Always busy, work full time in GP's surgery. I love reading reviews and travelling to new places
Always busy, work full time in GP's surgery. I love reading reviews and travelling to new places
Member since:21.05.2007
Reviews:6
Last year I decided to change my contraception. I had been using Microgynon pills but as I am getting older (44), over weight and have a family history of heart problems it was time to change. I work for my doctors surgery so I discussed it with one of the lady gp's first. She recommended Mirena coil. There was no way she would recommend sterilisation as that can cause increased bleeding, not something I wanted. She also told me to take some paracetamols about an hour before having the coil fitted so the pain relief was already in my system.
As I said I work for my doctors surgery and only the male doctors do coil fittings so that was a no no! I went instead to the local Family Planning Clinic. First appointment was discussing what would happen, why I wanted the Mirena, the nurse showed me a model of it. She took my medical history and then did a swab to check for infections. This is very important as if you have an infection when the coil is introduced it can have significant consequences. That was really easy, just like having a smear.
I had an appointment for a week later to have the coil fitted. It would be a good idea to have somebody come with you if you could to drive you home afterwards. The swab was clear so it was ok to go ahead. I must be honest and say that it was uncomfortable to have it fitted. It wasn't the best way to spend the time! But the discomfort is fairly brief if sharp and I got through it ok. Some doctors offer a cervical block which numbs the area but I'm not sure I fancy the idea of an injection into my cervix! The doctor was lovely and reassured me all the way through. I did have period type pains for a few days afterwards but nothing that a paracetamol didn't sort out.
The one thing I didn't like was the constant spotting I had. It lasted at least 3 months and was a nuisance. I also had very tender breasts for a few weeks as well. I presume that must be the hormones in the Mirena. But once all of that had stopped I've had no problems at all. It's now been just over a year and I really wouldn't even know it was there. I get no side effects at all. Once a month I might get some light spotting for about a day but other than that no bleeding at all.
I think the biggest advantage is being sure of not getting pregnant. I'm not sure if it would suit younger women or not. It should last five years and then be changed. By then I will be 48 and practically at the menopause. The doctor said that the hormones in the Mirena will have run out by then but as my fertility will be so low it probably will be safe to leave it until after the menopause.
For me the Mirena has been great and I don't know why I didn't have it done years ago.
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Good to hear you found something that suits you! A good review with plenty of inf and personalexperience
EmptySpiral 17.06.2007 18:08
Very helpful review x
denella 17.06.2007 17:51
I'm in my mid fifties and still have to have a Mirena coil for controlling very heavy periods! I hope you can do away with yours by the time the five years is up.
Jun 17th, 2007
(Jul 15th, 2007)
very helpful by (100%):
