Experiences of IUD or IUS contraceptive

Abbydog

Another Mirena fan here, I'm on my third.

Found depo injections made me bleed constantly ( not a lot - but enough to be annoying.) Also found it's effectiveness was down to being a complete libido killer!

Had my first Mirena fitted under general anaesthetic ( was having a D&C at the same time)

Subsequent ones have been fitted by my GP. I'd say it is a bit worse than a smear, uncomfortable and a bit unpleasant rather than painful.

Don't have too much planned for the rest of the day - rest up and you'll be fine in the morning.

peachyprice

I'm on my 4th Mirena, I love it and wouldn't have anything else now.

Mine have never been too awful to have fitted, even with my wonky inaccessible cervix, although it really does depend on the person fitting it. I now have the head honcho at the FP clinic do mine, she's brilliant, quick in an out with very little pain. Even then it's discomfort rather than pain, a very strange sensation inside.

I haven't had any negative side effects at all, no periods for years have been great, although I did start getting occasional spotting once my daughter started her periods. I can't check my own strings due to above mentioned wonky cervix so I go to the clinic every 2 years just for a check.

I'm now of an age to be approaching menopause, I've been told they'll just leave the last Mirena there to help with symptoms and to help prevent thickening of the lining of the womb.

I did have the copper coil fitted, just the once, that had a major side effect, she's now 14 years old!

666paw

Hi OP

Like you I have had a dvt (well 3) on warfarin (since I was 22) and am unable to take the pill although a few years older than you at 43.
I've had heavy periods for years which were getting heavier and heavier. Last year I had enough and went to my GP and asked what they could do. It was suggested I had the Mirena fitted which was duly done at the hospital. For me it hurt whilst they inserted it and for a few hours afterwards with cramps. I had a small amout of bleeding and then for a few days afterwards. First couple of months as heavy as normal then started to get lighter sometimes only spotting for a few days and with not a lot of pain. The last couple of months I have had nothing, no spotting, no pain, no pmt.
I don't have any children.

For me it's the best thing I could have done. Going from super tampax and maternity pads being changed at least every hour to nothing is pure bliss.

666

chocdonuty

Sorry ladies, going against the grain here but I had the coil last year, never again!
Insertion was very painful despite taking painkillers (worth watching the last episode of GP's behind closed doors as mine was exactly like that)
I could feel the coil almost constantly poking at me, my body really didn't want it there, which is hardly surprising really
I lasted three weeks of discomfort and bleeding then after lots of googling other women's experiences I got rid.
As soon as it was gone I felt so much better, like you I was recommended due to my age and weight to go onto cerazette but it just doesn't agree with me, weirdly felt like I was pregnant the whole time I was on it and didn't stop my periods either.
Many women love the coil and it suits them well, just not me.

Timpu

Just this week I've had my copper coil out as it was coming to five years and a mirena put in. I can't give a full comparison yet but hope the following helps.

First, the bit everyone hates: insertion. Please, please ask for anaesthetic gel, particularly if you've not had children. This made all the difference to me in terms of pain. As others have said, painkillers in advance are definitely worth while, I felt fine imediately afterwards (would have gone back to work). Removal was a doddle btw, smears are more painful for me.

Copper coil: I felt my body was trying to push it out the first 6mths particularly which was not pleasant. This settled down but periods were heavier and b00b pain was intense, as if I had knives lodged in me. I only stuck with it as hormonal options weren't viable at the time.

Mirena: Fine so far but less than a week in. Let's wait and see. I like the idea of not bleeding rather than bleeding heavily in the long term.

chuckley

I'm glad docs are finally seeing the link between the combined pill and migraines. I was already a migraine sufferer, soo....

UK0106

Wow! Thank you all so much for your replies; they've been very helpful.

I've decided to go for the copper IUD because I was very wary about getting anything hormone based, even though the levels are very low.

My GP practice has two Drs who will fit the IUD so I have managed to get an appointment for next week. They have advised me that since I have no children, they would prefer for me to have the insertion done whilst I'm on my period. Apparently, the cervix is slightly open during this time so it should make things easier.

Fingers crossed there's not too much pain but I will definitely be taking the advice of the posters on here and taking painkillers beforehand!

lantanna

Do and don't plan anything for afterwards but the telly, a blanket and some comfort food. I'm 2 weeks on now and feel totally totally fine, have now forgotten about it. Good luck

kittieviolet

I currently have one friend recovering after an ectopic, another whose strings broke and had to have the coil removed under anaesthetic and one whose coil went awol and is now pregnant.