Merina Coil reviews?

[Bnewbie]

Hey all,

My doctor wants to put me on the merina coil and I am feeling really unsure about it.

She wants to stop my periods - i have moderate endometriosis (two large cysts on each ovary and my womb is stuck to the back of my uterus) I'm only 24, so they don't want to do any surgery on me yet, and she says that basically at this stage the goal is to put off surgery until it's necessary.

I’m currently on the mini pill (can’t take the combined), but it’s not stopping my periods. The doctors really want to stop my periods because they think with every period I have, the chance increases of more endometriomas growing/forming.

I really don’t want the coil. I have heard horrible things about it. I know it varies from person to person, but it sounds painful to put in and take out, plus all the side effects that many people get sound terrible. But at this point it seems like my only option and that I will have to try it…

I have nobody else to talk to about this, so I was wondering if anyone had any advice, or any thoughts on the mirena coil?

[Hidden]

Hi Bnewbie,I have the Mirena coil, and it's going fine for me.

The benefits:

- It delivers a small but effective amount of levonorgestrel locally. The dose is less than a pill because it doesn't have to go through your digestive system.

- side effects from Mirena tend to be lower than the pill because it works at a lower dose

- no pill to remember to take with Mirena

- Can be comfortable for some people (I don't feel it)

- Reduces period bleeding because monthly lining is thinner

- for 20 per cent of people who use mirena, periods stop after the first year. This percentage increases each year, until year 4 when it would be replaced (for contraception, they say 5 years, but 4 years is better for endo because the delivery of levonorgestrel decreases annually)

Cons:

- Can be sensitive when installed, but it's quick, then lasts for 4 years

- Some people find it doesn't fit comfortably, but it is comfortable for many

[rainforestrunner]

Hi Bnewbie

I have the coil, have had it most of the time for the past 13 years, since having my second child. I never stopped having a period with it, but it definitely got shorter and lighter. I tried taking my coil out for 5 months over a year ago and within 6-8 weeks the endo pain was back really severely, I had under estimated how much of the pain it had been helping with. My pain went from manageable most days to excruciating very quickly. It took 3 attempts to get a Mirena back in because of scarring and finally I had to have it put back in under GA.

So, while it can be painful to have it put in, it is the only thing in my endo journey so far that has consistently made my endo more bearable.

I would also advise you to think very carefully when they do offer you surgeries. I have had 6 laparoscopies for endo, and I think they have caused as much damage and pain as they sorted out - when I had my emergency C-section they commented that my pelvis 'looks like a car crash', full of adhesions and scarring, my bowel is stuck to my womb etc.. One of the original surgeries was to separate them , but they have just restuck. Personally I am just avoiding surgery now....

Good luck, we are not all the same and different things work for different people, but I would say to try the Mirena, but do give it 6 months to settle down before you write it off!

Virtual hugs x

[mariaL0L]

Hiya,

I have the coil and would definitely recommend. Doesn’t stop the pain completely but helps a consider amount.

One thing I would say is book 4 or so days off work / social events on and after you get it fitted. I was told it may be uncomfortable/ painful getting it fitted but I was in A LOT of pain for a couple days after. I know this isn’t unusual for us lot with endo. You may not get it as bad as I did, but I wish someone had prepared me for it.

[Hidden]

Hey there , can I ask if you decided to go ahead with this? And how are you getting on?

I am also being advised merina is my only option.

28 - no kids - I would have liked but we will see on that one . So merina is the only option for me whilst waiting for laprosopy refferal over 1 yr .

Apparently I have one larger ovary and we don't know much else as I have only had an ultrasound.

I had enough trouble having an examination so they advise knocking me out but I am still really sceptical about it all 🤣