Mirena - complications with removal?

[Anagallisarvensis]

GP tried for a second time yesterday to find threads for the Mirena I've had for five years. No luck. Next I have to go to the clinic and if they can't find it I'll apparently need surgery. Anyone else had problems getting the thing out? Also, anyone else experiencing loss of libido? Not sure if it's connected. I was going to have another Mirena put in as I've not had periods (result!)since it was inserted, but don't think they'll let me because of these problems. Don't know what else to use - I've never got on with the Pill, mini or otherwise.

Mmmm - mine has got another year to run and I was going to ask for another one to be put in as the "no period" bit is brilliant.

Now you mention the lack of libido, well I really have not got any, thought I was just tired with working part-time and running a house etc etc (oh and approaching 43 this year).

Don't know what to suggest about using something else, the coil was my last resort as I just did not want to take the pill anymore and various other methods did not appeal.

Did ask DH about a vasectomy, but understandably (he has been in and out of hospital since he was 21 and has had two major ops plus a minor one) he declined to have one.

I had mine removed recently due to really bad skin, weight gain and general feeling of weirdness with it (that last bit was possibly imagined but since having it out my skin has cleared up and I have lost half a stone).
It took 2 appointments to get mine out. The first time I ended up bleeding and somewhat anxious. Gp blamed the fact that they have to use these disposable plastic tweezer things that have no grip. My strings were extremely short too - they barely stuck out through my cervix.
Good luck at the clinic - hopefully you'll get an expert!

girls - hasve posted this on another thread (scuse the pun), but GPs hardly ever 'do' coils. Go to your nearest sexual health clinic. They do loads every day and are highly skilled.

I must admit when I had mine put in, there was only one doctor out of three surgeries that are linked together that could do it.

My (new) GP inserts "one Mirena a week" on average, so not exactly inexperienced. I have a retro cervix so smears are a nightmare - once it took three quarters of an hour, and I almost always go down with thrush afterwards. Bad skin is interesting comment - I've very itchy scabs on my legs and elbows which a dermatologist prescribed a strong cream for but they still keep coming back. Bellavita - I'm 43. When I first had the Mirena put in I was a sleep-deprived mum with a 9 month old and a toddler so put lack of interest in sex down to that, but no longer have that excuse - perhaps it is the Mirena. I've found several forums which mention it. Once the thing is out I'll let you know if I feel more in the mood!

I told DH last night about this thread and how I felt. He has never once complained about my lack of libido (bless him) and he said my mood swings happen very regularly and tbh they happen so frequently I don't realise anymore.

I think that once my time is up with this coil, I am going to look at being sterilised - although this is a route that DH probably will not want me to go down. Not because we might want more children but he thinks having uneccessary procedures done is not wise (basically he is fed up of hospitals after being ill a long time).

Hello Bellavita - My GP rang yesterday to tell me that she'd looked into it and they've now decided if you're over 40 the Mirena can stay in for up to 10 years. I still have to go for a scan to make sure it's still in (I think it must be, no periods and I don't think I'm menopausal)

I've decided to have it removed anyway, see if my libido etc. recovers. This will have to be under a general it they can't reach it the normal way. None of the other contraceptive methods appeal so my other half is going to have a vasectomy. Will let you know what happens. All the best.

Hi there. Finally got my outpatients appointment but despite the best efforts of the very patient doctor the mirena refused to come out so I will have to have a general anaesthetic to get it removed. I'm going to have a tubal ligation at the same time (seems vasectomy might not be effective as my husband had problems with an earlier hernia operation). Pretty fed up as I had the Mirena to avoid an operation in the first place. Also, although the GP said the Mirena would work for 10 years the doctors at the clinic were horrified and said I should have been using barrier methods since the 5 years were up at the end of April. So don't know who to believe. Anyone else had surgery to remove the Mirena? Did it go okay?

I was sterilized following my C-section,no problems.

If you are sterilized it will be done "laparoscopically" which is 2 small cuts(about 2cms long) made in your tummy,and a telescope inserted into one and forceps into the other.

Clips are usually inserted to clip off your Fallopian Tubes(although there are other methods)and the cuts are stitched up,or steristripped(sticky tape)

Can be done under local Anaesthetic,or as a Daycase.

Mirena coil should only have a life of 5 years. It contains an amount of hormone, progesterone, which is released into the uterus constantly. This makes the lining of the uterus(endometrium) thin, which makes your periods lighter (or non existant). Am horrified at the thought of anyone keeping a mirena in for 10 years!!!

Hi there

Finally had my op to remove the Mirena and be sterilized. I had a horrible reaction to the anaesthetic and painkillers prescribed - I was sent home the same evening but threw up constantly all the next day and had to return to the hospital for anti-nausea medication in the evening. It took a week before I felt up to doing much but I'm fine now.

I got my period about five weeks after the op. Seemed okay.

I can't say my libido is great, but I do think orgasms are better. Will see how that progresses!