Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
General health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

Mirena coil

10 replies

noddy5 · 22/06/2004 11:59

I have been suffering with horrendous heavy periods for a couple of years and my gynaecologist has suggested this.Does anyone have it and what are the side effects?I don't want to put on weight as I have to keep a close eye on that as I have a heart condition.Has anyone had one?I am losing so much blood that unless the effects are horrendous I think I will try it

OP posts:
mummytosteven · 22/06/2004 12:05

There is a thread just below on Health called "Mirena coil anyone" which talks about this which you might find interesting. Sorry I am not clever enough to do a link to it for you! My best friend has a Mirena and absolutely swears by it. She has stopped having periods (so that deals with the blood loss)

Tetley · 22/06/2004 12:08

I've had one for a few months now. I'm still getting some periods but they are lighter & shorter than they were. I've had no side effects.

My SIL has had one for 5 years and after the initial few months has had no periods & no side effects. Neither of us have put on weight.

The only side effect that I have heard of was a friend of mine who felt very depressed with it - but she'd had that side effect from the mini pill too, so that must be a reaction she has to the progesterone.

I'd definately recommend one.

jolou1 · 22/06/2004 12:20

I've had one for a year now and it's great. No periods, no mood swings and no weight gain. Go for it. It's a bit uncomfortable for a day or two after fitting and you bleed lightly for a while, but compared to what you're going through now, it'll be a doddle.

Original poster
noddy5 · 22/06/2004 13:55

thanks I knew this was the right place to ask advice I am going to go for it as I know I can have it taken out if no good.Have had a normal coil in the past and it was fine

OP posts:
Original poster
noddy5 · 22/06/2004 16:29

Is it right that it stays in for 5 years?

OP posts:
Original poster
noddy5 · 23/06/2004 10:13

bumping this up as I cannot access the old threads on this and I am getting the appointment through for this next week.Is it really painful having it in?I had a biopsy of the uterus done yesterday and that was agony!Do you have to stay in bed after or is it quite quick?Thanks for all the replies so far

OP posts:
mummytosteven · 23/06/2004 10:19

As I recollect from my friend's experience (i.e. talk about 3rd hand or what), you do get it in for five years. When she had it done (she has never had a baby/been pg) it was a bit painful - like period cramps so you'd probably want a paracetamol, but not dreadful/take to your bed for. Probably best to get it done late afternoon/early evening so that you'll feel better by the next morning if you have to go to work. If you have had a baby it should be less painful to get it fitted.

susanmt · 23/06/2004 10:31

The worst bit for me about getting the mirena in was the speculum - I was 6 weeks postpartum and hadn't properly healed. Its a bit uncomfortable as they have to hold your cervix still, and then they insert the coil, which i didn't feel at all. I had a few hours of period like cramps and a little spotting for about a day and that was it. Some people do have worse effects than this.
I am getting another one soon (my dh has had a vasectomy so we don't need it for contraception) as I have heavy periods and migraines realted to ovulation and when I had the coil before I had NO periods and no migraines either. S I am getting on on those grounds (just as soon as my GP has finished the training course!!).

It can stay in as long as you like but the hormones only last for 5 years, so you lose the effect of them (ie the lack of periods) after about 5 years. After that it would operate like a normal coil. The period effect takes a while to kick in and it can take a year for periods to disappear all together.

There can be side effects such as weight gain but much, much less than with other hormonal contraception as the dose is so small and its not systemic, its released locally into your womb.

One thing I would say - go for your checks!!! Mine fell out and I didn't know (well, slipped into my cervix) and I got pregnant. The chances of this happening are exceptionally remote, and there has never been a recorded pregnancy with mirena correctly in place. My doc worked out that the chances of what happened to me happening are 1 : 200 000 so nothing much to worry about!!

I would say go for it, but then I benefitted greatly from it.

Tetley · 23/06/2004 11:01

I had mine fitted in the evening, then went home & sat on the sofa with a bottle of wine! The next day it was just a bit of period pain, but nothing too bad.

Definately give it a go - I'd definately recommend it. Yes, to confirm what the others have said it lasts 5 years (the hormonal bit).

It's just a bit uncomfortable having it put in, but it doesn't last long!

Original poster
noddy5 · 23/06/2004 11:12

Thanks all!I have just spent 3 days unable to leave the house due to severe bleeding and dizziness.I am still at home now as I just can't shake the exhaustion this month.My sister came last night to see my new kitten and I had to go to bed at 8 I felt so rude.I am def going to try the coil my dp is getting so excited that we may have a life again at last

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page