The Mirena Coil is one of the best and safest contraceptive procedures, providing 99% efficiency in preventing unwanted pregnancies. It is a hormonal coil that also helps treat other gynaecological issues, such as, heavy bleeding, adenomyosis pain, premenstrual syndrome, etc.
If you are a beginner, read on this blog until the end to know about the essentials of Mirena coil fitting procedure. It will guide you on what to expect during the process, and help make a well-informed decision.
Mirena Coil: A Brief Overview
Before we delve into the Mirena coil fitting process, it is essential to learn what the coil is all about. As told earlier, the Mirena coil is a hormonal intrauterine device which releases a hormone for blocking sperm action. It releases levonorgestrel, a hormone similar to progesterone (which is responsible for thickening the cervical mucus and thinning the uterine lining).
Mirena coil is a T-shaped intrauterine device that is meant to be installed into the uterus through the cervix. It acts directly on the endometrium which is the inner lining of the uterus. Mirena IUD helps control endometrial development by making it thinner, so there is lighter menses every month. This makes the coil highly effective for treating heavy menstrual bleeding.
The greatest advantage of using the Mirena coil is that a single gynaecological session is enough for fitting it, with recovery time being minimal. Plus, the coil remains effective for a period as long as up to 5 years. And, the effects are reversible, too, upon removal. This means if you want to conceive, you can easily remove the coil, and obtain a normal pregnancy.
Benefits of Mirena Coil Fitting
Besides offering long-time support for contraception, the Minera coil is advantageous in several other ways. Here is a comprehensive list of advantages that it offers.
- Treats heavy menstrual periods
- Resolves PMS symptoms
- Supports reproductive health of females after menopause
- Prevents small fibroids from growing in the uterus
- Protects the endometrium during menopause
- Does not have much side-effects, like pain
- Reduces the need for undergoing surgical procedures, like hysterectomy
Mirena Coil Fitting Process in London: Steps Explained
The Mirena coil fitting process is relatively straightforward than other hormonal coils, taking around ten to fifteen minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide.
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Pre-Appointment Questionnaire
Before the consultation process, you will be asked a few questions pertaining to your reproductive health. A questionnaire is provided where you will need to fill all the details. This helps the concerned healthcare provider determine whether the coil is suitable for you and the best time for the fitting process.
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Consultation
In this, the doctor goes through your answers provided in the questionnaire. Accordingly, he will conduct discussions with you regarding potential health outcomes that you may face. Feel free to present doubts and other concerns that you may have in your mind during this session. The medical professional will also check your medical past, and consider pain relief options to ensure you optimal comfort.
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STI screening
Although it is optional, we recommend you to undergo this step. This is for preventing future reproductive complications, such as PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease). Some of the most common STIs that are included in the screening procedure are Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, HPV, etc. Take a painkiller before the STI check and keep your stomach full.
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Transvaginal Ultrasound Scan (If Opted)
This step is also optional. However, a transvaginal scan helps measure the size of the uterus and determine the best position for fitting the coil. Worry not – a local anaesthetic will be used before the procedure.
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Fitting of the Hormonal Coil
The fitting process generally takes about 5 minutes and constitutes the following:
- An internal examination, in which two fingers are placed into the vagina with a gentle press over the lower abdomen. The process may incur little pain, but resolves shortly.
- A speculum is inserted to obtain an internal view of the cervix. Before this, a local anaesthetic may be sprayed into the vagina and cervix. You may experience temperature changes and cramps, however, the signs typically vary from one person to other.
- Then, the cervix is stabilised, with a straw-sized tube being inserted into it. This measures the length of your uterus. The process, however, may cause period-like cramps.
- The Mirena coil is inserted through this tube and released into the womb. The threads are afterwards trimmed to an appropriate length (about 2 cm) after successfully positioning the device. The main purpose of the string is to maintain the coil’s normal position and help in easy removal (when needed).
- After the fitting process is completed, the doctor removes the speculum.
Post-fitting Care and Recovery
After the Mirena coil has been fitted, experiencing mild cramps and spotting is normal. The medical team will guide you on the necessary aftercare procedures so you can resume with your daily activities. Some common measures that can be helpful for you are as follows:
- Taking over-the-counter pain medicines. They help manage painful cramps
- Not using tampons and engaging in sexual intercourse for the first few days after coil insertion. This is to prevent infections.
- Maintaining daily hygiene of the private parts to keep microbial infections at bay.
- Taking healthy and nutritious foods to combat hormonal side effects, such as, sore breasts, headaches, fevers, mood aberrations, etc.
Conclusion
New to Mirena coil fitting? Worry not and contact the locally available private gynaecology clinics for professional guidance – this will ensure long-term reproductive wellbeing. Hurry up and book your slot without any delay!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How effective the Mirena coil is at preventing pregnancy?
It offers 99% efficiency in preventing unplanned pregnancies. However, you can remove it as and when needed.
Are there any side effects?
Irregular spotting and cramps are normal post-insertion of Mirena coil. However, these go away within a short time, provided you follow the aftercare routine properly.
Is Mirena Coil insertion painful?
There may be little pain during the procedure, however, local anaesthetic helps prevent that. It is recommended that you take a painkiller before starting with the process.
