My GP said that the cost is high too, but it lasts for 5 yrs which, for me, is perfect. Maybe if you thinking of having another child in a yr then they would put you off it?

OP posts:
Ems · 09/01/2002 14:09

Lizzer how much progesterone is in it, is it considerably less than the pill? I am reluctant to take anything 'pilly', but the mirena does sound ideal during this time of life.

monkey · 09/01/2002 14:32

I believe the hormones in this coil are very low, and localised to that area, so a totally different kettle if fish to the pill.

jac · 09/01/2002 14:39

I have a coil fitted. But it's not the mirena coil it's one that doesn't have any hormones at all. I wanted this as I couldn't find a pill that didn't make me have mood swings so thought this was the best option. It doesn't sound as good as the mirena coil period wise though. Most months are average to heavy bleeding but regular 28/30 days. I've had mine in just over a year now and it's brilliant to not have to remember to take pills as I was rubbish at that. If it has a small amount of progesterone in, I wonder if it's the same amount as the mini pill? I was ok with that but having to take it the same time each day was a pain.

Good luck Lizzer, whatever you decide.

salalex · 09/01/2002 15:07

lizzer, I have a Mirena too and have had it for 3 years with no problems. I also don;t have any periods to speak of which was a bit disconcerting at first but now is a definite bonus - and saves a fortune on tampax! It is a bit uncomfortable having it put in, but as it's considerably less than a contraction it was OK! I bled loads for the first 3 weeks, but rarely bleed at all now. I seem to remeber my doctor saying Ems, that the progesterone in Mirena was the equivalent of taking a mini pill 2/3 times a week. It's so strange writing to you, when i have been reading your stuff for so long without contributing - like writing to old mates alomost! I'd recommend the mirena anyway, good luck.

emsiewill · 09/01/2002 16:19

LOL! Me, have another child ever, let alone within a year - not likely guv! I barely have enough strength/patience/sheer "goodness" to deal with the 2 I've already got.

Ems · 09/01/2002 18:30

Thanks monkey and salalex, I think I should investigate further.

Original poster
Lizzer · 09/01/2002 19:30

Ems, yeah I too was reassured that it was such a low dose of p/rone that was released slowly over 5 yrs. I was a nightmare on the mini and the combined so I was very cautious about hormones. I'm convinced I have plenty enough of my own, thankyouverymuch!

Salalex, you do realise that once you start writing on here its v difficult to stop!! Its nice to hear your advice too, I hadn't thought about how much money I might save on tampons -bonus

Jac, yeah, apparently this coil is completely the opposite of others because other coils can make you bleed slightly heavier, but this one is sometimes used as a treatment for women who have really heavy periods as well as being an effective contraceptive...

Emsiewill, take it that's a NO then?!!!!

OP posts:
Nance · 12/01/2002 19:48

Hi all

I had a regular coil fitted 5 years ago which was brilliant for me. No complications etc. At that time my GP refused to let me try the mirena coil as it was just out then and I had not tried the other coil previously.

However, after my last ds (4 months ago) the doctor "refused" to put me on the coil as I was having heavy periods despite breastfeeding my son. He thought the coil (we did not discuss mirena) would make it worse. He has put me on the micronor pill which I must admit I detest!! I am not diligent and often end up taking 2 at a time so we have to use condoms as well. From what I have read on this message, the mirena coil should at least reduce my period if not get rid of it altogether.

Any thoughts???

LIZS · 13/01/2002 19:50

Had a Mirena fitted on recommendation of my gynaecologist 10 weeks after giving birth but, as we are in Switzerland had to pay privately (approx £200). Since I had given birth so recently it was relatively straight forward to fit and with the help of a muscle relaxant uncomfortable rather than painful. Had some cramps and bleeding following fitting which is still slight some 2 months later and apparently could continue for up to 6 months but period bleeding already seems less although hard to tell as am still breastfeeding. Otherwise we are happy and can't feel it's there!

fairy · 14/01/2002 12:13

As I've mentioned on a different thread I've got mine and ds 6 week check on Wednesday and I know she will ask about contraception.

So here are my questions! I know that some or all coils have threads/strings you have to check, is this right and does the Mirena one have this?

Also how long does it stay in for?

Sorry if I'm repeating things already written, I have tried to read it all!

Thanks

Twink · 14/01/2002 12:38

Fairy, the Mirena does have strings which you check (although they are cut very short). I was told to go for a check-up after a year but didn't get any indication how long they stay in for although they did say they don't like removing them before about 2 years because they are relatively expensive.

star · 15/01/2002 08:39

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maroula · 08/02/2002 18:41

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callie · 08/02/2002 19:31

Just wondering If anyone else here has had the Norplant. It's those 6 tiny rods that are fitted in your arm and stay put for 5yrs.
I have and What a BIG mistake that was.

IDismyname · 08/02/2002 22:31

Callie
You don't say why they're such a mistake... I'd be interested to know. Took the decision a few weeks ago to call a halt to any more children, so made appt to see GP and pretty much demanded one of the 3 month jabs (Deprovera?). Arm is still aching after 5 days!

Think I may go back in 3 months and ask for a coil to be fitted, but was interested in finding out about the Norplant too.

Do post again, as I'd like to hear a first hand report on Norplant...

Debsdebs · 10/02/2002 14:30

I had an ordinary t-coil fitted some years back soon after birth of ds, and as soon as I'd stopped breastfeeding I got pregnant again, with coil still in place. Just thought I'd mention it as, based on my experience, I wouldn't recommend an 'ordinary' coil to anyone! Needed surgery to remove coil after birth of dd.

Original poster
Lizzer · 10/02/2002 21:00

Star -if I can just be nosy and ask you how yours is getting along (!!) I haven't had mine fitted yet because have my treatment soon (next week - gah!!) I was wondering if you remained bleed free?

BTW I thought the norplant implants had been withdrawn as a lot of them ruptured?? May be wrong but I'm sure I heard that somewhere...

OP posts:
Lindy · 10/02/2002 21:15

Just a note of caution about the deprovera (3 month implant) - I bled more or less continuously after having it, wouldn't recommend it but I guess I am extremely lucky as I can take the mini pill with absolutely no side effects - my only query is, & my GP couldn't answer (!) is that how will I know when I reach the menopause? I am mid 40s now. I never have mood changes at all, I just don't know the meaning of PMT - lucky or what!

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