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Original poster

Mirena coil - -your thoughts please!

21 replies

kitchensinkdrama · 04/03/2010 19:55

Hi - Sorry to intrude on your personal lives......but I would really appreciate your thoughts about the Mirena coil. My doctor has suggested it as I have terribly heavy periods and even worse PMT. I have one friend who says it has ben great for her and another who says it made her put weight on and feel really tearful. Not sure what to do now -- does anyone feel able to advise??

OP posts:
ReneRusso · 04/03/2010 20:01

I had a few issues with benign ovarian cysts, slightly painful at times. This happened after about 3 years of having the mirena. No issues with tearfulness or depression but I have heard of that happening to other people. No issues with weight either, and I didn't have any periods at all, which was fantastic. It can affect your sex drive, like any hormonal contraception.

Original poster
kitchensinkdrama · 04/03/2010 20:05

Hi ReneRusso,
Thanks so much for your response, its really useful to hear about what other women have to say.

OP posts:
nbee84 · 04/03/2010 20:12

I'm 2 years into my 2nd mirena and I've loved it. My pmt has disappeared, as have my periods. I get slight spotting some months for a couple of hours! You do get a lot of spotting for the 1st 4-6 months and my periods went from heavy to light within that time too - by 8 months I was down to the spotting each month only. For me it was worth the hassle to be where I am now.

It hasn't made me put on weight, but I think it has affected my sex drive. Didn't have a particularly active sex life beforehand and it is probably a bit worse now, but that could be down to other relationship factors too.

Original poster
kitchensinkdrama · 04/03/2010 20:19

Hey, thanks for the reply. Can I ask if it hurt getting it 'installed'?? I was in tears during my last smear (apparently I have a tilted uterus) and am more than a little anxious.

OP posts:
bluejeans · 04/03/2010 20:22

I was offered sedation when I had mine 'installed' and turned it down thinking, I've had a baby, plenty of smear tests, it'll be fine - but it was VERY painful - although I have to say it was short and sharp - I was fine afterwards but I think next time (and mine's due for renewal next year) I will find out what 'sedation' involes. I'm also tempted to try the family planning clinic as they may be more experienced in dealing with them

hope this helps

nbee84 · 04/03/2010 20:28

I have a retroverted uterus too. It was uncomfortable having it put in - but not particularly painful. I was more worried as to how much it would hurt when it was taken out and would say it did hurt more than having it put in but was completely bearable. The doctor attempted to insert the new one straight away, but when your cervix has just been through a removal it is quite common for the muscles to 'clamp' down. It just meant I had to wait for my next period to have the new one and the 2nd one hurt less than the first. I had slight period pains and a dragging sensation afterwards but took a couple of parecetamol and was fine a few hours later. Just don't go and do your weekly shop straight after you've been to the doctors

Original poster
kitchensinkdrama · 04/03/2010 20:31

Thats really useful advice -- I will call the doctors in the morning and ask about pain relief (but I do feel a bit silly doing this, having had 3 water births!!)

OP posts:
herbietea · 04/03/2010 20:37

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

rasputin · 04/03/2010 20:42

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

weegiemum · 04/03/2010 20:43

I loved my mirena, loved it. Got rid of heavy periods, bleeding in between, migraines etc.

However - my recurrent mirena advice is please make sure that if you have a smear with one in that you also have a coil check - by ultrasound if possible. I didn't and 2 months after my smear I was pg with dd2 who is now 6.

I had an awful pregnancy and dh has now had a vasectomy. You must get a proper check - mine was pulled down into my cervix when I had the smear and I got pregnant as it wasn't in place properly. I would not give up dd2 for the world but it was pretty hard going at the time!

rasputin · 04/03/2010 20:43

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
kitchensinkdrama · 04/03/2010 20:43

Hi - Sorry to hear that (what does IMVHO mean?), your experience sounds a lot like my friend's. It sounds like it works really well for some but is terrible for others.

OP posts:
ReneRusso · 04/03/2010 20:51

In My Very Humble Opinion (I think)

I have a tilted uterus too, was a bit awkward and didn't get it in first time. Not really painful though.

Original poster
kitchensinkdrama · 04/03/2010 21:00

You have a tilted uterus too? Sounds like I am not the twisted freak the nurse implied I was then! IMVHO, yes, I like that.

OP posts:
Lifeisforliving · 05/03/2010 09:40

Mirena coil is a device from the Devil!!! My body wasn't mine for 8-9 months. I had complaints of PMT, depression, weight gain, dizzy spells, acne, painful joints, headaches, oh and still had periods.

I had it removed and underwent an ablation which has been fantastic, no periods, minor PMT wish I'd done it years ago.

I'm pleased and so jealous of those who have had great experiences with the Mirena. I had placed high hopes on this working for me, after years of extremely heavy and painful periods. Hopefully you'll have more sucess.

Good Luck

mummygogo · 05/03/2010 17:11

I've been really happy with mine. I had horrible heavy periods which was why I was advised to have Merina. A bit of random bleedng for a couple of months but nothing since. That was 6 months ago, no weight gain or any side effects really.

As for insertion I don't think its that much worse than a smear to be honest but take some painkillers before you go.

Chaotica · 05/03/2010 17:21

I hated it. Had too many side effects to be bothered to list. It was hell.

coffeeinbed · 05/03/2010 17:29

Mine was fine for a while, or so I thought.
Then it messed up with my ovaries, and between that and the other delightful side effects i had it out.
It does work for some.

Turniphead1 · 05/03/2010 17:36

I am 3 months into my first mirena (I cheated and had it put in under general - but only because I was having a GA anyway to have a prolapse & perineal repair). I only stopped bleeding a couple of weeks ago, and I have to say I found 10 weeks of continuous fairly light but annoying blood loss a pain. I am spottier than I was definately - but overall (having been terrified reading all the internet horror stories) I am happy with it. My ob-gyn says about 10-20% of women he fits with them don't get on with it (largely he says when the spotting never goes). The internet shows a disproportionate number of horror stories.

BexJ78 · 05/03/2010 18:02

i had one and loved it. Found the fitting very painful, but had no pain relief and was before i'd had DD, so that might have made it worse.

Original poster
kitchensinkdrama · 06/03/2010 09:07

Hi - Thanks for your advice and experiences, I really do appreciate it.

I have to wait until next week to discuss this with my doctor and will be sure to ask about the issues you have raised.

x

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