contraception

[Dionne]

Curly - How have you been getting on with your 'natural birth control'? I've only just seen your message, sounds interesting. I've always felt horrible taking contraceptive pills! Would love to know how it's going.

I was talking to friend who is a GP this evening - the Mirena (which is the one I have, with progesterone in it, same as the mini pill) is generally recognised to have a lower failure rate than female sterlilisation. Other coils are not as effective as the pill.
HTH

I was talking to friend who is a GP this evening - the Mirena (which is the one I have, with progesterone in it, same as the mini pill) is generally recognised to have a lower failure rate than female sterlilisation. Other coils are not as effective as the pill.
HTH

OOPS sorry

Message withdrawn

Bloss I have been having the same thoughts after no2 arrives in the autumn. I too decided not to take the pill even though they said there hasnt been any evidence of it causing any damage to baby while bf, we were just very very careful and it worked thankfully as no2 was planned.

Bloss, I had heard so many horror stories about the coil - having it inserted, having it removed and how it affects your periods - heavy cramps, heavy bleeding, etc.

When I was pregnant with my first child, I heard so many horror stories about the birth, how long it takes, how much it hurts, etc. When I actually came to give, it was very quick for a first birth (4 hours from start to finish) that I decided I would no longer take other people's word for things, I would find out for myself.

When I had the coil fitted after my second child was born, it didn't hurt at all. This was 5 years ago now.

The most recent one I had fitted was in December last year, when my baby was 12 weeks old. I wanted it fitted before this but I hadn't had a period. In the end they fitted it for me anyway without me having my first period - I just needed a pregnancy test first to make sure I wasn't pregnant as I had had unprotected sex (I know, silly me!).

I was very relaxed when they inserted it - to be absolutely honest with you, I didn't feel a thing.

They open you up with a speculum, check the size of your cervix (apparently coils come in different sizes) and then insert it through your cervix into your womb. They said I might feel a kind of "pinching" sensation, but I honestly didn't feel a thing while they were inserting it.

I think my cervix was still slightly open so that made it a bit easier. I must admit I did have a bit of cramping afterwards that evening but a paracetamol took that pain away. The cramping felt a bit like a mild period pain - nothing really painful - I actually went to the pub straight afterwards and was in public so I definitely wasn't doubled up in pain.

I had a period the week after having the coil fitted - not sure if this was because the coil had been fitted or whether it was just my normal cycle.

My period cycle is roughly 27 days and I know this is my "true" cycle as the coil doesn't make you have a bleed, unless the pill.

I have no cramps, my period last for about 4 days and is no heavier than when I took the pill.

I have found the coil the best thing for me - although I am sure other people have different stories to tell.

Bloss, I have a coil, one without hormones and have had it in for about a year now.

They do ask that you have it inserted while you're having your period (to make sure you're not pregnant), so there is a bit of a messy feel about it. Also I was told to use sanitary towels rather than tampons for the first period after insertion.

Having it put in did hurt, but only momentarily, like a period pain.

I have found that my periods are heavier since I had it fitted but apart from that think it's the right method for me.

You don't have to think about it, I can't feel it and it has been effective so far. HTH

I have a mirena - one with hormones - just the same for being put in. Supposed to give very light periods, and it is actually prescribable for heavy periods. I'll let you know how it goes but I've only had it in for a fortnight!!!

My leaflet said the lighter periods would happen in 3 - 6 months. I've not had one since I had mine fitted but I am still fully breastfeeeding so wasn't expecting one anyway.

I had a mirena fitted at my 6 week check, ds is now nearly 1.5. At first I had almost constant, albeit very light bleeding, which seemed to last for weeks. Eventually I had my first recognisable period. I think I've only had 3 (just starting to get my act together & pay attention). I've never been particularly heavy, but the periods post Mirena have been very light, but as Star mentioned, very long - my last one was over 2 weeks too. As my periods only seem to be coming back properly now, I'll dicount the last year, and hopefully, the 2 weeks will lessen. Anyone else had 2 week long ones (preferably that have reduced to 1-week long)?

Any updates on this thread? I'm really interested as I am now considering having a mirena coil fitted. I am a little nervous and would like to know if things have settled down.

Is anybody on the pill - is the coil supposed to be better now than the pill. I'm on a pill called Microgynon and am fine with it but just wondered if the coil was safer than the pill ?

hi just looking for advise, i was steralized 2 days ago, since then i have had quite alot of pain, sort of cramps in my pelvis area{in my bum too!!!} i also still look 3 months preggers is this normal???

Sorry Lilly, I can't offer any advice but you might get more replies if you post your query as a new conversation in the 'Health' section