Advice about Mirena Coil

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Hi I'm in need of some advice/ insight from anyone who has had the Mirena Coil.

I have very heavy, painful periods. I went to see a Gynaecologist about the possibility of endometrial ablation but due to some other health issues I have it apparently isn't the best option for me. She strongly recommended the Mirena Coil and I'm having an ultrasound later today with a view to the coil being fitted in 2 weeks.

But I'm really worried. I'm feeling sick about the procedure to have it put in and concerned about the side effects. I don't cope well with hormonal contraception but was told the amount of hormone is so tiny it shouldn't be a problem. I struggle with my weight, I've recently lost 2 stone but have another 2 to lose and I've heard it can cause weight gain. I'm also worried that once it is in they won't take it out if I want them to, and that it might not even help my periods anyway.

She did say she would reluctantly do the ablation instead if I decide not to have the coil, but that she wouldn't recommend it so I no longer feel that is an option even though that was my first choice and I really didn't want the coil.

Can anyone share their experience with me please, good or bad? I need to make a decision soon! Thanks.

I had this fitted in Feb and it's made all the difference. I had such bad, heavy periods that I was anaemic and exhausted. And spending a fortune on Super Heavy tampax that I had to change every five minutes. It was a nightmare.

Now my periods haven't disappeared but they are SO MUCH lighter. I just need medium tampax for a day or so.

My doc told me ablation was a really drastic solution and said this was much better, and I'm happy with it so far.

I did notice I was a bit hungrier after it was first put in so I made sure I kept up my exercise and didn't eat all the biscuits I felt like eating! But I haven't put on any weight. My boss said it made her put on a stone but she is really greedy and unrestrained (as I would be if I didn't exercise massive restraint) so TBH I think it was her using it as an excuse...!

Go for it!

and ps the procedure was nothing! Just make sure you have a pad in your pants as I bled a bit going home and hadn't anticipated it.

Thank you, it's good to hear a positive experience! My periods are the same, and seem to be getting even worse. I'm struggling to even leave the house at the worst point because of pain and leakage. Can I ask what was the insertion like? If I could be sedated I might not be panicking so much but I don't think they offer that!

Xpost thank you!

You need a diagnosis first and foremost.

How long have you suffered both heavy and painful periods.

Heavy and painful periods can also be caused by endometriosis; has this possibility never been discussed?. If the root cause is actually endometriosis then endometrical ablation may not help either.

I have read of very mixed results with regards to the Mirena being used for such purposes and your concerns are valid ones also raised by others. The mirena can only be used for 5 years after which another mirena would be inserted. I would look into seeking a second opinion.

I had it fitted in October last year. I cramped for the rest of that day/evening, and spotted for about 2/3 weeks (mostly on wiping, but wore a panty liner in case). I haven't had a period with it in, but I hadn't had a period since having my twins (12 months old when I had the coil fitted) so that could be why. It took a few months, probably 4/5, for the hormones to settle for me but I reacted badly to the pill hormones and the lower level from the Mirena work so much better for me. I can tell when I would be "pre-menstrual" as my temper is a lot shorter, but that is only for a day or two a month. On the pill I developed anxiety and OCD and it was awful all the time, so this is a massive improvement for me.

If you have it fitted be aware it will be a few months for it to settle, but if it works for you it is worth it (and the only way to know is to try unfortunately).

Thanks Attila, I've always had bad periods, but they have got even worse since the birth of my last child. I'm having a scan today, I suppose that will rule out any underlying issue?

Thanks Buttface (I feel rude calling you that!)

Yes one of the 'selling points' from the doctor was the only way to know is to try it and it can always be removed if you don't get on with it. It just seems very invasive for trial and error. I had similar problems on the pill and really didn't want more hormones. Urgh sometimes I hate being a woman!

I fucking loved mine.

Fitted due to heavy irregular periods as caused by my PCOS.
The fitting was uncomfortable, like a smear test really. In as much as you can tell someone is doing something where things done usually get fiddled with, but it wasn't painful.
I chose the mirena as the hormones are locally acting and are meant to reduce the amount of uterine tissue growth and then that causes a reduction in bleeding.
Following the fitting I needed two paracetamol and then was fine. I spotted on and off for about 4 months, I just wore s panty liner and one would last all day, I didn't bleed every day it just used them to save my knickers 😂 I don't have a period for 18 months, then I came on, had a 4 day period and then nothing for another 18 months when it was taken out (took seconds and painless) so I could TTC.
I've just had my DS and will be having another one fitted.

Hi I had similar experience to you, blood test showed anaemia but i'm going through the "change" 10 days bleed, nightmare so coil was recommended. At the fitting i found it painless, just like having a smear a speculem is used and it's in, yes a little discomfort and they suggest take ibuprofen before procedure and wear a pad after too. I'm just waiting for my check up now, but periods are reduced and less painful. I read all the literature and forums too, hair loss, depression weight gain, spots etc, but at the moment i'm giving it 6 months and then I'll review pros and cons. good luck.

Haha I know, should change it really

I had it because we didn't want anymore children, but felt DH was too young for the snip, just incase we change our minds. And condoms neither of us like (& the reason our twins were conceived...) Our sex life has improved so much since I had it as we can be spontaneous when all three are asleep, and as a result our relationship is so much better (although that could be lots more sleep too).

In terms of insertion, I won't lie, it wasn't pleasant but it didn't hurt me either. Just like a long smear with a bit more rummaging, plus they did numb my cervix beforehand. All done within 10 mins. I took 2 paracetamol an hour before my appointment on their advice, and honestly it was fine. I have had three children naturally (one with forceps) so my cervix has been through worse may even have another when the 5 yrs are up, even if DH goes for the snip.

Being a woman does suck sometimes, I massively agree! Good luck whatever you decide.

The insertion was ok. Like a slightly extended smear test, maybe a tiny bit worse, but I can't imagine why anyone would need to be sedated for it!

(And yes, massive plus for the sex life too!)

Total life changer for me, anemia due to extremely heavy periods caused by fibroids and perimenopause. Insertion wasn't painful but was intense pressure for about 30seconds then done still had periods but over 10 months they have dwindled to nothing, don't even need a liner, I actually feel well for the first time in years!
The key to a painless fitting is to have someone experienced do it.

"I'm having a scan today, I suppose that will rule out any underlying issue?"

I hope your scan went well. However, I would say that if endometriosis is there a scan does not always detect it because the deposits are so very small.

I had one fitted for both contraception and to minimise my heavy periods. I had it removed, without problems, to get pregnant and now plan to get one again (got pregnant, had twins).

I am prone to be overweight and it didn't affect my weight at all. Also, I get migraines from the pill hormones and this didn't make migraines more regular. It almost completely stopped my period, which was fab - you obviously know what very heavy periods are like).

Positives all round for me

I had a good experience. Really didn't get on with a few different types of pills (weird moods, didn't feel like me), but didn't have any side effects with the mirena coil other than no periods (relief!) It's not that painful to put in, just like an uncomfortable smear with bad period/stomach cramps for a day or two afterwards - it was definitely short term pain for long term gain for me.

I'm always surprised when people describe the fitting as painful or invasive - I had a Mirena fitted last Aug and while I had a bit of cramping at the time (for an hour maybe), it was no more invasive than having a smear test and if you've given birth then it's an extremely minor procedure by comparison!

I was told when I had mine fitted that women tend to have one of three results from it:

1. Periods stay the same
2. Periods get lighter
3. Periods stop altogether

Personally, I've had option 2 and my periods have got a lot lighter, which is good. However, I went on Mirena to try and sort out my erratic periods and short cycles, neither of which has changed and I still never know when my period is going to arrive! But I haven't gained any weight and my PMS is better (not gone, but definitely better).

It's true that you only know how you're going to be affected once you've had it fitted, but I'd give it a go and I'd also, unless you have a horrible reaction to it, give it AT LEAST six months.

Mine was put in during a hysteroscopy after a scan which showed thickening of the uterus lining, and it was done under GA so I don't know how painful insertion is. That might be an option for you if they have found anything (polyps, fibroids etc).

I think it depends on the person how well it works, for me it's fantastic and has changed my life! I have a 2-4 day period with little blood now in comparison to 7 days of bloodbath I used to contend with!

I've had my scan, quite upset actually with the way I was treated. But nothing abnormal showed which was the main thing I guess. I also had a biopsy done a few weeks ago which was clear. Tbh right now I don't really want anyone coming near me! But I have a couple of weeks to think about it. Thanks everyone.

I have found Mirena amazing for heavy periods. I've been on it for over 10 years now. I went from two weeks of very heavy flow and so much pain I often needed days off work to now having periods that last a day or two, are incredibly light and painless, and don't even happen every month. There are 2-3 months in between them.

The insertion: I didn't find it painful but the sensations are really weird. Afterwards I get a few hours of cramping and a little light bleeding but that's nothing compared with the monthly hell.

They have always offered me a local anaesthetic injected into the cervix but I have never dared to have that done - I feel faint at the thought of it! But, as above, the numbing gel/cream they use works fine for me.

1st time: The nurse couldn't fit my Mirena as my cervix was closed tightly but I went back later in my cycle and it all went fine.

2nd time: I had the 1st taken out and the new one put in and it shot straight back out again! I had no idea that could happen but the nurse said it happens quite often!

3rd time: This one was a bit of a pain. For months afterwards I was bleeding or spotting most days. Gave it time to settle then went back to the clinic and they scanned me and found out the arms of the Mirena hadn't opened properly and it was about ready to slide out. It hurt a little to remove it but it hasn't put me off, I'm back there next week to have it replaced.

I M on my second. It took the first one a while to settle in- I had sharp pains in one side (ovary?) every now and again for around 4-5 months. The 4 1/2 years of bliss- no periods, no mood swings, no "no" time. Absolutely great.

Hasn't it changed last year and my cervix did not like it at all- got one out but couldn't put the next one in. Very uncomfortable an ended up having to go to a specialist to have it replaced. Back in, no side pains, still no periods. I would recommend every time. It has changed my life, but not 100% smooth sailing. Will still be having another in 4 years time. Absolutely no question.

Sorry, lots of typos!

I had one put in at the beginning of April. They say insertion isn't that bad if you've had a baby and I have. I didn't think it was that bad at all!! I'd hyped myself up and put it off because I was worried about the pain. It was fine!!

I've had 2 and revving up for my next replacement next week. Didn't find the fitting too bad at all. Take a painkiller beforehand. Had horrendous periods before the Mirena, now no periods at all. Still a bit of PMT but it's a joy not to lose a week a month to agonising cramps and heavy bleeds. Definitely give it a go OP! And sorry to hear about your treatment at your recent scan.