Mirena/mini pill or Novasure

heartbreak_star

Appointment's on the 16th July will pop you a message afterwards. Incidentally I'm 35 with no kids and no intention of having any

HBS x

greenbee

I love my mirena - not only has it saved my life, but also revolutionised it - the condition it is treating turned out to be the cause of heavy, prolonged periods, iron deficiency (tinnitus, mouth sores, reflux, choking, migraine, restless legs, shortness of breath, insomnia, exhaustion) as well as potentially more serious consequences. As I haven't had kids, I'm 'lucky' in that I have mine inserted/changed under GA as I have a biopsy at the same time, but I'm looking forward to a couple of years off now it has settled down (initially the biopsies were 6 months, then worked up to 12 months).

The first couple of times my body was pretty determined to try to get rid of it, so there were a lot of cramps. Now it seems to have accepted that it' there.

The only time the bleeding didn't stop was when it wasn't inserted correctly and was pressing down on my cervix. If it feels like there is downward pressure insist that they check it is properly positioned - they need to get it right up to the top of the uterus. They can check via ultrasound - I've now been told that as I was right and they were wrong, if this happens again I won't have to wait 6 months for it to 'settle down' before they check. At my 6 week check this time my strings had disappeared, so I did have an ultrasound and it's all fine - TBH I'll know pretty quickly if it disappears anyway (I'm pretty sure I wouldn't miss it falling out anyway!)

Side effects, as with everything hormonal, can include mood swings, weight gain etc, but I've found that compared to my previous hormone balance, my mood is more stable and I've lost a couple of stone (probably due to having more energy now the cause of the iron deficiency is gone).

Some people mention mucous production - this is because like other coils, the mirena doesn't necessarily prevent ovulation - in fact for some women who don't ovulate predictably prior to use it can trigger more regular ovulation. There is also the risk of upsetting the balance of vaginal bacteria, so if the mucous looks odd or there's a smell get it checked out.

The other possible side effect is an increased risk of breast cancer. I've certainly had a lot of changes to my breasts, including lumpiness and pain (not an uncommon problem). As a result I'm spending more time in the breast clinic than i'd like, but they are very understanding and supportive and see me immediately. For me it's a question of balancing the risks, and this is an acceptable one in the light of the alternatives.

Well done for doing your research on 'experience' as well as the medical side. Ultimately you can't tell what's going to suit you until you try it, but try to make sure that you agree with your doctor on how you will decide and how long you need to persevere with different options and different side-effects. Some are tolerable and settle down. Others might not be realistic to continue with if they make it difficult to live and work normally, even in the short term.

Gloomendoom

Mrs G (no children) tried the Mirena after being told that she couldn't carry on with the Depo any more. It was recommended by her sister whose only side effect was an increase in boob size. However, it didn't suit Mrs G at all and she had it removed. From a male perspective I wasn't sorry, as it definitely made its presence felt.

heartbreak_star

Might be worth Mrs G asking about the Skyla too?

HBS x

Gloomendoom

heartbreak_star wrote: »

Might be worth Mrs G asking about the Skyla too?

HBS x

Thanks.

Just Googled it and it seems to be a character from Pokemon.

Izadora

I absolutely loved my Mirena. I haven't had kids but didn't find it painful to have it fitted - it was kind of like a smear test - it stopped my previously-very-heavy periods after a couple of months and it also seriously reduced the levels of crazy I reached most months. I had no negative side effects and my partner never noticed it was there. If it wasn't for the fact that we wanted to start trying for a baby I would never have had it removed.

Lavendyr

Have you considered an implant?

GwylimT

My wife had a merina coil but she had to get it removed as funnilly enough having something very sharp up there is not pleasant during sex. On removal she was told her cervix looked firm, turns out we were 14 weeks pregnant.

She did have the implant which suited her very well, but when she became a wheelchair user she was no longer allowed it due to the risk of DVT.

heartbreak_star

Gloomendoom wrote: »

Thanks.

Just Googled it and it seems to be a character from Pokemon.

*chuckle* yes it is!

http://www.drugs.com/skyla.html

That might be a better read

HBS x

clairev36

I'm on my second mirena coil. Had my first inserted at gp's when my second daughter was around 2. Did have break though bleeding for about the first 4/5 months but it was a massive improvement on my incredibly heavy periods which had plummeted my iron levels. I did still get periods with it but much lighter. After 4 years the periods did get heavier so I was referred to a gynaecologist and they suggested replacing the mirena and to consider TCRE (transcervical resection of endometrium) as my family is complete I decided to get that done under GA. Has be absolutely fine, tiny bit of spotting some months but other than that no periods. I do get some pmt type symptoms In particular sore boobs for a week. I have had issues with some anxiety and ibs type symptoms over the last few years but I can't and don't relate them to the mirena. Good luck with your decision.