I had this coil fitted in June this year for heavy periods and anaemia. The gynae doctor did tell me it's takes a few months to settle but after four months I'm not convinced, I get bleeding for 3weeks, not heavy but can't ignore it, I also have boobs that are solid (makes a change!) but are killing me, so painful.
Am I just being impatient and need to give it longer to take full affect?? I don't have any energy or enthusiasm  for anything which isn't me.

I use a standard coil, as the whole reason for me usign that form of contraception was to avoid using synthetic hormones.  I'm too old for anythign but a minipill which just made me bleed constantly.

For the period issue I'd have gone for trying various pills to find one that might help with the issue.

I had the standard copper coil ( no hormone ) put in a few years ago and I bled heavily for 4 weeks solid after wards and had heavy periods lasting 10/12 day every cycle. For that reason I obviously had it taken out again as my job made this very difficult to cope with.

Never easy is it, especially once your over 40 your options go down on birth control methods.  Have never had confidence in the Barrier methods.. 

Heavier and longer bleeding is pretty standard with IUD's, but to be fair mine have been getting like that in the last 10 years anyway.

Almost makes me long for menopause (nearly 49 now), but I know that often opens a whole 'notehr can of worms ;)

>Almost makes me long for menopause (nearly 49 now), but I know that often opens a whole 'notehr can of worms

Barbara I wasn't much older than you when I had the most horrific period, heaviest ever, where I was just flooding.  That was it!  The end, kaput!  I had nothing after, no spotting, total finish, and it is the best feeling ever.  No contraception worries, and it was only when I realised that nobody at work wanted the windows wide open at work, when I was still in a T-shirt, and they were all bundled up in the winter that I saw the doctor.  I loved HRT.  Loved, loved, loved it.  I did once try to go synthetic, but it just didn't help me like the "proper" stuff.  I would still be on it now if they hadn't made me give it up.  I was on it for over 10 years and it did wonders for me.  I never felt so good in my life.

I had to be rushed into hospital on new year's eve one year to have the Mirena removed as it was making me so ill. This was after a few weeks.  Huge relief once it was gone. I kept being warned "If we take it out you can't have another as it is very expensive and you only get one chance" -well I certainly never wanted another!!

You cannot really compare the Mirena with a standard coil nor can you regard it as systemic hormones, the levels are just too tiny.
Having said that it just does not suit some women.  It is necessary to give it at least 3 months and I have known it to take up to 6 months but it is really up to you if you want to persevere. 

> Heavier and longer bleeding is pretty standard with IUD's

Not with a Mirena, most users will have very light periods if any at all. 

With my first one it did take a couple of months for things to sette down, but gradually my periods got lighter and lighter and now I have nothing at all. At the time it as looking like a hysterectomy was on the cards due to endometriosis, but I can honestly say I have never looked back.

> Having said that it just does not suit some women.

Totally agree. I had one about eleven years ago and it was a disaster from the off. Instead of my heavy painful periods, I had sharp cramps every day for a couple of hours when I woke up, and again in late afternoon, you could almost set your watch by them. I was also irritable and moody - well who wouldn't be with daily pain! but it was more than that. I finally had it taken out, after many months, and virtually bounced back. All the doctors said it couldn't have been the Mirena.  But someone later suggested it might have been my body rejecting it.

Similar thing happened when I had the contraceptive injection, I was told it had no side effects but it triggered a horrendous bout of depression - again, the medics denied all responsibility; but there's no way I am ever messing with my hormones again.

My mother went into menopause at 55 so I will probably have to put up with crippling period pain for a few more years yet, and I have noticed they are getting longer and heavier and more painful - Oh joy.

Didn't agree with me at all.
And, eugh, hope I'm not going into too much detail here, but I actually ended up pulling it out myself (by accident!!) which kind of makes me wonder if it was ever properly situated in the first place!
Not quite at the menopause stage yet, and not for some time yet I hope - but I shan't be doing HRT...
Breast cancer parent history too much of a risk..

My mom had the mirena for the same reasons as your self and after a year they were even worse so she had she had what's called a obliviation on the lining and a new mirena fitted and she never looked back after being plagued for years with horrific bleeding which meant she couldn't even go the shops.
Sometimes it needs more than just a tablet (she had had everything going) so they gave her this op which involved inserting a balloon and heating it up to remove the lining.

> but there's no way I am ever messing with my hormones again.

I doubt it was the hormonal component in the instance of the Mirena.  The output of hormones is minute and very unlikely to go further than the endometrium as it is designed to do. 
Sometimes fibroids etc can make the shape of the uterus unsuitablem the Mirena simply does not sit as it should and may therefore irritate the uterus and create this rejection problem.

> I will probably have to put up with crippling period pain for a few more years yet,

You can have minor surgical treatment to the endometrium that does not involve hormones at all.

> what's called a obliviation

Endometrial ablation :)

> Similar thing happened when I had the contraceptive injection, I was told it had no side effects but it triggered a horrendous bout of depression - again, the medics denied all responsibility; but there's no way I am ever messing with my hormones again.

Same here. I had the contraceptive implant taken out this summer. I've had them since after giving birth to my second child who is 13 yrs old. The fist lot were great, but I did have to have them taken out early due to the massive emotional change (saw my own Dr.)
About 1 year into the next implant I felt awful again, I saw a different Dr. who suggested that I was just a moody person, so I put up with the symptoms. I had enough after having the latest one put in last Sep. The symptoms got so much worse.
I wrote a list of my symptms and went to see my own Dr. he said the implant needed taking out. When we discussed alternative contraception he said that he would advise me against having the hormonal coil, but the other one would be OK.
However, as my periods were heavy prior to having contraceptive implants, and I'm sick of my body feeling messed around with, I am using a barrier method.

I wish I listened to my own body and not the Dr. that suggested I was just naturally moody, I've lost years to that flipping thing.

OP, if you are not getting on with your contraception, go and see your Dr., but please believe yourself when you feel your body or emotions are not right, don't get fobbed off by anyone.

At the time the doctor called it a obliviation. She was one of the first to do the procedure over here.

Plus it sounds much cooler lol.

> OP, if you are not getting on with your contraception

The OP has been prescribed the Mirena for mennorhagia not contraception, although it will also serve in that function. 
As I keep saying, you cannot compare the Mirena with other hormonal treatments and certainly not a contraceptive implant that will be administering much more significant levels of hormone.
Really the OP needs to discuss this with her doctor as other peoples experiences and expectations can be confusing and may not be a reflection of the overall outcomes of the Mirena's use or its expected outcome for the OP.

:-D Just wasn't sure I liked the idea of your Mom being obliverated. :)

I used a marina for over 17 years and it was the best thing I ever did. I had about 3 weeks after with cramps and bleeding then nothing for  7 years, then I had a new one fitted and the same again a couple of weeks discomfort then bliss and no bleeding. I am 57 (Today) and have never had the last on removed even though I am now well over the menopause (Very little trouble bar the hot flushes!) The cord has dissapeared and as it causes me no problems the Gynae Doc thinks it better to leave well alone that to undergo a GA to find and remove it now.
I still am always hot, cheap heating bills in this house ! I wander round in mid winter in short sleeves and Ron piles on the jumpers....
One mans meat is another mans poison !!
Aileen

> As I keep saying, you cannot compare the Mirena with other hormonal treatments and certainly not a contraceptive implant that will be administering much more significant levels of hormone.

The mirena coil releases 20mcg per day of hormone, the implant does release a lot more than this in the first year, but after that it releases 25mcg per day, hardly a significantly higher level.

Just as a note you need not have it removed under GA :).  We have retrieved a few "lost" IUCDs in our outpatient hysteroscopy clinic over the years using a little local anaesthetic and sometimes none at all.

> The mirena coil releases 20mcg per day of hormone

But it is released directly into the endometrium not systemically. 
I am not at work so do not have access to the figures but if I remember correctly the amount of hormone reaching the blood stream is about a fifth of that administered by the mini pill.

How does it compare with the depo jab do you know?  I've been on depo for a couple of years now, or at least I was (stopped in July).  I'm looking to get a mirena in as I'm terrible for going overdue with the depo (I forget!), I do NOT want kids but of course being only 30 and childless, the NHS are very unlikely to sterilise me!

On depo I get no periods at all which is what I want (they are very heavy and VERY painful otherwise), on the implant I bled/cramped nearly constantly and had boobs like rocks so I'm thinking about the mirena (the localised hormone release appeals).

Nikita, I would certainly be discussing Mirena with your doctor if I was you.  It will provide very good contraception but it's primary use is for menorrhagia so could well be ideal for you.

I've spoken to her but she's pretty useless (as has been any doctor I've asked) - just agreed that it'd be a better option than depo because of me forgetting when it's due, and she's just said to make an appointment when I'm ready so I can ask her to sort a referral out to get it put in (because of another issue I'll need a local to get it done, and my GP surgery don't offer that).

That's it, no other info given or apparently available - no-one has ever mentioned what you've said!

> That's it, no other info given or apparently available

We have leaflet, provided by Mirena, that we give each patient considering it. 
If she does not have any of those there is a patient leaflet enclosed in every box but of course you need to open it to get it! 
I don't know if she is all that remiss in not going into all the issues though really as, like I have said, the majority of patients find it entirely satisfactory and she has addressed the issue that was of concern to you ie forgetting renewal.  It is not as if it is irreversable although it is good to try to match it to a patients expectations as it is expensive!
  If you want to know more about the hormone side of things I am sure she will either tell you or find out for you.

thanks for the replies. the mirena is very low dose localised hormone so is not supposed to have the same effect as the pill. i do not need it for contraception and have not used hormone based contraceptives for 18yrs so was a bit apprehensive about it.
I am 46 and had it only for heavy periods and the dreadful way I felt when I had them plus anaemia. It was only fitted in June so has been 4 months but was expecting to have a 'normal' period by now. instead they are 3 weeks! lighter yes. the boob pain is horrible, its like first being pregnant.
due to see doctor later this month but if still the same by January then I might have it taken out.

I had the mirena coil fitted never felt comfortable from the start and could feel it working loose plus the bleeding was as bad as ever so had it removed and endrometrial ablation what a relief it worked instantly its been almost four years and never seen anything since , just wish it had been done years before its changed my quality of life , now I have a life

Just wanted to add that when I was working as a Midwife I delivered 2 babies that shouldn't have been conceived as their mothers had a coil fitted, and I had to retrieve the coil from the placenta to prove that it had actually come out of their bodies !
Having watched one fitted in a clinic once it is not something I would ever have. I personally would be asking for a referral to gynae to see what your options are.

Alongside our nhs walkin clinic they run specialist contraceptive clinics nikita I would see if there is one near you. The practitioners in the clinic have excellent knowledge more so than gp I have found . -Its is interesting that the mirena is often suggested for young people and I maen young people as a suitable altehative to implant. I still remain surprised given the problems some people have that it is considered appropriate for young teens. How many take up this option I don't know but given often that young girls are not prepared for intimate examination I am surproised it is pushed so hard

> I delivered 2 babies that shouldn't have been conceived as their mothers had a coil fitted

No contraception is 100% but the failure rates of all contraceptions are well researched and documented and the Mirena is very favourable.
http://www.mirena.com/en/professional/contraception/efficacy_and_safety/index.php
Women should, and generally are, counselled as to the risk prior to insertion and anyone who did fall pregnant with one in situ should, and generally is, booked for an immediate scan primarily because of the increased risk of the pregnancy being ectopic which risk, incidentally, is lower in a Mirena than the usual contraceptive coil.

I have seen one or two of these women in my clinic over the years.  Some will be choosing not to continue with the pregnancy anyway but those wishing to continue will be offered immediately removal of the coil as there is an increased risk of miscarriage to continue with it in situ.  Of course removing also carries a risk.
Of course some may choose to continue to term or will not present for an early scan.

I have seen probably hundreds of these coils fitted and most are very well tolerated particularly if the woman has previously had a vaginal delivery and the doctor or nurse is not going to force one upon anyone who does not find the procedure tolerable.

Of course, no one needs a gynaecological referral just for contraception, if your GP does not appear clued up enough there are specialist family planning clinics and for something like menorrhagia it would still be worth trying a Mirena as many Trusts would have protocols for offering and encouraging this before any other more invasive procedure such as a surgical one.  If the Mirena does not prove successful it is most likely your GP will refer you on for management.

> Having watched one fitted in a clinic once it is not something I would ever have.

Can't be as bad as giving birth :-D

> Can't be as bad as giving birth

LOL - nor bringing up an unwanted/unplanned child

Nor the sad alternative :(.
Any young girl who does not like intimate examination (goodness knows how they get pregnant!) is not going to like attending an Unplanned Pregnancy Clinic or the ensuing treatment should she wish to end the pregnancy.

> goodness knows how they get pregnant

Indeed :)

Reminds me of men/women who somehow manage to have children out of marriage, but find getting married far too much of a commitment :) :) :) :)

>> Heavier and longer bleeding is pretty standard with IUD's
> Not with a Mirena, most users will have very light periods if any at all.

I did mean standard IUD's,

I know that is one of the perceived advantages/uses to Mirena, but I chose/use and IUD because I didn't want to take a hormonal contraceptive.  I was only on the Pill for two years until I had my first child.

Always had heavy painful periods, improved a bit after kids, but worse again over last 10 years, long before I had the latest IUD fitted.  Just find I bleed longer (usually a few days of spotting before starting properly).

I have a 'normal' IUD and have been using the coil since I was 23 after completing my family. Over the years - I'm 48 now :D, 2 have had to be removed quite quickly as they became infected on insertion, but the rest have been fine - no pain, heavier bleeding etc . I've noticed this last year, my periods are playing up - either spotting for days and days with no real period or heavy bleeding for 2 days then nothing and I've also started getting period pain during the heavy bleeding.  At my last smear test a few months ago, the nurse said it could be my coil needs replacing and to wait and see, I will have the same type again. I don't think I want any added hormones and hope that the 'change' will be easy! Roll on the menopause  :)

I have the IUD had it fitted in august,i had a teeny biof spotting the day it was fitted but then nothng for about 9 weeks,then i got a period and im still having constant bleeding.it might stop one day and go like its the end of aperiod,ill get about 6 hours free and then bleed again theres just no break.
i have the ten year one fitted as i do not want anymore children.i have googled lots of different peoples opinions and all the ones who say they bleed all the time say its never stopped...one woman has had it in for four years and bleeds all the time...id rather not have that happen to me.

the cramps can be unbareable too....i will give it a good year to settle but if it doesnt i shall ask for sterilisation(what i asked for in the forst place but they wouldnt do due to personal circumstances at the time)

Ive tried the marena and i was as moody and emotional as hell,removed it andafter about 8 weeks i was better!!

every woman is different,you have to listen to your body,your doc can only give you a guidance.xx

I have lots of friends who 'didnt get on' with the coil. And when i did my research I didnt want one because i think its unethical. It doesnt stop the egg from being fertilised but stops it from attaching to the wall so therefore you could be aborting a potential baby.

> could be aborting a potential baby.

But this happens naturally all the time.  This is why most couples take several cycles to conceive, even though the woman ovulates and  has regular intercourse at the fertile times.

The majority of fertilised eggs don't implant to result in pregnancy, same with our canines, many more eggs are fertilised than pups result.  The only reason they conceive far more often than we do is because many eggs are released compared to our usual one.

Of course your entitled to your opinion and reservations with this method of birth control, but those of us over 40 are rather more limited in choice of reliable female contraception than it would seem.

when that happens as a course of nature i accept it but to have a coil when that makes it happen is going against nature and quite sad IMO.

Once my baby makiing days are over I would like to be sterilised so i will no longer have to remeber to take bloody pills every day or have injections in my bum :-)

I feel inclined to agree with you Freds mum. I hadn't really thought about it like that before and for me personally, I don't like the idea.

I did have a copper coil before the birth of my 3rd but had to have it removed surgically from near my intestines as the stupid doctor failed to check and see that my uterus is tilted and therefore, mis-aimed her insertion and shoved it straight through the uterus wall :-O. I was in agony at the time and my blood pressure fell so low that they nearly called an ambulance. Once my BP came back up, she just sent me home but I was in pain for a week until she reluctantly admitted I perhaps ought to go for a scan as she looked and could not find it :-(

I had to have ultrasounds, x-rays, an MRI and finally surgery under GA.  We put so much trust in these people *shakes head*

My advice to anyone thinking of having any coil - make sure the position and shape of your uterus is ascertained first and also that you're not one if those rare ladies that have 2 uterus!  I now can't bear the idea of a coil again and can't take hormonal contraceptives, hey ho!

Must admit I had my current coil fitted under GA 4 years ago, as was having a polyp removed at the same time, so of course they were able to visualise things with laparaoscope and place it ideally, and touch wood apart from the spotting before a period have had no bother (and I was getting that before periods anyway so may be unconnected).

They did try to cut the polyp without anaesthetic but I have a sensitive cervix and experienced discomfort and nearly passed out, hence having it all done under GA.  Just as well as I bled a lot and they had to cauterise the wound, after it wouldn't stop.

I was supposed to go for a smear last year and have been putting it off as these exams make me come over very queer.

I think choice of contraception is just that - choice! What works for one, may not do for another and could be for a number of reasons, be they ease of use, inclination, age or even religion. I'm just glad that  contraception is legally available for us all, which ever type we choose! :)

> will no longer have to remeber to take bloody pills

How do you know if the pill is preventing pregnancy by stopping ovualtion or stopping a fertilized egg being able to implant?

> i did my research I didnt want one because i think its unethical. It doesnt stop the egg from being fertilised but stops it from attaching to the wall so therefore you could be aborting a potential baby.

I think that is a very valid point and something every woman should be aware of before making her choice. 

> xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">How do you know if the pill is preventing pregnancy by stopping ovualtion or stopping a fertilized egg being able to implant?

The chances are very slim. The daily dose of hormones taken in the pill work mainly by tricking your body into thinking that ovulation has already happened. This prevents an egg from ripening and being released from the ovaries each month.
The hormones also increase the thickness of the natural mucus at the neck of the womb, which makes it more difficult for sperm to cross from the vagina into the womb and reach an egg.

> xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">I was supposed to go for a smear last year and have been putting it off

Please please please never put off a smear. yes, they aren't pleasant & nobody looks forward to them or enjoys them but knowing several friends & family that have had pre cancerous cells spotted and dealt with I would highly recommend you go!!! Far better to go through that than have to deal with anything worse. x

It just takes me two years to get up the courage.