Private Mirena Coil Fitting Essex

The Mirena coil was originally developed as a contraceptive, but it has since gained recognition for its additional benefits, particularly during perimenopause and menopause. This small, T-shaped device releases a low dose of the hormone levonorgestrel, and for some women it is  a game-changer for managing symptoms and improving quality of life during this transitional phase.

Perimenopause is the gradual transition to menopause, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. During this time, oestrogen and progesterone levels begin to fluctuate, leading to symptoms like hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, joint pain, irritability, and irregular periods. For some women, heavy or prolonged bleeding becomes a significant issue, often disrupting daily life.

If you already experience PMS (premenstrual syndrome), the hormonal changes of perimenopause can amplify your symptoms due to the dips and swings in progesterone levels. Low oestrogen during this phase compounds the problem, contributing to additional challenges such as joint pain, anxiety, and brain fog.

Menopause itself is defined as the absence of a menstrual cycle for 12 consecutive months. While this is a natural process, it can be a difficult transition, particularly for women dealing with heavy periods, irregular bleeding, or contraceptive needs. Although the chances of pregnancy are low during perimenopause and menopause, contraception is still advised.

The Mirena coil is a small, T-shaped plastic device coated with levonorgestrel, a type of progesterone. When inserted into the uterus, it releases a steady, low dose of this hormone directly into the womb lining. This localised delivery reduces the amount of hormone required and minimises the risk of systemic side effects, such as weight gain, mood changes, or breast tenderness, which are more common with some types of oral or systemic progesterone.

The device works by thinning the uterine lining, which can significantly reduce or even stop menstrual bleeding. This is especially beneficial for women experiencing heavy or irregular periods during perimenopause. In some cases, the Mirena coil can stop periods altogether, which many women find life changing.

A common myth is that you must have had a baby to have a Mirena coil fitted. This simply isn’t true. We regularly fit Mirena coils in women who have never been pregnant or have only delivered via caesarean section. That said, there are some cases where a coil may not be suitable, such as for women with an  abnormally shaped uterus.

Looking for Private Mirena Coil Fitting in Essex? Book and initial consultation today.

The Mirena coil isn’t just a contraceptive; it also plays an important role in hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Here’s how it supports women during perimenopause and menopause:

1. Progesterone for HRT:
   If you’re using oestrogen therapy as part of your HRT, the Mirena coil provides the progesterone needed to protect the uterine lining. Without progesterone, oestrogen can cause the lining to thicken, increasing the risk of endometrial hyperplasia or even endometrial cancer.
2. Menstrual Management:
   For women with heavy, prolonged, or irregular periods, the Mirena coil can dramatically reduce bleeding. In many cases, it stops bleeding altogether, offering relief from painful or disruptive periods.
3. An Advantage Over Copper Coils:
   If you’re using a non-hormonal copper coil for contraception, you may have noticed that it tends to make periods heavier and more painful—a common side effect of copper coils. For women approaching menopause, when periods can naturally become heavier and more irregular, this can be especially problematic. Swapping a copper coil for a Mirena coil can significantly improve symptoms. The Mirena not only lightens or even stops periods but also provides effective contraception and supports hormonal balance as you transition through menopause.
4. Customisable HRT Regimens:
   The Mirena coil is compatible with various forms of oestrogen delivery, including patches, pills, gels, and sprays. This flexibility allows me to tailor your HRT plan to meet your individual needs, ensuring you get the right balance of hormones. This is particularly important if you find that your HRT isn’t working the way it used to.
5. Management of PMS symptoms:
   Some women are hesitant to consider a coil because they worry that the progesterone in the Mirena coil might worsen their PMS (premenstrual syndrome) symptoms. In my experience, however, this is rarely the case. The real issue tends to be the fluctuation in progesterone levels around ovulation. The Mirena coil can help by suppressing ovulation for some women, and because it only has a local action on the womb, it can be helpful for women who have experienced sensitivity to progesterone medications.

When women are prescribed oral progesterone, they are often given micronised progesterone (e.g. Utrogestan). This is typically taken either cyclically—two weeks on and two weeks off, during which they experience a withdrawal bleed—or as a continuous daily dose. However, many women I see struggle with irregular bleeding while taking oral progesterone, which can become a real inconvenience. In some cases, the irregular bleeding leads to referrals to a gynaecologist for further investigations, such as an ultrasound or even a hysteroscopy (a procedure to examine the inside of the womb).

There are several ways to deliver the progesterone component of HRT, but the Mirena coil stands out for its convenience and versatility. Unlike oral progesterone or combined HRT patches, the Mirena coil provides long-term, low-maintenance support and offers effective contraception.

Having a coil fitted is a straightforward procedure, but it’s natural to feel nervous. Here’s what happens:

• Before the fitting, you’ll need to ensure you’re not pregnant. This means using contraception or abstaining from sex since the first day of your last period. Taking a painkiller, such as ibuprofen, beforehand can help minimise discomfort.
• During the procedure, you’ll lie on a couch with a drape covering you. A speculum (think smear test procedure) is inserted to visualise the cervix. Local anaesthetic is then applied to effectively numb the cervix.
• A measuring tool is used to determine the depth of your womb, ensuring the coil is placed correctly. The coil, housed in a small, straw-like applicator, is then inserted and gently pushed into place. Once in position, the applicator is removed, leaving soft threads extending from the cervix. These threads are trimmed to the appropriate length.
• After the fitting, you’ll be taught how to check the threads monthly. Most women find the procedure very tolerable, describing it as a little uncomfortable for a few moments.

Some women choose to rest for the remainder of the day, while others return to work or their normal routine. It’s normal to experience light cramping or spotting, which usually resolves quickly.

Looking for Private Mirena Coil Fitting in Essex? Book and initial consultation today.

Like any medical treatment, the Mirena coil comes with some potential side effects. However, these are rare and usually minor:

• Spotting or Discomfort: Some women experience spotting or light cramping in the first few months after insertion, but this typically settles down.
• Hormonal Side Effects: Mild side effects, such as breast tenderness or acne, may occur initially but are usually temporary.
• Device-Related Risks: There’s a very small risk of expulsion or perforation during insertion. If the threads can’t be felt, an ultrasound can confirm the coil’s position.

It’s also important to remember that while the Mirena coil provides excellent contraception (the risk of pregnancy if you have a Mirena coil is less than one a thousand), it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. If you have multiple or new partners, using condoms is still recommended.