Female contraception implant / the coil

[Kez_9]

Do any ladies out there have any opinions on the hormone implant (NOT NORPLANT as this has been discontinued) that is currently available? I definitely don't want to go on the pill as I had weight gain problems in the past, but am now considering the implant instead. If anyone has tried the implant AND / OR the coil in the past, I would be interested to hear from you as the coil is also a consideration.

[asciwhite]

Hi Kez_9, I had the merena coil fitted and it has caused me absolute mayhem ever since. weight gain approximately 1+ 1/2 stone and spots like you wouldn't believe and I'm too old for spots! plus I look pregnant for two weeks of each month. The consideration for us,is that he gets done instead!!!!!!

[joko]

i would suggest going through as many different brands and types of pill as you can - i did this and each one had a different side effect for me - weepiness, weight gain (mercilon), aggression (microgynon) etc etc, and i finally found one that make me actually lose weight! (dianette) but everyone is different and may have differing effects, but it could be worth a try

[Elle2pay]

I also had the marina coil fitted 8 months ago. Have 2 children, don't want any more. It's the first time I've ever used hormone related contraception and I am shocked at a weight gain of nearly a stone. I've never had a problem with weight. It feels as if my body thinks it's pregnant - I've put on that kind of pregnancy weight, you know - round the bottom and thighs. Good news is my periods have almost stopped, but I'm still planning to have the coil removed in 2 weeks time. Will probably go back to using a diaphram. Good luck in your decision!

[Sparkles3]

I've had a Mirena coil for some 14 months since the birth of my 2nd child. Has virtually stopped my periods which is an upside - supposed to be really helpful for people with heavy periods. No significant probs, but found a thread on Discovery Health website by chance that people were complaining about a variety of side effects - nausea, lower abdominal/back ache, headaches, spots, weight gain, loss of sex drive, PMT, spotting after sex - I can say that I have actually experienced all of those symptoms to one degree or another, but never considered it might be related to the coil. Am I reading too much into it? - don't know, but like joko says, different solutions suit different people so worth considering and trying out different options.

[asciwhite]

Sparkles and Elle, i have to get this coil removed as I have so many symptoms, but it most certainly has not stopped my periods, just made everything 10 times worse. Kez... this is one not to try, stick with the pill as there are many to choose from as joko says

[flashpig]

My girlfriend and I have had the coil fail on us. I believed it was one of the most reliable contraceptives.

Just to let you know it can happen.

[veritymoon]

ive had an implant for 4 weeks ish so far so good

[Kez_9]

Thanks for all your answers - does anyone else have any further comments about the implant - good or bad?

[Yellingbird]

hi I had the marina coil for 5 years with no periods and no problems. I recently had another fitted but this one seems to be giving me terrible problems, I've had 2 pelvic infections, constant bad back that feels like labour pains, swollen stomache, pains down my legs, headaches and my first period in 5 years. I felt like I was dying. I think it all depends on how it is fitted and whether it is sitting in the right place. My advice is give it a go it could work for you.

[Tink79]

hi kez_9, well i had the coil fitted july last year and i would recommend it even with the few problems i had/having....i had bad cramping for the first 8 hrs after fitting!! beware of that!! the only other thing i can moan about is the state of my skin which was once lovely! my back is very spotty at the moment better than when it was my neck and face though..it might not even be related to be honest!! anyway, everyone is different arent they, i would say to try, it is effective, convenient and you arent aware of it. Tinkx

[veritymoon]

i have had the inplant for a good few months now and its fantastic (implanon), last time i anwsered you question i had only just had it put in so was still not sure whats happening but its the best thing i decided to do

[Kez_9]

veritymoon - thank you for your feedback.

Just to let you know, in the end I decided to have the Implanon implant ; as I have not had children, the coil was not recommended.
I have had it in over 3 months now and no problems - best thing I ever did! Periods have completely stopped and I have had no negative side-effects.
Only thing is, I have carried on reading about other women with the implant and some say the side effects can change after 6 months onwards i.e. periods return and become irregular, headaches etc but I'm not sure how much of this is down to the implant alone so I will just have to wait and see!

[debbiep]

I had the Merena coil fitted in April 06.......and removed in July 06, I had one of the rare side effects that was listed in the leaflet......Hair Loss, its now September and its still falling out!! Went back to my GP yesterday, she said she had done some reasearch on the web, and it turns out its not that rare!!! but said all reports said it would settle within 3 months......fingers crossed she right.

[Shi.Me]

Hi....possibly a bit late in finding this thread, but I have had a Merena for 4 years (I am now 45) and have had no problems as far as I am aware.
No weight gain to speak of (I work out a lot anyway) and hardly a period to speak of.
I would recommend it myself.

[Maza]

Hi debbiep, I had the merena coil fitted in August and had it removed last week because of horrible symptoms : spots, bleeding constantly, but worse one Hair Loss. I have or rather had very thick hair but its falling out in handful's everyday. I checked the internet and realise this is indeed a symptom that does happen even though my GP was unaware. I can only hope it stops falling out before I go bald.!!

[figmeister]

I have been on the mirena since last october. Had spot bleeding for about 3 months and have suffered ( so my husband says) with bouts of uncontrolled aggreesion. Also have felt more down that normal and have put on weight (about 4 pounds). Thinking of having it taken out.

[gingergooner]

My doctor has just recommended the merena coil be fitted.I have had 2 ectopic pregnancies 7 years and 5 years ago and have horrendous pmt and the period pain is that bad it makes me pass out.I have been told in the past just to live with the pain but I cant anymore.She said that it would be the best one but after reading the posts on here I am not sure now.I have tried the pill but that had wierd side effects.