Having the Mirena coil fitted

Hiya lovelies!

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I finally bit the bullet and had the Mirena coil fitted 2 weeks ago. I've had horrible periods all my life, but they've been really heavy and painful since my second ectopic pregnancy in 2011. I currently take Mefenamic Acid and Tranexamic Acid to make my periods lighter and less painful, but it's still my least favourite 5-7 days of the month. Having the Mirena coil fitted results in 60% of women stopping their periods altogether, and most have lighter and less painful periods. The Mirena coil prevents pregnancy because it releases a hormone called Levonorgestrel which causes cervical mucus to thicken, making it harder for sperm to penetrate the cervix. It also causes the lining of the womb to thin, making it less likely for an egg to implant itself. A thinner lining of the womb means there's less to shed when it comes to your monthly period.

Before I had the coil fitted

About a month before I had the coil fitted I had sexual health checks done as you need to be free of chlamydia before you have a coil fitted. Apparently introducing chlamydia into the womb is a really bad idea as it can cause further problems like PID. All my checks came back clear (phew!) so I was good to go.

On the day

On the day my doctor asked me questions about my last period and did a pregnancy test just to make absolutely sure I wasn't with child before she fitted the coil. She went through all the possible scary outcomes with me (such as perforation of the uterus, ouch!) and along with the pregnancy test, this part probably took up 20 minutes of the 30 minute appointment. The doctor who fitted my coil was professional to a fault and really put me at ease. You can read all about the benefits and risks of the coil here on the NHS website.

Assume the position

I had to lie on my back on the medical bed with my feet flat together and my legs dropped apart. A lubriated speculum was put in for easy access to the area and my cervix was measured, numbing gel was put on it and it was clamped. Then the coil is passed through into the womb, where it'll stay for the next 5 years until I have it replaced.

Does it hurt?

Yes and no. The only bit that really stung for me was when my cervix was clamped. The doctor showed me the clamp afterwards and it had scalloped 'teeth' so it's no wonder that part of the procedure was painful, but it only lasted a few seconds. I didn't feel the fitting of the coil at all. She told me it was in and that I was a star.

Immediately afterwards

There was some bleeding immediately afterwards, which looked worse than it was as it was mixed in with the lube from the speculum. I'd already put a panty liner in my knickers ready for this eventuality.

That night

I had some bad cramping that evening, but taking a couple of paracetamol soon eased it to a bearable level. The pain was nowhere near as bad as period pain and it was light enough that I could use panty liners rather than sanitary pads.

Day 2

Day two was the worst for me because as well as the bleeding and cramping I had trapped wind as well. I was really quite uncomfortable, so if you work, I'd suggest taking the next day off if you can. I found I was windy (flatulent) for a few days after the fitting, but it soon passed.

Day 3

The third day was the last day of cramping for me so I think I got off quite luckily.

Days 4-14

Although the cramping is over, I'm still experiencing blood spotting. It isn't even enough that I need a pad any more, there's just the slightest pinky-red tinge when I wipe after going for a wee.


Altogether my experience of having the coil fitted was great and I wish I'd had it done years ago. I was put off by some real horror stories of the pain of having it fitted but I shouldn't have listened. I may experience some headaches and acne in the first few months as my body gets used to the Mirena, and my periods may even get heavier initially, but within 3 months I should see my periods get lighter or even disappear altogether. I'll be 49 when this coil needs a replacement, and my doctor says they'll put another one in and by the time that finishes at 54 my menopause should be over and done with - the hormone released in the Mirena can also be used as hormone replacement therapy. That's a lovely thought as I'm dreading the menopause!

The coil doesn't protect frm STIs so you still have to use condoms - unless you're getting regular sexual health checks with your regular partner and know you're both 'clean'.

Have you had the Mirena coil fitted? What was your experience like if so? Do you have any questions?

Thanks for reading. Leah xoxo