Mirena coil quandary

[Verdantview]

Hello,

I’ve had a mirena coil for 11 weeks. I’ve had no side effects except for the ones I’m about to discuss, so from that side I’m pleasantly surprised. I had it fitted as my ferritin was low, and the cause was heavy (but not excessively so) periods. Added benefit was contraception, but wouldn’t have considered it if for this reason solely.

The issue:
Since I’ve had it fitted, I’ve had more painful and probably as heavy periods as before, which I can cope with. What I’m at my wits’ end with, though, is constant spotting or bleeding between periods. Currently the spotting constantly is worse than dealing with heavy regular periods before I had it fitted.

I know it can take 3-6 months to settle, but I don’t know if I can do potentially 3 more months of the spotting; with no guarantee that will stop. I guess it’s the sunk cost fallacy…

Those who had similar, and stuck it out, did the spotting improve? Or did it rumble on? Thank you.

Mine took nearly a year to settle down.

@Haggisfish3 do you mind me asking what that looked like, did it stop your periods?

The spotting won't last forever. It will get better. My first coil it ended after 3 months and the no period at all for 4 years. It was amazing. Second one took over a year to settle and I had a day or two of very light spotting/ bleeding a month. That was extreme and I did go for extra scans so I don't think my second experience is the norm at all.

I bled for months virtually non-stop - it was hell. Plus it hurt constantly, I could always feel it. Horrific. It had to go!!!

My periods got heavier and more painful. It got to the point where my GP was questioning if I'd definitely got a Mirena. It took 12 months but they're virtually non-existent now

I had this too - for the first couple of months the bleeding was so heavy i would bleed through all my clothes, and I’d have spotting for most of the month. It did calm down eventually but it took a while.

Thank you for sharing your experiences. As I’m 6 months in, going to give it a year as it seems that it has taken that long for some of you and hope it settles down before the summer. If not, it’s being evicted!

Thought I’d come back and update in case it’s helpful- 7 months in and periods have pretty much stopped this month! Didn’t think it would settle, but it finally has. Delighted as the coil is great in every other way for me. Thank you for sharing your experiences!

Mine took a while too am now 18 months doen line and get a 'period' that is basically spotting for a few days. It definitely helped with my perimenopause rage as well. Have now got hrt patches too and am no longer chronically anemic like I used to be and generslly feeling bit more sane.

I had been really anxious/nervous to have it fitted but in long run its definitely been worth it.

@Madthings I’m glad things have settled down for you and that it has had a positive impact.

I spoke too soon… Just a longer cycle and now another heavy, long-lasting period 7 months into having the coil fitted 😭

It took a couple of months for mine to settle each time, but then my periods were so light I could get away with either no protection at all, or a panty liner.

My current coil has been in for six years and my periods are now longer (still panty liner level of flow but lasting 5-6 days whereas previously it was 1-2) but I'm not sure if that's because at 41 I'm peri, but I or if it's the diminishing effect of the coil. I have previously had them removed at 5 years (as was advised then) or when I wanted to TTC.

I'd stick with it if I was you, but everyone responds differently.

Ah, sorry. Only just your update. I'm not sure I'd persevere after seven months.

@FlexiSadie yes, I thought by 7 months it might have improved, but think I will give it a year and see!