Mirena coil

[Lizzer]

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.

I cannot believe what i am reading!! It is all making so much sense !! I had my merina fitted a year ago after the birth of my first baby. It was such a painful experience and after a traumatic birth did nothing to enhance my confidence - horrible!!!

I have since experienced many of the side effects that you all report. mood swings..weight gain ( although previously i could always eat anything and not gain weight!)constant thrush...pain during sex....acne...bloating...water retention...back pain....joint pain....loss of libido, it's all been awful.

I am now going to go to the doctor and am not going to take no for an answer. The bloody merina is on the way out.

I will keep you all posted

Mirena releases small quantities of progesterone into the uterus. But with the invasion of Mirena comes a number of maladies and afflictions -
adverse behavioural effect, irritability, pelic inflammation, hypersensitivity in pelvic area, headaches, migraines, fatigue, feeling of complete despair, depressive moods that can lead to depression, enormous weight gain (10-20Kg)pre-occupation with death & dying, agitation, aggression, on-set of anxiety that is not related to anything, hot flushes, bloating, yeast infections......and I could feel the mirena inside me (apparently not possible).
There are women that can tolerate progesterone in their system. However, if you are one of those women that CANNOT tolerate the pill, then DON'T try the mirena. I have suffered all of these symptoms for 5 years, I thought I was going mad. I had tests and treatments galore until I typed in the words "Mirena and Aggression" - my life changed. I landed on Mumsnet and saw 172 pages of discussions. Within 3 days of reading the blurps, my Mirena was out. The cheapest and best advice ever. For the first time in 5 years I had hope. Having the mirena inserted is like putting yourself into a cold pot of water and someone turns up the heat slowly. You don't notice at first,but when it gets hotter, your so busy trying to cope that you don't think to jump out. I did not at first feel any side effects until a year later. It took me all this time to figure it out. Mirena is NOT for everyone. Be careful with your choice. Take your time. The wrong choice can rob you of joy & happiness! Taking it out is painless.

Hi
I went back to the fpc this week & had the mirena taken out. At first I saw the nurse who tried to persuade me to have the p.o.p,[shocked] I said isnt that the same hormone as whats in the mirena, she said yes but it doesnt cause the same symtons.She gave me a leaflet to read while waiting to see the Dr.When I read it,it mentioned erratic bleeding etc so will be giving it a miss.I saw the Dr who actually fitted the mirena, she wanted to give me tablets to control the bleeding.I said I wanted it taken out,she said what if I said you dont have a choice you have to keep it in? I said I would go to my gp or take it out myself, coz it wasnt right for me.She then said your still breastfeeding that could be causing the prob,or it could be a postnatal prob.I said maybe your right but if I have the mirena taken out I can then find out for sure what is causing the probs.She said are you sure you dont want tablets coz it might settle, I said no besides I am not in a relationship at the mo & I feel its not worth going through all this hassle for a contraception that isnt needed.Eventually she took it out but she wasnt happy about doing it.

I have had the Marina coil for 2 years and for me it has been bliss. No periods, no PMT. My partner has noticed a dramatic change in me too. No bleeding. It hurt a little being put in, but compared to childbirth a doddle. I am very happy with it....no PMT.

Well I had my Mirena taken out Friday
I had it put in in May, and since then have put on 1.5 stone , I usually don't put on weight and haven't been eating any more. Hoping to see it go now ... soooo bloated. I was shocked when I stood on the scales the other day, can't think what else it could have been as it has crept on since I had the thing fitted.

The main problems it caused for me tho was breathing difficulties, I have a lung disease and my consultant told me it can cause problems in peope with these difficulties, as sometimes progestorone reacts badly .... I had it fitted for awful periods but I'd prefer to be able to breathe and have nasty periods than to not, lol!

Plus, it wasn't showing any signs of sorting out my periods.....they were lasting 2 weeks, still heavy bleeding, still quite a lot of pain - a slight improvement but hardly anything. I am happy to have it out, but annoyed that I went thru nearly 5 months of difficulties.

I had mine put in in feb 2006. Think i'll keep it for now as I really cant think of anything else I could have and some months I'm lucky only bleeding for a couple of days and periods in general are much lighter only downside for me is sometimes the bleeding lasts longer and I have no idea how long my cycle is mind you i don't really pay attention so that's my own fault

I had a mirena fitted 3 years ago and have had nothing but problems. I have just found out that its perforated my womb and now i need an operation to remove it from my abdomen. I have had numerous scans tests etc... and was told all was OK. Was not aware of the side effects you all appear to have but having read them yes...weight gain, headaches etc... horrendous...My periods were even worse after fitting and never ever stopped.

I had the Mirena fitted just over 3 months ago, it was sheer hell having it put in.. I have never felt so much pain in my life (I dont have kids)... For the next few weeks I had cramping most days.. I now have no sex drive what so ever and my boyfriend thinks im not attracted to him anymore.. I dont have periods anymore, that is the only good thing about it.. It feels slightly uncomfortable when having intercourse and sometimes have a sharp pain if hit in the wrong position.. This mirena was my last resort, i've tried all contraception, im very sensitive to hormones in the pill.. Since Mirena Im not depressed but not overlly happy either, my stomach is quite bloated and my skin is starting to get bad..Im a bit agitaed and I still get cramps some days.. Hard to explain but I can kind of feel the Mirena in my uterus.. I find I need to wee a lot.. One positive is that in Australia it doesnt cost much for the Mirena.. Looking forward to getting it out!! any other good contraception suggestions ?

hi everyone, im new to your site but so glad i stubbled across it. i had the minerva coil fitted 1 year ago and it has been like a time bomb ticking away in there.month by month my symptoms have got worse only slighlty to begin with so although i noticed something wasnt right its taken this long to realize.my symptoms are.....one and a half stone weight gain,migrains,acne on neck and chin, low low moods,depression,anxiety,thinning hair abdominal pain going into thighs and back and bottom,pain in elbows knees fingers feet and ankles,crying for no reason, not being able to sleep although exhausted,awful taste in mouth ,painfull brests,watery discharge,no patience,and absolutly no sex drive.ECT,ECT.Iknow these could be symptoms of something else and i have had upteen blood tests, all normal,and i just know its that thing inside me and my body is trying to reject it.i have had a vaginal scan and it has shown i have a cyst in my womb and that he coil is aggrevating it and my cesarian scar.yet the doctor seems to think it is not the coil causing my symptoms......the small amount of hormone cannot get into your blood stream and it would be a shame to have it taken out after such a short time.......a shame i had it in the first place i say i feel like screaming to the docs ...please listen to us women.my breats and abdomen are so sore i can bearly cuddle my beautiful son....i just want this plastic foreign body out of me.i have never been able to take any hormone pill for bad effects but was assured the coil was not like the pill.well ladies im glad ive got some of my story off my chest....sorry its long winded.hope you are all feeling well and dandyxxxx

OMG! I feel quite depressed after reading some of the messages about the Marina. I had mine fitted 3 weeks ago and so far the story goes like this .... Heavy periods was my problem and the doc suggested I have one fitted - AGONY! Now it has settled down after a nightmare of a period after (lasted nearly 2 weeks) I find now that I have a slight discharge (kinda blood stained) anyone had the same? I often feel bloated and as yet I havn't noticed a weight gain (Hope i dont!) So if anyone has any comments it would be great to read.

I too have been recommended to consider the Mirena coil from my gyno, but after reading these entries there is no way! The other option I have been given is a Cavaterm Procedure - I've just listed it for information if anyone knows anything about it. It shoulds abit barbaric to me, but it's drug free! This procedure reduces and/or stops the bleeding all together. Bliss!

I had a Mirena coil put in 4 weeks ago. Have put on about 1/2 a stone already! But no period at all yet and no spotting at all. No other real symptoms apart from slightly tender boobs. Also my PMT (which had been getting really bad) is hugely better, almost no PMT at all this month. Overall, apart from the weight gain, I'm surprised so far. Will have to take up jogging though.

From reading some of this thread, it just strikes me that this coil can have an enormous range of effects on different women. No one can predict how it will affect you. Also I was reading that in the event you get pregnant with it in (which is apparently very rare ) there are possible risks of birth defects to the baby. For something so unpredictable and possibly harmful, I am surprised it is even licensed! Anyway, I will continue with it for now .

Went to get mine taken out today only for the Gp not to be able to find it. She thinks it has fallen out but I know it hasn't. I felt the strings on Tuesday as I thought due to past experiences they wouldn't be able to feel anything.

So now I have to wait up to three weeks for an ultrasound.

I just want the damn thing out NOW

I had my Mirena coil removed after 10 months. The doctor said my periods would return as normal which 4 weeks later it did.It was nothing to write home about,it was just the run of the mill period. Then about 12 days later I started to spot, but this time it looked like more like a brown discharge ( looks like old blood ) this has been on going now for about 10 days and now I seem to be having a light period which is a normal red colour now. Has anyone else experienced this after having the mirena coil removed. If so how long do I need my body to get back into it`s normal cycle ?

Hello everyone
I have just seen a gyno for the first time today after suffering from very heavy periods for 5 years and pain in my right ovary and he says I have a tender womb,so sending me for a laparoscopy,hysteroscopy and fitting of mirena coil....
I have already had ultrasound.....all clear thank god....and normal smear,another weight of my mind.
I was over the moon about the mirena....as I have been suffering for so long.....flooding out for 2 weeks every month,large clots,anemia {HMg 8} ,chronic PMT,sore boobs,the list goes on....oh and high blood pressure
Isn,t it great to be a woman.....not.

I was over the moon because my Mum has the Mirena coil and said I will be a different person{good,I want the old me back}
but now i read all these horror stories and want to just cry.
i have to wait until January to have it fitted....so another 3 horribleshitty periods to put with yet ....and I will probably be on when they do it.....how degrading.....
someone give me some encouragement please!!
Donna

Here's some encouragement, Miserymum.

I have had the mirena for 5 1/2 years now. The reason it is still there after 5 years is I have reached the menopause and I was told I could leave it for an extra wee while for contraception. I'll need to get it out soon.

I THINK IT IS THE BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD AND IT WAS A COMPLETE LIFESAVER FOR ME, SO PLEASE DON'T DISCOUNT IT!

Like you, I had really heavy periods with clots. I flooded during meetings, in people's houses etc. It was a miserable situation and I despaired.

The insertion was very painful, but the doctor had decided to give me a biopsy first, "just to be on the safe side". I bled for 6 weeks afterwards (but not heavily) which was a surprise.

However, after that I didn't have a period for a whole year and once they started again they were as regular as ever but totally insignificant.....wonderful. Also my PMT disappeared.

I didn't particularly gain weight, didn't get spots...I was just my usual self but easier to live with and delighted to have such light periods.

Give the Mirena a try. You might be equally pleased.

Hi merlotomama
Wow,thanks for that....I suppose it works differently for everyone,and hopefully my outcome will be the same as yours.
I was reading the pamphlets too what they gave me yesterday,explaining the procedures......the risks,though low,are quite frightening,but I,ve asked myself 'can I go on any longer like this?' the answer's NO WAY! so I am having it done...
Just another thing to put a spanner in the works,they have closed a baby ward down at the hospital due to MRSA .....The Gyno clinic is next door....
but I,m having the mirena fitted under anaesthetic after they perform a laparoscopy and hysteroscopy,so I will be well away in the theatre.....and hopefully germ free!
thanks again for your quick response.....it's great to hear from other women....let's face it our hubbys dont really understand!
all you hear from them is "get it sorted then !"
now if it were them,they would be in bed for weeks,pleading for paracetamol and glasses of water! us women just cart on,looking after the kids,house AND working!
we are the better sex,no doubt!
best wishes to everyone

Hello again
Also just read that Mirena is no good for anyone with a history of PND or any sort of depression.I had PND with my last 2 children.....so I,m fretting a little ,yet again about the Mirena coil.
To be honest I think I would feel better....especially if it stops my severe blood loss.
I was on Trinordiol pill{combined} for years with no side effects....so surely a few extra hormones from the coil wont make me feel worse than I already feel now.
Also,just found from the web that high blood pressure can be a sign of hormonal imbalance! .....it all seems to be making sense!
I dont have ENOUGH hormones! that and the blood loss is giving me such bad mood swings.
I haemorraged after the birth of my first daughter and my blood count went to 6.....I got terrible depression.I remember overhearing a nurse say that low blood count can trigger depression....well it just makes sense doesn,t it! if you are loosing so much blood,tired and having to look after a new baby plus a 3 year old,then you're gonna feel down!
I,m convinced the Mirena coil will work for me.I dont care about being spotty and greasy haired...and a bit of spotting....bring it on...
at least I wont have to change my towel 15 times a day and have 3 baths because I feel so grotty.
roll on January....

Good luck, miserymum. You'll never know unless you try it and at least you'll not notice the insertion!

It may not be relevant for you - but is for you angstmum, if you are still following this thread - but another thing I thought of is: I absolutely sailed through the menopause. I've never had a hot flush in my life and was neither up nor down with it. I read somewhere that Mirena is recognised as helping with this.

When you think about the alternatives: heavy periods, flooding, PMT etc its a nobrainer. I couldn't have lived like that for much longer - I certainly couldn't have gone to work for one week out of four.

hi new to this but would like some help.Had the mirena coil fitted a week ago still having tummy cramps and backache worse when i walk around alot.Don't want to go back to the docs in case this is normal then i will feel a wolly

Hi kazthemum, I had exactually the same problem, it does calm down after a few weeks, also i had a bad discharge for a while but that soon goes as well. Had mine in now 8 weeks and its bliss. Hope the cramps go soon I am sure they will.

I'm new, this is my first message but I could do wih some help.I had a copper coil fitted 1 year ago but i'm unhappy with side effects. My periods are a bit heavier (they were never a problem before ) but the main problem is I seem to be bleeding or spotting most of the time and also suffer from alot of abdominal pain. Went to gp to ask about sterilisation, she was reluctant to refer me and suggested a mirena instead. I am 45 and have 3 children and definately do not want anymore.My husband is not able to have a vasectomy for other health reasons and the pill has never suited me so I am running out of contraceptive options. My main concern is that I suffer from really bad migraines which have been worsened by other hormone based contraceptives in the past. I suffer all the time and not just at period time. Has anyone had problems with the mirena and migraines as this is really worrying me?

Hi again
I was due to have the Mirena coil fitted and Hysteroscopy,Laparoscopy in January 2008.....
they have rung today with a cancellation for this Thursday !
I,m panicking now.....
what's wrong with me !?...I want the problem sorted,but now I,m in a right flap.
In the mean time,people have took great delight in telling me horror stories about so & so ending up a having botch up with their op and their bowel pierced,ending up seriously ill,etc etc......
But, I'm taking the cancellation.....I just want it over and done with.
I,ll keep you posted...
Donna

So glad i have just found this site, I had a mirena fitted 8 months ago, it was pushed on me and i was told it would be a god send for my heavy periods. In the 32 weeks i have had it in i have put a stone on in weight, i am tired all the time often staying in bed till dinner time, i scream at my hubby and child often for no reason, i have bleed for 18 weeks out of 32, the bleeding is getting me more down than the heavy periods at least that was one week a month now i can bleed up to 3 weeks a month. I woke up this morning crying yet again for no reason. I have finally had enough and have booked to see the doctor on Thursday. Only thing is because i have been bleeding for the last week they probably wont take it out till i have stopped which could be weeks away.