Mirena - how much fucking longer for the bastard thing to start working??

[SwearOnDolly]

Had it put in under GA during hysteroscopy at start of October for heavy near constant bleeding (+ 1 year of almost daily bleeding). Am 44.

Have bled every day since insertion. Constant cramps. When not bleeding I have bizarre gushes of watery discharge that I've never experienced before in my life. Or weird brown blood. Odd smelling discharge - again never had before. So still can't have sex. Can't wear nice knickers. Get thrush from constant tampons and pads.

Am SO SO SO fucking sick of it now. Am due my 3 month follow up appt in next few weeks and am close to requesting hysterectomy as my MH is being so badly affecting in addition to the physical problems (surgeon already said hysterectomy would be offered if mirena not successful).

And yes I know it can take a while to settle down but for things to be pretty much the same after over a year of horrendous symptoms is so demoralising. I know I'm not at my most rational right now. Could cry.

I gave up on mine after months of daily bleeding. Hated it. Sorry not for everyone I fear

I would bring that appointment forward or go and see your GP ask ask them to take a swab. Discharge that smells is possibly a sign of infection, same for blood stained / brown discharge.

Mine never worked. I still had regular, heavy periods.

I would ask for a sooner check up if you can though as your situation sounds as if you could have an infection.

This was the same for me.

I never had heavy bleeding with it, but it was pretty much all the time for about 4 months.
I haven't had more than occasional spotting since - for the nearly 20 years that I have had one. (On my third now)

Are there any good stories? My dr recommended one for perimenopausal symptoms?

I had mine inserted to try and give relief from heavy periods at the age of 49. Was just so done with it all. Did think I'd made a mistake initially when I had spotting every day for months, but after 6 months I had just a couple of very infrequent small bleeds, then nothing. Nothing since. It just took a while to settle down. Now had no periods for almost 2.5 years. Really wish I'd done it 25 years ago. But I know it doesn't work for everyone.

I wasn’t bleeding daily but it took 6 months for mine to settle down. It sounds awful OP! I’d definitely try and see the GP sooner.

Can you not take the pill?

When I had my coil (not mirena) fitted, the doctor said very firmly, "people will tell you coils can be awful, like that makes it ok if it's awful for you. But if you find it's making your life a misery, come back and talk to me about other options."

In your case, I'd try and go back early as you might have an infection.

Add in a progesterone only pill if you can.
most people the bleeding settles in 3 months, some people 6months. If it’s not settled then it never will.

I was exactly the same and thanks to COVID ended up with 3 years of continuous bleeding. Had a full on shit fit on the twatty gynaecologist and demanded a hysterectomy which I had, best thing ever, the coil was a fucking disaster (which I told them it would be, but no coil, no hysterectomy...)

I'd have it out, there may be an infection inside.

Mine has been in 5 years (apparently they don't change them until year 7 now) and my periods have never stopped. Also have struggled with watery discharge and random brown stuff too, but my periods were hideous before I had it put in, not sure what is worse.

Six weeks constant bleeding for me, but although my periods stopped completely after that, I still got the worst pre-menstrual symptoms ever. It was awful, I felt like I was going mad. I gave it about 10 months until I got the godawful thing removed, then it was instant relief!

I had my first one put on many years ago due to heavy periods. I think I had several months of bleeding and then it stopped completely until it was nearing the 5 year mark.

I don't like the sound of the bad smell though OP. You need to book a GP appointment.

Sorry to hear you are having so much frustration. I hope the Mirena ends up being as good for you as it was for me. To be honest, it was life changing.

I've just had mine taken out after 6.5 years - had spotting on and off for the first 6 months but it was otherwise brilliant.

it worked perfectly for me.

I tried Mirena without success (constant bleeding) but then the game changer was endometrial ablation with a mlrena inserted at the same time. Have not had a day of bleeding in 6 months, it's amazing!

I went to get one as a solution for perimenopause bullshit and they couldn't insert it so im stuck with the progesterone pill and endless periods on it instead. Women's healthcare sucks.

Im at about month 6 and it's settled (age 45).

Thanks for all the responses to my late night rant 🤣

I've had confirmation today that my followup appt is next week. Am going to ask to be listed for hysterectomy and then if the mirena finally does decide to start working in the interim period that I'm on the waiting list then I can request to be taken off.

I don't think I have an infection. Have read some interesting accounts on here and on other forums about women noticing a change in odour after having it I put in. I will of course mention it in my appt though. I also think my sense of smell has gone awry of late as well (peri thing maybe).

I strongly suspect I'm one of the unlucky ones that the mirena just doesn't work for. Will report back next week.

Thanks again 💐

I had three of them. I never stopped my periods but they were pretty light. The only time I had constant bleeding after an insertion was when it wasn't put in right - had it removed and put in later on and in the meantime had to be checked for cysts. I have a lot of sympathy for you because I nearly went off my head bleeding constantly.

Took about 4-6 months for mine to regulate. Now just normal periods but waaaaay lighter than before, barely anything, have patience. I understand u compeltely i was fed up with pads aswell and trush. And wish periods woukd stop completely with it but maybe in future..

Luckily ours are done by community gynaecologist and can have anestheic etc so fingers crossed