Thread: Contraceptive implant

Another vote for the mirena coil here (even though I know you don't like it!). I can't take the combined pill due to high blood pressure but I can have this or the mini pill.

No periods, just the normal symptoms and no worries - apparently it's about as effective as sterilisation (amazing!)

I was a bit put off by the implant as I'm petrified of needles, so went for the coil.

I've had an implant for 2.5 years now and agree with everyone else i haven't regretted it! I've had no problems, had a couple of periods that have lasted over a week but then nothing for months and months between. I had first consultation & was made to take the pill for a month then they fitted it in a 10 minute appointment a month later. You can feel it under skin but definitely isn't uncomfortable. When mine is ready for taking out in oct I'll be having another fitted at the same time.

I had it done few years back, regretted it and glad it is out. It made me starving all the time but at the time I wasen't on a diet so if I was I porbably could of just bulked up on free food. But also hated any hormone treatment as nothing works and makes me really hormone. I am fine with my period I know what is what each month and for sex I just use a johnny

I am on my second implant so have had one for four years. I love it, my periods have stopped altogther. If you have ever been on the mini pill, as it is the same hormones, you react in the same way to both. I had to make an appointment as it needs a nurse and a doctor to have one put in. They give you a small injection of local anisthetic, and you can't feel it when they put it in or check it out. My arm felt a little tender for a day or so. My other friends also like it.

I think the main think that convinced me was not having to remember to take something and also if you have a bad reaction they can take it straight out, however with injection, once its in its there for 12 weeks.


Good luck with making your decision xxx

I also love the implant. Ive had it fitted for a year now and no problems at all. I didnt find it uncomfortable getting it put in and i had the tiniest bruise after. My first period came about 6 weeks after having it fitted and lasted about 6 weeks, but it was more slight staining and just annoying more than anything. Since 2nd July last year ive only had a slight period once and only for a few days. My 15 yr old daughter has just had it fitted a few weeks ago, she got a larger bruise , but wasnt bothered. She was on the patch before that and i have peace of mind for the next 3 years. I wont be hesitating to put my youngest on this when the time comes.

Ok as a gynaecologist I can say that at 43 your 2 best options are the implant or the mirena coil - both are very effective contraceptives and easily fitted/removed by a trained person- most GP's won't be able to fit the implant your best bet would be a family planning/sexual health clinic who would be able to fit either for you.
On a personal note I have had the mirena for 4 yrs now since I had my wee boy and its been great for me. I'm sure the experience your friend has had will undoubtedly affect you and it does happen that coil threads get retracted up into the womb but not often does it require surgery to remove most are retrievable in a specialist clinic.
I see your location is stated as Renfrewshire and would suggest the sandyford clinic on sauchiehall st is probably the best place or one of their outlying clinics - go speak to someone who can give you all the info to make the right choice for you.

xx Phaeona

Originally Posted by phaeona

Ok as a gynaecologist I can say that at 43 your 2 best options are the implant or the mirena coil - both are very effective contraceptives and easily fitted/removed by a trained person- most GP's won't be able to fit the implant your best bet would be a family planning/sexual health clinic who would be able to fit either for you.
On a personal note I have had the mirena for 4 yrs now since I had my wee boy and its been great for me. I'm sure the experience your friend has had will undoubtedly affect you and it does happen that coil threads get retracted up into the womb but not often does it require surgery to remove most are retrievable in a specialist clinic.
I see your location is stated as Renfrewshire and would suggest the sandyford clinic on sauchiehall st is probably the best place or one of their outlying clinics - go speak to someone who can give you all the info to make the right choice for you.

xx Phaeona

Thanks very much for that. I have an appointment with my GP on Monday so Ill see what she says, Im hoping that as there are 7 docs and 2 nurses at the practise one of them can fit them, but if not I just - thanks to Google - found out Sandyford has a clinic in Paisley and on a Friday morning they have appts for implants So if my doc cant do it I think Ill phone them for an appt this week

Good luck Starlight ... And may I say... Lucky you needing it!

chuckle, shirleen..i was thinking the same

Lol yes it's a nice 'problem' to have

After all the discussions I ended up going for the mini pill x

Originally Posted by Starlight

Lol yes it's a nice 'problem' to have

After all the discussions I ended up going for the mini pill x

Hopefully you'll remember to take it x

Going to set the alarm on my Blackberry. Just need to work out what times best. I work shifts which makes it harder lol

Im due to get my second implant in the next month, im a little scared i might gain weight with it :-/ but i feel its best thing out there tho... Four years of no worries u cant complain! My third year my bleeding was awful. I couldnt move but the doc gave me a pill to stop it, wow it was anamzi g pill. But like in first reply, my friend has it and she didnt bleed at all, and shes getting her second one today! Good luck with it and i hope its a good experience for u x getting it in is fine, takes 5mins n thts u! X

I had no problems with my first implant, I loved it, easy to get fitted, then no more faffing with pills and periods.
Then I had it removed and another put in, the procedure wasn't as easy as the first time but still alright. But my second implant just didn't settle, it was itchy all the time and my arm was tingly, I think it was positioned too close to the skin and also too close to a nerve as I had pains in my wrist.
Getting it out was a nightmare, despite it being a brilliant form of contraception my doctor doesn't fit/remove them so had to wait for appointment at family planning clinic.
Took them ages to remove it, blood everywhere and a nice fat scar to remind me
I would love to try it again but am too traumatised now!!xx

My daughter has had one fitted for about 6 months now. After having a terrible time with periods on the pill, she hardly ever has a bleed and had lost loads of weight which she did put on quickly after the pill. She is now a perfect size 10 again