mirena

LegacyUser

Hey,
I'm getting the mirena fitted next month, I'm 23 but I've no kids and I'm just wondering about peoples experiences with this, the doctor has suggested it as I've tried several different methods over the last few years and no other contraceptive seems to suit me.

Thanks

Nevyn

I have had kids and getting fitted was a matter of 10 mins, with having taken the pain killer and the muscle relaxant prescribed by the dr as directed. Yes it was a bit uncomfortable and then there was a sharp pinch. After a couple of months I stopped having periods which was a bonus and I had the first one replaced after the 5 years and a second one put in in the same appointment which went smoothly. I found it fuss free but you have to check that it is in place esp in the first while.

*Page*

I had a terribl two years withe the mirena check out this link for a discussion board on it

http://www.rollercoaster.ie/boards/mc.asp?ID=51241&G=1&forumdb=2

Oryx

I have it at the moment, with no problems. I have kids so fitting it was easy, a similar procedure to a smear. Its fit it and forget it, which is handy, plus your periods might lessen or stop altogether.

Hope it goes ok for you.

LegacyUser

KtK wrote: »

I have it at the moment, with no problems. I have kids so fitting it was easy, a similar procedure to a smear.

That makes me feel bit better I've had 2 smear tests before so if its only similar to that I should survive!

Oryx

???????? wrote: »

That makes me feel bit better I've had 2 smear tests before so if its only similar to that I should survive!

youll be fine. :)Of course, now Ive read the rollercoaster thread and realised why Ive been losing my hair this past year. (thank you *Page*) But bear in mind that happens to less than 3% Im just one of the unlucky ones. Im actually relieved to know, it was driving me insane.

*Page*

out of the 15 side effects i had 12, but it was brilliant, get it done and if you notice any of these things just get it out!

i stuffered for 2 years with out knowing what i was suffering from...

BoozyBabe

God, that's making my down belows squirm at the very thought of it.
Although a smear is not sore, I hate the feeling of it.

Oh God, I'm serious, I can't stop squirming here!!!!!

Sorry!!!

Nevyn

I had the first oen removed, a mear doen and a sti swab and a new one fitted and it didn't take that long at all. A doddle compared to givign birth.

BoozyBabe

Thaedydal wrote: »

I had the first oen removed, a mear doen and a sti swab and a new one fitted and it didn't take that long at all. A doddle compared to givign birth.

Yea, I've yet to do the whole giving birth thing!!
A whole barrel of laughs I imagine!!

Should have been a man! :mad:

Oryx

Yep the auld birthing gives you a whole new perspective. And having a coil fitted is about the only time youre glad everythings a bit 'looser'.

Nevyn

It is more to do with the neck of cervix and then the looseness of the walls of the vagina.

the_syco

Hi. I'm a dude, but could one of you ladies explain wtf a mirena is? Wikipedia explains, but it goes too far over my head

Oryx

the_syco wrote: »

Hi. I'm a dude, but could one of you ladies explain wtf a mirena is? Wikipedia explains, but it goes too far over my head

Always happy to do my bit to educate the menfolk.:)

A small T shaped contraceptive device thats inserted into the uterus, and remains there for 4 or 5 years. It works by releasing tiny amounts of hormones to prevent conception. Its similar to how the pill works, I suppose, but because its localised in the uterus the hormones only really work there, and dont have the same effect on the womans whole system. Devices like this are called IUD's (intra uterine devices) and more basic types that dont release hormones are often called coils.

Anyone better educated feel free to correct me if Ive got anything wrong!

gcgirl

the coil is fine but since you have had no kids it might be a bit difficult to get it in since the cervics have no been open if you get my drift! i had 3 sections and i would have to have gone in to hospital to have had it done but since i had the 3rd kid i opted for the tubes tied instead ! hopefully you won't have any probs getting it fitted!

Nevyn

KtK wrote: »

. Devices like this are called IUD's (intra uterine devices) and more basic types that dont release hormones are often called coils.

The minera is actually an IUS intra uterine system.


http://www.ifpa.ie/contraception/ius.html

The letters IUS stand for Interuterine System. This means it is placed inside a woman’s uterus (womb). The IUS is a small T-shaped plastic device with a sleeve, which releases the hormone progestogen into the cavity of the womb. It thickens the mucus at the neck of the womb making it difficult for sperms to reach the egg. It inhibits the function of the sperm within the womb. It makes the lining of the womb thin making periods lighter and shorter. There is only one IUS available at this time. It is called Mirena.

How reliable is it?
It is as reliable as female sterilisation but is a reversible method of contraception. Failure rate is 1-2 per 1000.

How effective is it?
It is as reliable as female sterilisation but is a reversible method of contraception. Failure rate is 1-2 per 1000.

Check-ups
It is important that you have a checkup regularly with the doctor - about six weeks after fitting and then at least once a year. The Mirena is effective for five years but can be removed any
time.

How does the Mirena work?
The Mirena works in several different ways, both as an IUCD and hormonally due to the slow release of progestogen which acts locally on the lining of the womb. Its main action is to stop sperm reaching the egg to fertilise it by thickening the mucus in your cervix. It inhibits normal sperm function inside the womb and tubes.

It also makes the lining of the womb thin, making periods lighter, shorter and often stopping.

Are there any problems?
Very rarely, the womb can push the Mirena out (expulsion). This is most likely soon after insertion and you may not know it has happened, so the use of an additional method of contraception until your check-up is advised.

If you get pregnant with a Mirena in place, there is a possibility of this being an ectopic pregnancy. This is when a fertilised egg settles outside the womb, usually in a fallopian tube, and starts to grow. This is rare but serious. Consult your doctor straight away if you have any sudden lower abdominal pain or feel you may be pregnant.

The warning signs of pelvic infection are pain during or after intercourse, pain in your lower abdomen or unusual vaginal discharge, especially if you have a fever. Infection can be easily treated, but if left it can be serious. See your doctor.

The Mirena is usually removed, if possible, if you become pregnant while using it. This reduces the risk of miscarriage though that may still happen.

Rarely when the Mirena is fitted it might perforate the womb tissue or cervix. The Mirena may then have to be removed.

Lizzykins

I've had mine for two years now and no side affects at all. I didn't want any more kids-I was 41 having my last!
It was a bitch of a doctor inserted it. Never said anything about taking painkiller or muscle relaxant so I nearly jumped off the bed when she put it in. It was like being skewered with a knitting needle. The pain only lasted a matter of seconds and I had very little cramping.
As I said I've had it two years and they last for about five. I am definitely not going back to that GP for it's removal and I couldn't bear to go to one of the Well Woman centres. I think I'll leave it there forever!

gcgirl

and if your lucky you can get sky tv for free! depends which way you sit!

sjaakie

all the jokes besides:

had mine fitted, pain was just : well: pain for a bit but who cares if it keep you going without pills condoms etc. for years to come...

i was hoping for non or very little periods but i kept on bleeding for god knows how long , only the odd time the bleeding stopped. most of the time i walked bended with pains in the belly.. went back but doc said all was ok.. guess what : i became pregnant.. now 7 months pregnant and i am 41 , was not planning on having yet another baby.

i would think twice and twice again before you have that thing fitted.

Ickle Magoo

I have two kids but never had a vaginal delivery & I got the mirena fitted about 6months ago.

My obs/gynae recommended that I get it fitted in hospital in case they couldn't insert it & I needed anesthetised. As it happened, it was a couple of secs of intense discomfort - much like the smear - & in it went.

Had some headaches & some hair loss (tho I'm not sure what's caused by mirena & what's post-partum)...either way compared to the pain in the butt that heavy, painful periods were & remembering to take the pill, it's a doddle!

Nevyn

gcgirl any more comments like that and you will get a banned.

Nevyn

Lizzykins wrote: »

I've had mine for two years now and no side affects at all. I didn't want any more kids-I was 41 having my last!
It was a bitch of a doctor inserted it. Never said anything about taking painkiller or muscle relaxant so I nearly jumped off the bed when she put it in. It was like being skewered with a knitting needle. The pain only lasted a matter of seconds and I had very little cramping.

Ouch I would not be happy with that at all, that is awful treatment.
I hope you gave out to her.

Lizzykins wrote: »

As I said I've had it two years and they last for about five. I am definitely not going back to that GP for it's removal and I couldn't bear to go to one of the Well Woman centres. I think I'll leave it there forever!

You can ask your local health nurse which other drs in the area do them and talk to them about it when the time comes.

The dr in the well woman and in the ifpa would have a high rate of fitting them and should have it down to a smooth art, why would you not consider going there ?

Lizzykins

Well she wasn't my regular GP and in truth I was just glad to get out of there. I wouldn't have minded the pain so much if she had even said sorry or would you like to rest for a moment.
I have heard stories about Well Woman Centres that people were not treated all that well.

Nevyn

The ifpa centres are completely seperate from the well woman centres.

*Page*

The well women just by the ha penny bridge are great the doctors are gental...

I have an odd cervex (minute inverted and tilted)

So she had to loosen my cervex with steel polles, it was sore but not serious pain...

If i didnt suffer from the side effects i would have kept it for the next 3 years and had it done agagin...

the side effects just werent worth it...

spurious

I had mine inserted for menorrhagia due to hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's). I had already been on Norethisterone for years and my doctor did not want me to continue with such large doses.

I have not had a child so he sent me to a doctor in North Dublin who while not a gynae inserts many Mirenas a year and is very skilled.

It was not the most pleasant experience in the world and did feel like being stabbed for about 2 seconds, though of course it seemed like longer. I hadn't taken anything in advance. I had very bad cramping for about 3 hours which then lessened and was gone within days.

It stopped the bleeding almost immediately and nine months on I'm delighted with it.