Jump to content

Recommended Posts

So I have decided that family complete this is the contraceptive route I want to go down. And then I switch on woman's hour and I hear just how very painful the procedure is and how a local anaesthetic is now recommended? Any one care to share their experience - on here or by pm. And has anyone had it done with an anaesthetic and if so, where?

Many thanks in advance.

Link to comment
https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/71790-coil-fitted/
Share on other sites

I had a coil (copper IUD) fitted before I had my daughter (~10 yrs ago). I did find it fairly painful, but I don't know how much a local anaesthetic would have helped. My understanding is that the pain is from the dilation of the cervix and associated muscles. This type of pain can be difficult to mediate with local anaesthetics. Curious to know what type and how much anaesthetic they use?


For me the pain was like the worst period pain you can image, but the pain slowly faded over the course of ~12 hours. I think it helps if the person fitting your coil is very experienced. Because I was nulliparous (never had a pregnancy) at the time, my coil was fitted by the most experienced nurse at the gyne clinic. She was fairly quick. (I also thought having the coil removed was very painful. However, the pain didn't last at all. I was 100% fine, no pain at all, immediately after the coil was removed.)


So of course when I wanted to have another coil fitted at 6 weeks postpartum, I was a little anxious. Actually it was fine, not painful. The cervix is much more pliable after child birth. However, that doesn't last forever... my friend had her children in her early 20s, then decided in her early 40s to get a coil. In the intervening years she had done a lot of yoga and pelvic floor exercises. On her first appointment, the nurse was unable to get the coil fitted because her cervix was so tight. It turns out that after about 10 yrs (depending on age/health), your cervix will return to a tight nulliparous-type state, making it much less pliable.


This was so traumatic for my friend, that she had to be rescheduled with a more experienced clinician and given a dose of valium pre-procedure. She was successful in the end, so I hope that doesn't put you off! She's really pleased to have had the coil fitted.


All of this is reminding me that my current coil is now expiring, and I want to change from copper IUD to Mirena IUS... If there is local anaesthetic on offer, I'll definitely have it. But I'll still get a coil even if there isn't. Hope that helps. Feel free to PM for any more details. xx

Link to comment
https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/71790-coil-fitted/#findComment-891762
Share on other sites

I had a Mirena coil fitted 2 months ago - some very brief discomfort on insertion but the whole experience was fine. I think it is probably more painful if you have not been through childbirth. I certainly would not have needed local anaesthetic. And the benefits are great - 1 day periods anyone? I had mine fitted by a GP at my group practice who does coil fittings.
Link to comment
https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/71790-coil-fitted/#findComment-891770
Share on other sites

I would liken the pains of having a mirena coil fitted as similar to bad period pains. If you can get your Dr to give you a prescription for mefanamic acid (prescribed for period pain) and take it both the day before and after the fitting you should be ok. I have had a mirena coil for over 10 years now and have not had any periods at all in that time. An additional benefit of the Mirena is that it can also act as HRT, given that I am of a certain age I recently had a blood test carried out to find out whether I was menopausal(as obviously can't rely on when I had my last period). The results came back that I was post menopausal so managed to sail through that without even noticing!!
Link to comment
https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/71790-coil-fitted/#findComment-891804
Share on other sites

Similar to Carrie & Sanity Girl, mild discomfort and bit crampy.


Do wonder how much anxiety and fear precipitate pain in this sort of thing and am surprised

that the tone would be taken in a feature about it that it is so painful as could be setting up a self-fulfilling-prophecy to those about to have it done... would suggest looking into visualisation and positive thought before local anaesthetic as if (literally) tense, no amount of anasthetic would help.

Link to comment
https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/71790-coil-fitted/#findComment-891825
Share on other sites

Hi,


I had a coppper one fitted a few years ago, I did find it very painful during the procedure and for a couple of hours afterwards. I was told that I had a tilted uterus which may have contributed to this.


But the worse thing was that I was then sent off on my way from the GP straight afterwards and fainted whilst walking home in the park! it was very scary. My advice would be after having it done ask to remain lying down for 10 minutes.


I would still say that the pain and discomfort was worth it as I really didnt have to worry about contraception for the duration.


It is very important to keep a close eye on it though, i do know someone that had a very nasty infection from hers.

Link to comment
https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/71790-coil-fitted/#findComment-891891
Share on other sites

I haven't had children and have had a Myrena both fitted (brief pain but little after effects) then removed after five years (a fortnight ago) due to no fault of its own and it was pain free apart from a short sharp uncomfortable tug. It was great having no periods and I am now pretty much post menopausal with very few side effects apart from the odd hot flush and a bit of dryness easily sorted through a topical cream. It was fitted to deal with extremely heavy periods and was a Godsend.
Link to comment
https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/71790-coil-fitted/#findComment-891996
Share on other sites

I've had a mirena coil for the past 10 years and would echo the life changing effect it had: from very heavy periods to nothing. I too have sailed through the menopause, with just a month of a few hot flushes. I did have period pain after insertion and felt a bit wobbly. But with some pain killers and a day in bed, you should be fine. Highly recommended.
Link to comment
https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/71790-coil-fitted/#findComment-892186
Share on other sites

I had a copper coil fitted in my early 20s due to my stubborn refusal to take hormones. The pain was there from the start, and continued and continued. I often felt like I would pass out from it. On one occasion the pain was so bad that I ended up in hospital for exploration for an eptopic pregnancy.


My periods were incredibly heavily and painful. If I hadn't been living overseas with limited access to family planning then I would have had it removed.


I would never recommend having one.


10 years on and more than one GP has questioned the suggestion to have that coil, which is classically recommended to woman who have already had children as otherwise it is known to be very uncomfortable.


Maybe childbirth will be a doodle now!

Link to comment
https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/71790-coil-fitted/#findComment-892348
Share on other sites

I used to have a Mirena coil, and having it changed after five years was probably the most excrutiating experience of my life. But I used the coil for around 10 years altogether and thought at the time that it was wonderful, especially when my periods stopped completely. I was always aware of the huge number of horror stories which many women reported with side effects, but didn't suffer from any of these. But to all the women who are using a Mirena coil or considering having one, please please please read some of the growing body of evidence that these can contribute towards causing some types of breast cancer. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, around two years after my coil was removed, my surgeon was very clear that there are definite links between the Mirena and breast cancer, and since my diagnosis, I have come across several other women who have used a Mirena coil and then gone on to develop breast cancer. I would give anything to be able to go back in time and choose a different form of contraception.
Link to comment
https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/71790-coil-fitted/#findComment-892413
Share on other sites

I didn't feel a thing having it fitted and a tiny twinge having it removed. I was amazed as I'd been anxious about it having heard friends' stories. I wish I'd done it years before. I had it fitted a few weeks after giving birth which I think makes it easy given openness of cervix. I wasn't going to due to pain fear but the Dr reminded me I'd just handled childbirth, fair point and absolutely no comparison between the two!
Link to comment
https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/71790-coil-fitted/#findComment-892451
Share on other sites

that's an interesting article on the Mirena coil, which I've seen before. My daughter recently wanted to get a more permanent form of contraception rather than taking the pill, which didn't agree with her. She discussed her options with our GP, the Marie Stopes Centre, and the Margaret Pyke Centre, none of whom would consider fitting her with a Mirena coil, given my treatment for breast cancer. They were also aware that I've had genetic testing and do not have a faulty gene, so are clearly taking on board the links between the Mirena coil and breast cancer.
Link to comment
https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/71790-coil-fitted/#findComment-892704
Share on other sites

interesting thread. have a copper coil myself and periods definitely heavier and more painful. apart from mirena coil, what other kinds of contraception have people tried for those of us who don't want any more kids and prefer not to take the pill if possible? is there anything else?
Link to comment
https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/71790-coil-fitted/#findComment-893040
Share on other sites

I had a Mirena fitted a year ago after also deciding NO MORE KIDS!! It was about as painful as a smear test and I then had cramps like period pains for a few days after. I also spotted for a month, but believe this is very unusual. Frankly all this short-lived discomfort was nothing compared to the beauty of exceptionally light periods thereafter, and not having to worry about contraception at all. And if you've already had 2 kids you can def cope with that level of pain!

As Pickle says, went to the DMC contraception clinic and the doc who does it is great.

Link to comment
https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/71790-coil-fitted/#findComment-893152
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Latest Discussions

    • Gone to the better hunting grounds during this local ongoing dry spell.
    • The Dreamliner has an impeccable service history, you are more likely to get mugged on the way to the airport than having any issue with your flight, that's how safe it is!  Have a great trip.
    • Maybe. Does that kill grass? If so, possibly the same dog that has left its poo outside my house - pretty sure it's not fox poo.
    • Here you are, intexasatthemoment (you seem to have been in Texas for a very long time!) We went to three of the recommended places yesterday,  as they were all in the same road (just near Wallington)  and I needed to give the car a run to avoid another slap on the wrist from my garage (and another new battery). Here's my findings. BARNES Parking We thought we would go here first as it was the earliest to close on a Sunday (3pm). There was no apparent entrance or anywhere to park. One notice said do not park on grass verge, and another one said staff cars only! Flittons was opposite but I'd already passed the entrance, so I had to drive down the road, turn round at the next available place (covered in signs saying do not park here) and park in Flittons car park! Plants Barnes  specialise in hardy perennials, so that was basically what they had, but an excellent selection, and many more unusual plants (or at least, plants you probably wouldn't find in a garden centre), eg Corydalis,  lots of different varieties of Epimediums, Trollius, some lovely Phygelius, lots of different ferns). The plants were divided into sections according to whether they needed sun or shade or could cope with both. They had a particularly good selection of  shade loving plants. There was really useful information above  each group of plants, which meant you didn't have to look at individual labels. All the plants looked in good health and  very well cared for. They don't produce a printed catalogue, but they  said their plant list was online (I haven't looked yet). I assume most of  the plants they have at any one time are when it's their flowering season (if they flower). I wasn't intending to buy anything, though was very tempted, but I'd definitely go here again once I've sorted out my overgrown garden. Other Stuff Don't think they sell pots, compost, etc. No cafe/tea room and I didn't see a loo, but Flittons is just over the road. FLITTONS  Parking Easy to park Plants Sorry, but mostly terrible. There was one section with vegetables and the rest was flowering plants. There was a general feeling of delapidation. Some of what was on display was actually dead (surely it would only take a minute to remove dead plants) and a lot of the rest was very poorly maintained, eg gone to seed, weedy, apparently unwatered, or with a lot of dead leaves. There was a notice asking for volunteers to work there, so I can only assume they can't afford to pay staff. Other stuff There was a notice to a play barn (?) saying invited people only, so I think they must host kids' parties or something. They redeemed themselves with a cosy little cafe with savoury stuff, nice cakes, iced chai and oat milk, and a loo. Also a selection of books and CDs on sale for charity. If you want an Andrews Sisters CD, you can find one here. There is a small shop with gift shop type stuff and a display of the history of Flittons, which apparently is family owned since the sixties (I think it was). I suspect that the arrival of Dobbies down the road must have greatly affected Flittons' fortunes, which is sad. DOBBIES  Parking Easy in theory once you had navigated a rather narrow entrance, but it was very busy so it took a while to find a space. Plants  Lots of plants, well maintained but I imagine their turnover is high. Lots of nice bedding plants for hanging baskets, window boxes etc  to cater for all tastes (ie some of it wasn't mine, but fine if you like those horrid little begonias (my opinion only) but they did have some nice (in my opinion) stuff as well. I was tempted but decided to buy from North Cross Road market. Fair selection of climbers, various different Clematis etc. I'd be happy to buy plants from here. The prices seemed reasonable and they were in good condition. Other stuff  It's a big garden centre with all that entails these days, so a large area selling garden furniture and storage, tools, animal collars, pots, all the usual stuff you would expect. Very helpful staff. There's a cafe which we didn't check out, charging points for electric cars, a Waitrose (no idea how big, we didn't look). Only on our way out did we see that there was a drive through "express section" for compost etc, which was annoying as I wanted compost and hadn't seen any anywhere,  but I was getting tired by that time. Just Down the Road A ten minute drive away is Wilderness Island, a nature reserve in Carshalton, which is well worth a visit. We heard eleven different kinds of bird (according to Merlin) and saw a Kingfisher flying down the tiny river!
Home
Events
Sign In

Sign In



Or sign in with one of these services

Search
×
    Search In
×
×
  • Create New...