Mirena/mini pill or Novasure

ripplyuk

I've been on the combined pill (Femodene) for 12 years now but my doctor wants me to come off it. This is because of other medications I'm now taking as well and apparently taking both increases the risk of a stroke.
I've tried 3 different mini pills previously. Each was tried for 6 months but all made me have a permanent period which is why I went on the combined pill. The Femodene has been great, no side effects at all.

My doctor suggested the mirena coil but when I spoke to the gynaecologist at the hospital, she wouldn't do it in someone who has never had children. She said it would be unbearably painful and that size wise, it is designed for women who have had at least one child. I'm sure I could find another doctor who would do it but it's made me nervous about it.

The other big problem is that before taking Femodene, I had very heavy periods. They would last at least 10 days and were unmanageable. I'll not go into detail but basically, it was really hard to leave the house! This runs in my family and my mum was eventually offered a hysterectomy for it. I can't bear the thought of dealing with that again so I've been reading up and found something called novasure. It sounds great but I'd appreciate hearing any advice from people who have had this done and also any experiences with the mirena.

UKTigerlily

Not sure why this has to be women only, lots of guys have partners taking contraception or work in that area but anyhow . . can't help with advice on Novasure but my GP offered the Mirena and when I said wouldn't it be painful I got told it'd be ok and not a problem. I couldn't bear the thought though so didn't have it. What I did have was Depo and that totally stopped my periods, no pain or anything and they came back about 8 months after I had the last injection

(I had 3-4 monthly injections as it wasn't for contraception so no need to take it on time). I didn't have side effects too badly, I have Bipolar and BPD so was concerned it'd affect my mood but it was ok. Just something in case you hadn't considered that x

roobee13

Hi OP,

I had the mirena coil fitted about 9 months ago and it's been the best decision for me. I'm 31 and haven't had any kids, my doctor said the opposite - they recommend it to most women as a LARC, regardless of having kids or otherwise!

I've previously done the depo injection, implant and the pill but this has been the best thing I've used.

In terms of pain it's really not that bad, more uncomfortable than painful. I had a local anaesthetic injected first and that hurt more than the insertion itself! A little bleeding afterwards and nothing since.

Everyone's different though but I would say it's definitely worth a try. If you don't get on with it you can always have it removed.

Good luck!

VfM4meplse

This is difficult, as actual medical advice cannot be given on this forum, and any patient advice will depend on their particular characteristics.

Why not go to a FP clinic and chat this through with one of the nurses. S/he'll be able to tell you which patients AE suited to it and also share some patient feedback.

ripplyuk

Thanks for the replies. I thought it best to say 'women only' in case I offended anyone with some of the details but I'm happy to hear opinions from men as well so I think I'll edit the title and just hope no one too squeamish reads it.

UKTigerlily, I've been worrying that the change from the combined pill to whatever else I try will cause mood problems. The Femodene really suits me but I've no choice now but to come off it. When I was trying the different mini pills, I had a lot of mood problems and just didn't feel like myself at all. I also got angry at anything at all. Having said that, I'd be more likely to try another type of Mini pill than the depot injection purely because the injection can't be removed if it doesn't suit me.

I've been to the family planning clinic for advice many times but they really just say it's up to me. I'm not looking for medical advice, just personal experiences and opinions. I know the Novasure is a big decision so I don't want to jump into anything.

roobee13, that's really good to hear you've been fine with the mirena and the pain wasn't too bad. There's so many horror stories on the Internet, especially from women who've never had children. I know it can help with heavy periods as well. I'm just not sure how I'd feel having something 'inside' me. I keep imagining I'd be able to feel it. I've also heard that doctors are very reluctant to remove it before 6 months, no matter how bad the side effects are.

comeandgo

Google mirena coil, there are a lot of problems for some women. Problems I have had, mirena stench and my husbands willy looked like the cat had been scratching it. I needed it to stop extreme bleeding but it's been taken out and I would not get it again.

ripplyuk

comeandgo wrote: »

Problems I have had, mirena stench and my husbands willy looked like the cat had been scratching it.

What is mirena stench? Is it due to infections?

I've heard that sometimes the man can feel something but I didn't think it was that extreme! My partner's already a bit freaked out at the thought of something being in there. He was worried it could harm me in some way when we're 'together'. I've googled a lot about it and it's left me terrified about perforations and infections etc.

Edited: I've just googled the 'stench' issue. OMG, it seems so common! What I've read is totally putting me off the idea.

BWZN93

I had the copper coil. I had slightly longer periods but that was it. I liked it as it wasn't hormonal as I don't really think that's helpful for a lot of women. Anyway - I've never had kids - if that helps your decision. And as for some thing 'inside you'; err, don't want to point out the obvious... but it's pretty tiny and the likelihood is no one will know it's there anyway. No one ever commented on mine!

So no, I had no 'stench' nor did anyone ever feel it. It was quick and painless and if you are struggling with other options it's worth a shot. Besides, it can be taken out, literally took 15 seconds in the doctors to take mine out.

ripplyuk

My doctor doesn't recommend the copper coil as I need is something that will reduce my periods drastically. I had to take iron tablets previously as I became anaemic. I've seen pictures of the coil and I thought it looked big. It was nearly palm sized!

I like the idea of the Novasure as it might sort out the heavy periods problem. I know it isn't a reliable contraceptive method but my partner has said he will have a vasectomy. I'm just unsure if I should try something else first. The Novasure would be permanent which is fine as we're not planning to have children but it feels very 'final' and I just want to be sure.

amistupid

I'm glad I'm male.

double_mummy

i love my mirena coil and would never be without it now

im on my 2nd one since my little girl but didnt have one before kids i have mine done with my normal pain killers and dont have lidocane or anything and its a bit uncomfy and makes me feel sick for the rest of the day but after that i can ignore it for 5 years

new bf is ***ahem*** well blessed and he hasnt felt it and wouldnt have known it was there if i hadnt told him

i used to have VERY heavy periods but i dont have any on the mirena (which i love!!!!) and ive never had any complaints or comments on a stench lol