Mirena strings | Mumsnet

Usernumber36373647323 · 2025-12-01T19:28:02+00:00

Hi all, on my third overall mirena, the current (hopefully still current) one was inserted on 2022. attended a routine smear test and the nurse told me she seen no sign of the strings at all and is going to refer me for a scan to see if it’s there. I’d like to think it is as nothing has changed, mirena has always completely stopped my periods and they haven’t come back… The last 2 removals on previous coils have been tricky as the strings have been short or have curled up so I’m not too concerned! But she said there was no sign at all but then she did also struggle reaching my cervix fully 🤷♀️ has anyone had the scan and it’s just the strings hiding away?

dementedpixie · 01/12/2025 19:40

Yes I've had scans when my strings were missing and it was still in place.
It made removing it tricky when it expired and i ended up getting it out under general anaesthetic

Gingerseal · 01/12/2025 19:42

I’ve had this multiple times. I had quite good advice to try and feel for the strings after a bath when relaxed which has worked a few times and then others have been confirmed on scans.

AprilinPortugal · 02/12/2025 08:44

I got pregnant on the Mirena, although my GP didn't believe it and said it must have fallen out! I said it honestly hadn't, or I'd have noticed..it's not exactly small! I ended up having a miscarriage and was admitted for an ERPC. Whilst there they X-rayed me as I was insistent that the coil was still there. They found that it had travelled out of my uterus and was merrily floating behind my liver! 🙈 they removed it by keyhole surgery and I was fine. I had had no clue, except that I couldn't find the strings when I did my check. I don't want to frighten you as it's very rare, and they think it happened when it was first fitted, but please do hurry up that scan!

scrivette · 02/12/2025 08:49

My strings have gone missing. I had a scan and they could see that the coil was still there and they said not to worry.

coolcahuna · 02/12/2025 08:52

Yes I had the same, scans showed it was in the right place. I eventually got an appointment with the gynaecologist and he removed it no problem. This all took quite a long time though, is there a doctor that could have a look for a second opinion? I wish I had asked for that at the time

Original poster

Usernumber36373647323 · 02/12/2025 12:55

AprilinPortugal · 02/12/2025 08:44

I got pregnant on the Mirena, although my GP didn't believe it and said it must have fallen out! I said it honestly hadn't, or I'd have noticed..it's not exactly small! I ended up having a miscarriage and was admitted for an ERPC. Whilst there they X-rayed me as I was insistent that the coil was still there. They found that it had travelled out of my uterus and was merrily floating behind my liver! 🙈 they removed it by keyhole surgery and I was fine. I had had no clue, except that I couldn't find the strings when I did my check. I don't want to frighten you as it's very rare, and they think it happened when it was first fitted, but please do hurry up that scan!

Oh gosh, sorry you went through that!

my Gp needs to do the referral as the nurse couldn’t do it, I have no idea how long the waiting list is because obviously it’s not life or death!

off to buy condoms 😂

OP posts:

Original poster

Usernumber36373647323 · 02/12/2025 12:57

Thanks all, I’m not due to have it out for quite a few years yet - had it in 2022, initially told the usual 5 years but a few months ago I had a phone call saying it can now stay in for 8 to protect against pregnancy! (Already have 2 children and don’t want anymore!)

if the scan shows that the strings are tucked away or hidden will they just leave it and cross that bridge when it comes to removal or will they want to remove it?

OP posts:

dementedpixie · 02/12/2025 13:08

Mine was just left in when the scan showed it was still there. I took the mini pill until I got the scan

blobby10 · 02/12/2025 14:05

Mine has been in for 8 years and I've never managed to feel the strings - did get it checked and the nurse said they were just wrapped around each other and the coil.

Phoned to have it taken out in August and was number 172 on the list for an appointment and two weeks ago I was number 69 so no idea when i will get it out. The lovely receptionist did ask the doctor for me as I have an inverted uterus and was concerned it might need a hospital visit but she said there would be no problem. Will be very interested to find out who is correct - me or the medic!!

dementedpixie · 02/12/2025 14:12

When the nurse at my GP surgery and the gynae department at the hospital couldn't remove mine i had to get it out under general anaesthetic

Itsasecretnow · 02/12/2025 14:58

I also have had scans when the strings weren’t seen during a smear. I think it is quite common, tbh. The strings are generally cut quite short - I’ve found (I think I’m on 3rd or 4th) - and as they soften and the morena settles into position, which will be different for all women, then sometimes the strings will “disappear”. It’s unlikely it will have dislodged without you noticing, ie came out, but depending on shape, tilt etc of your cervix then over time it’ll settle. Like you, having had multiple so far, you’ll find that this will likely be slightly different each time you have a new one. But I have found that it is successive ones where the strings have not been visible, not the first couple, so it’s possible it may settle slightly deepe. But of course each person fitting a coil may snip at slightly different lengths. It’s nothing to worry about, it’s unlikely to show a problem, they are just making sure it’s still there!

Itsasecretnow · 02/12/2025 15:02

Usernumber36373647323 · 02/12/2025 12:57

Thanks all, I’m not due to have it out for quite a few years yet - had it in 2022, initially told the usual 5 years but a few months ago I had a phone call saying it can now stay in for 8 to protect against pregnancy! (Already have 2 children and don’t want anymore!)

if the scan shows that the strings are tucked away or hidden will they just leave it and cross that bridge when it comes to removal or will they want to remove it?

In my personal experience they will just leave it there. Unless, of course it is where it shouldn’t be, which is less likely. I’ve had my current one in longer than the original 5 years, due to various reasons, so I have had more than one smear with it in, and although the first one couldn’t find the strings and sent me for a scan, the second one I had they had no problems locating the string!

replay2025 · 02/12/2025 15:22

Thanks for posting this- it reminded me to get mine checked! Just phoned the sexual health clinic apparently it's been in 7 1/2 years oops!! So am waiting for a triage nurse to call me back (when that could be is anyone's guess)

replay2025 · 02/12/2025 15:31

Well that was quick- the triage nurse phoned and said it's an 8 year limit so due next year. Can't feel my strings though....

LadyDanburysHat · 02/12/2025 16:00

I had it a couple of years ago. Sent off for ultrasound and it was there but had tilted slightly due to a fibroid I didn't know I had.so that's why the strings had moved.

Original poster

Usernumber36373647323 · 02/12/2025 18:57

replay2025 · 02/12/2025 15:31

Well that was quick- the triage nurse phoned and said it's an 8 year limit so due next year. Can't feel my strings though....

I had a random phone call one afternoon a few months ago, the lady told me they are ringing everyone who has one at my doctors, as they can now stay in for 8 years! However, I did find with my previous mirena that at the 4.5 year mark I started having bleeding more often which supposedly is common as the hormone level drops at the end of use (generally it stops any bleeding completely for me!) so I might try get it changed if I start bleeding again, if they will!

OP posts:

AprilinPortugal · 02/12/2025 20:30

Usernumber36373647323 · 02/12/2025 12:55

Oh gosh, sorry you went through that!

my Gp needs to do the referral as the nurse couldn’t do it, I have no idea how long the waiting list is because obviously it’s not life or death!

off to buy condoms 😂

Show quote history

Aww thank you, honestly it's really rare and I'm sure you're fine, but I just wanted to make sure you had that scan 😄 good luck x

Crushed23 · 02/12/2025 20:43

I’m getting the mirena coil fitted tomorrow after the copper coil fell out. I’m hoping it’s a better fit.

The gynaecologist who inserted the copper coil used a numbing spray and frankly, it still hurt. She also insisted I get it inserted during my period. The (different) gynaecologist who is inserting the mirena tomorrow offered me an injection instead of the numbing spray, saying most of her patients opt for this, but I have declined. I’m worried this means the insertion could be painful. Any chance the mirena is less uncomfortable than the copper?! Dreading it tbh.

blobby10 · 04/12/2025 16:00

This 'tip'will be too late for you @Crushed23 but another time, focus on wiggling your toes when having a painful or uncomfortable procedure. My dad's dentist advised him to do it during some implant work and dad said it was an amazing tip!