After having fallen pregnant while on the pill not once but twice, I was looking for a somewhat more reliable method of contraception after the birth of my last child. So I visited the family planning clinic, where the options were laid out in front of me.
Sterilisation : This is a very final option, which I wasn't happy to try mainly due to family circumstances.
The Depo Injection : I had tried this previously and although I found it very good, it is a bit of a pain having injections every three months.
The Coil (Intrauterine device) : A device placed in the womb. I was warned this may make my periods heavier and as they are already bad enough I gave this a pass.
Contracepive Implants : These are rods inplanted into your arm that slowly release hormones that prevent pregnancy, this was my
first choice, but not it seemed the doctors.
The Mirena Coil : This is a intrauterine device that also releases a hormone that helps to prevent pregnancy and lasts for upto 5 years. This was the doctors reccomendation.So after discussion with my husband this is what we chose.
* * * * * * * * * * * * The Device Itself
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The mirena coil is T-shaped and made of plastic that is coated with the hormone progestogen, which is slowly released and lasts for upto five years.
* * * * * * * * The fitting
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The coil has to be fitted by a trained doctor or nurse. First they have to check the size and position of your womb, before the device is inserted. Warning this can be very uncomfortable, and you may need to take some painkillers behorehand.
* * * * * * * * * After Fitting
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After the coil has been fitted, you will be shown how to check that its still in place, which you will need to do after each period. You will also need to be checked at a clinic about 6weeks after it is put in and then at yearly intervals.
* * * * * * * * * * Effectiveness
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If fitted during the first seven days of your menstrual cycle the coil will be effective immediately, otherwise other precautions will need to be taken for one week. The mirena coil has an effective rate of over 99%. However, it will only protect against pregnancy, not sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
* * * * * * * * * * * * * Stopping using it
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If you decide you do not want to use the coil anymore, for whatever reason it can be removed at any time by a trained doctor. However you will be able to get pregnant immediately!!!
* * * * * * * * * * * Who can't use it
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The mirena coil is NOT suitable in the following scenarios : * If you are pregnant * If you have, or have ever had, cancer of the womb or ovaries. * If you have unexplained bleeding from the vagina * If you've had a heart attack or stroke * If you have an untreated STD * If you have an artificial heart valve * If you have any problems of the womb or cervix.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * The advantages of using the Mirena
Fertitilty returns to normal very quickly after the coil is removed.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * The all important disadvantages * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *The following side effects are possible :
* Irregular bleeding, although this will probably settle down within three months.
* Headaches, acne and breast tenderness, these also should stop within three months.
* Cysts on the ovaries, these are not dangerous, and may cause some pain and again they should disappear within a few months.
* The coil maybe expelled or move, which is why you are taught to check its still in place
* Very occasionally the coil may perforate (tear) the womb.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * My Experience * * * * * * * * * * * * *I have been using the Mirena Coil for almost two years now, with no side-effects and more importantly no pregnancy. My periods, which used to be heavy, painful and prolonged have reduced to one to two days every couple of months, with a great deal less of the dreaded PMT.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * Further Information
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Further information and advice on this and all other forms of contraception can be found at your local family planning clinic.
* * * * * * * * * Final Words
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The medical information found in this review was based on information contained in free leaflets given out by the family planning clinic.I would recommend the Mirena Coil to women, who are in a longterm monogamous relationship, and want a safe, reliable method of contraception, but still want to have the choice of whether to have babies in the future.
I would not recommend this method for those who are in short term relationships, as they will only protect against prenancy not STDs.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Dec 22nd, 2004
exceptional by (3%):
very helpful by (95%):
helpful by (3%):
