Failed coil replacement- excruciating sharp pain from speculum

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I’ve just had a failed appointment for my coil to be removed and replaced. The dr couldn’t get as far as even attending it as the speculum caused me excruciating, sharply stabbing pain.

I’ve always been fine for smears, except the last two- I had to have colposcopy done as had tiny cysts on my cervix (and bleeding during sex). Those were all clear, but excruciatingly painful. My last smear/colposcopy they basically had two nurses holding me in the bed.

This time the doctor said she couldn’t proceed if she couldn’t get the speculum in place. Now I’m not great with pain, but like I said until a few years ago smears were uncomfortable but not painful.

It was like someone was stabbing me in my cervix/vagina.

She’s recommended I try oestrogen pessaries for a few weeks and then try again. (I’m 45 and on HRT) But I’m really concerned- surely dryness doesn’t make you feel like you are being punched/stabbed? How the hell do I get the old one out of if I can’t even get a speculum in? Has anyone had this and it resolved?

Gas and air is your friend. And local aesthetic. Ask for a referral to a more specialised hospital.

Hi op. I think she has a point. Absolutely saturated yourself with estriol cream.

And then if that doesn't work, request a GA.

Thank you. I think in my head the type of pain (so sharp and stabbing) doesn’t match with what I imagine would be the discomfort from dryness.

I will try the oestrogen pessary. I cried and felt so stupid. She was lovely, but feel like maybe I should have just dealt with it and maybe I’m just a wimp.

I had a similar experience. First coil was fine, then a few years later fitting was excruciatingly painful- the most painful experience of my life (including having a baby). Not sure what had changed but like you it felt like being stabbed (the thought that went through my head was that I was being stabbed to death because it felt so all consuming). What’s all that about? Very annoying as I’ve experienced the very mild discomfort of a normal coil fitting and hate the idea that people would think I was screaming about that.

Anyway, eventually it was fitted, I spent a week in pain and then expelled it 🙄 Maybe my body shape had changed, who knows?

I had a similar experience OP. After a few weeks using the pessary I had the coil removed and whilst it was a bit uncomfortable it was nowhere like the stabbing/tearing pain I had the first time.

Stabbing? You're making me think of fibroids/endo. But obviously you need to see a doctor in person. All I can say is that before actual, everyday problems occur with these in at least some women, painful smear etc can be a sign.

That’s good to know. I’ve had it done before, hence needing the one taken out. That first one was unpleasant, but not like this!

Yeah, the closest pain I can compare it to would be like the javelin arse I used to get with periods when I was younger. Like a stabbing pain but right inside me, I could feel it up to my belly button!