Contraceptive Implant v Mirena Coil

[Eve]

I posted this the other day (http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Body-and-Soul
/Health-and-Fitness/Question1182507.html)
and have since seen a doctor, though not the one I was meant to see due to a mix up (two patients with the same name!).

So I still have to talk to the family planning GP but looks like I get a choice between the Implant and Mirena Coil. Injection is out (which was my preferred choice) and most of the pills out (Yasmin was my other choice) due to migraines and other issues.

I know people react differently but I'm just looking for views from ladies who have had either of the above as still trying to make a decision.

[ummmm]

I've had the normal coil - didn't like it.

Had the implant for over 3 years with no side effects and no periods.

[albaqwerty]

I had the Mirena a couple of years ago.
After the initial cramping (all explained) it's been wonderful. Not a period since.
The doc said it might also help with any menopause symptoms.

[rockyracoon]

I had the Mirena coil a few years ago, upside, no periods at all, downside, hormone in it didn't agree with me (that's why I can't take the pill), made me anxious and aggressive, also loss of libido, lasted about 9 months then had it removed. A couple of friends have them and are happy. Never had the implant.

[Eve]

Thanks all. No periods sounds bliss! I had the injection years ago but they said they don't like giving it to ladies over 30 as it can thin your bones - randomly enough that's how it came out they had the wrong patient, she said it wouldn't be an issue with me. I pointed out I'm 34 on Saturday and she said I'm only 24, said I really wasn't and it dawned on her she was seeing the wrong person!

I'm not sure I like the idea of the coil, not sure why but just don't like the idea somehow, odd as I'm not a squeamish person. I have to say I didn't realise it had hormones in it, didn't realise there was a newer one.

I did get a bit grossed out by reading the printouts they gave me going on about the mucus plug though...urgh...

I'm leaning towards the implant though wondering if I'm being silly about the coil and it could be just as good an option.

[ruthandsam]

I have had both and didn't get on with the implant at all. Made me very aggressive and it took the Dr an hour to get it out as it had migrated to another part of my arm. Had the Mirena coil and again apart from cramping at the beginning I'm getting on really well with it. Light periods only and as long as you take the Drs advice at the beginning, eg no sex for a while then should be ok. Tried the non Mirena coil and hated it with a passion due to very heavy periods. All the best to you and I hope you get on ok with whatever you decide!

[Traci66]

I have had the mirena coil for seven years now, had it fitted because of very heavy periods, I had cramping the first couple of days, not as bad as the period pains I was getting, since then I have been fine, no periods, nothing. Two of my daughters have had the implant and it didn't agree with either of the, mood swings, weight gain, headaches to name a few things.