Severe pain after coil insertion

[Bumblebee213]

Hi guys,

I was wondering if any of you had experienced bad pain after having a coil fitted?

I decided to get one while I’m in a long waiting list to see yet another specialist as my current pill hasn’t been doing much to help. While I haven’t been having periods whilst on the pill, I have been experiencing daily pelvic pain.

After getting the coil fitted I’ve been experiencing some of the worst pain I’ve ever had. If I didn’t know that it was probably just down to endo, I would have definitely gone to the hospital. It’s been relentless for the past 10 days. However, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with the coil itself- it seems to be in the right place (I checked for threads) and I haven’t had any strange discharge or anything. Also, coming off my pill a week later has caused withdrawal bleeding and more pain symptoms as I expected.

So I guess my questions is: do you think this is normal for somebody with endo? All the information I had said ‘you should only experience a bit of pain and a bit of bleeding’ but it’s been the complete opposite. Just trying to figure out if this experience is normal for endometriosis sufferers

[Lucy_90]

Hi Bumblebee,

Unfortunately I had the exact same experience with my endometriosis with a coil. It was the worst pain I have ever experienced and I wish I took it out sooner.

It seemed to trigger a host of new endo symptoms for me which my consultant found quite interesting.

I was on and off of codeine the whole time I had it in. I hope it settles down for you

[Bumblebee213 in reply to Lucy_90]

oof! Yeah I’ve been on codeine and it’s not helped dull the pain at all, that’s how severe it’s been. How long did you end up leaving it in? It’s only been two weeks for me so far and it’s starting to settle… pretty worried about future bleeding though

[Crochet90]

Hi Bumblebee and Lucy.

I've been advised to get the coil fitted as the pill is not doing anything for my bleeding or pain. I need to think things over but I wondered how painful was the insertion and how long does it take.

The thought send me a bit queasy

X

[Bumblebee213 in reply to Crochet90]

For me, the insertion itself was fine. My doctor used local anaesthetic so I didn’t actually feel anything sharp or go in, I just got a really uncomfortable cramping sensation, like when you’re on your period. I know that some doctors don’t use or ask their patients if they want anaesthetic though so definitely ask if they don’t immediately tell you they’re going to use it. The pain started the following evening after having it fitted and that was like a really intense version of my usual endo symptoms

[Bumblebee213 in reply to Crochet90]

And also the insertion itself only takes 5 seconds! They whole process took less than 10 minutes. The doctor put the speculum in and then the anaesthetic. And once that was done she popped it in and that was it.

For me, my pain has been so bad whilst on the pill that it was worth the risk of the pain with the coil to see if it is any better. My current plan is to wait 6-8 weeks to see if things get better and if they don’t then I’ll get it taken out. It just depends if you are willing to take the risk or not because it might be better and it might be worse!

[Crochet90 in reply to Bumblebee213]

Thank you for replyingI have to weigh up all the options, but it's nice to speak with people that have gone through it.

I hope things settle down for you soon with the coil

[KlP28]

Hi. I had the mirena coil fitted during surgery in Nov 2020. They told me it could take upto 6 months for the bleeding to stop. I spotted for a long time, but after about 9 months, the bleeding has completely stopped, but unfortunately, doesn’t do anything for the pain. I wouldn’t say my pains for worse, but stayed the same. Maybe it’s worth getting checked out if you continue to be in so much pain? The coil might not be for you?

All the best. Take care x

[635703]

I’m sad to hear of your journey as nobody needs to be in pain like you are.

I have 16 years experience with Mirena’s and I am a fan, well my body is!! I think talk it over with your GP. But decide if you want to ask if this is normal, or ask for it removing, ask for pain meds, all decide before you go.

Personally I have have different experiences with them, the bleeding and pain I have experienced but it settled down and for me was like a very bad Endo period where it takes your breath away. This does not mean you have to endure it because you know your own body, right?!

Heat pad for 20 mins at a time only, pain meds, tens machine, magnesium baths or cream on your belly, meditation, nutrition (including eating brownies lol) can all help!

Sorry it’s not a definitive advice post! Hope you come through this quickly lovely x

[43runs]

Hi

I had a coil and hated it - had it removed after 5 weeks. Horrible pain, discomfort, worse periods, weight gain etc. I was recently offered the mirena coil again and they were surprised when I refused immediately. My sister also didn't get on with a coil - they just aren't right for some people. I went on to progesterone only mini pill and that was much better.

[Ouch91]

Sorry to hear you're in so much pain. I had the coil fitted post laparoscopy in August 2021 and was in bad daily pain for over six months. I have only just been able to start exercising properly again without being in loads of pain in the last couple of months, so over a year on.

The pain does get better and I haven't had any periods whilst on Mirena which must be positive for the endometriosis growth, however they think I'm now developing PCOS and I have had a couple of ruptured cysts since it was put in.

I think it's good to try the Mirena and see if it works for you, but also completely understandable if you need it taking out. I don't think I'll ever get another one after this due to the pain it caused but I'm trying to keep it on for as long as possible now as the pain has settled back down.

I have also gained a stone and a half!!! Obviously down to me comfort eating while I felt so awful and not exercising, which is really unusual behaviour for me as I'm normally quite strict with food. The Mirena makes me feel like every day is the couple of days before your period where you feel like aggressively eating everything in sight and have no energy.

Good luck and listen to your body - if it needs to come out, get it out. Hope the pain eases soon ❤️