Have any of you experienced a mirena coil coming to the end of its active life? Mine is just over 4 years old, but I seem to be getting ...

[GrittyReads]

some of the symptoms I used to have before it was fitted.

Also, has anyone been successful in insisting that a replacement be fitted under anaesthetic. First time round I had to go to a Gynaecologist privately as my practice would only contemplate a local clinic (no anaesthetic) fitting. I've never had kids and the gynae said there was no way they'd get one through my cervix. My friend passed out having hers done.

Finally, has anyone had a mirena fitted when possibly post-menopause? I'm 58, but was still menstruating (more than regularly!), with bad endo, 4 years ago. I've no idea if I am now menopausal, but I don't want a return to monthly agony as a way of finding out. Thanks for all help.

[Impatient]

Have you started spotting or bleeding which makes you think it is no longer working? If that is the case then yes it could be running out and yes it may be possible that you have not yet menopaused.

Before doing anything speak to your GP about getting checked to see if you are now in the advance stages of menopause or not.

Average age is 55, so it is likely you are headed that way, but some ladies do have longer wait.

Mirena does increase the likelyhood of ovarian cysts - and if you are suddenly feeling pain symptoms then it may be from cyst rther than the mirena no longer working. IF it is a cyst - if may disappear by itself or may cause problems leading to needing surgical removal - (and ideal time to get the MC swapped).

So that's another thing that could be scanned for.

As for general anaesthetic - I sympathise - got mine put in during a surgery , but there is an alternative if the NHS won't give you the anaesthetic you need. Taking BC Pills back to back can stop the frequency of periods too, obviously you do have to remember to take them each day whereas mirena can be left and forgotten about.

At any event this is something you do need to discuss with your GP if for no other reason than to put your fears to rest on what might be the situation.

[Jofus89]

The last year of my coil my pain returned. Worse in fact because it was every 2 weeks instead of 4. Also I miscarried in my last year. I had to have mine out under a general as the wires had been cut to short. It took 3 hospital admissions for severe pain before they done it though x x

[dsteve202]

I had my first coil in under general anaesthetic because I refused it initially, it was the only way I was going to agree to it and my gynaecologist was happy with that. I just had it renewed but again under general anaesthetic because I was in having a laparoscopy anyway xxx

[GrittyReads]

Hi thanks for comments. I'm not spotting, but getting some vague cyclical feelings which I have not had since this time last year - maybe it's spring Last year I eventually had one mild quasi period, but all was clear on a scan. Same happened 2 years before that, only all slightly heavier: again a clear scan. This time I'm having some muscle aches and pains and feeling a tad depressed, which is how I was (but with the addition of horrendous periods and pains) before the mirena. I just recognised the same twinges and feelings so clearly and began to worry.