Mirena Coil Fitting
The Mirena coil can be used to protect the lining of your womb as part of HRT and can be in place for up to five years. The Mirena coil can be fitted in our clinic by one of our experienced GPs.
Please only book a Mirena Coil Fitting Appointment if requested to do so by one of our GPs during your consultation.
What to expect
What do I need to do before my Coil Fitting?
To prevent any risk of infection we would require proof of a clear STI test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea. This can be done at some GP surgeries, a local sexual health clinic or you can purchase discreet home testing kits online from a variety of pharmacies such as Boots, Lloyds or Superdrug. Please allow adequate time to receive your results before booking your coil fitting appointment.
Please note that your coil fitting cannot go ahead unless you can show evidence of a clear test result on the day.
How do I prepare on the day of my coil fitting?
- Please bring a urine sample with you for your appointment ( for pregnancy test ) even if you do not think there is any risk of pregnancy. It is our policy to do a pregnancy test before any coil fit.
- It is suggested that you take a mild painkiller such as Paracetamol an hour before the procedure, as some women experience discomfort, like period cramps, during coil insertions.
- It is recommended that you have your breakfast or lunch before the appointment as you would normally.
- We would suggest wearing loose, comfortable clothes that are easy to change in and out of.
- If possible, ask a friend or companion to accompany you to drive you home.
The Coil Fitting Process:
- The doctor will explain all the risks and benefits to the procedure, and you will be given the opportunity to ask any questions, before giving your signed consent to proceed with the fitting.
- The process of fitting a coil is similar to what happens with a smear test. A vaginal examination will be undertaken and then the coil fitted. You may feel some mild discomfort, but this varies from person to person and the doctor will their best to reassure you and make the procedure as comfortable as it can be.
- You will be given advice after fitting about what to expect and when to come back for a check-up. Please ensure you have no major commitments afterwards as you may need to take it easy and relax for the rest of the day.
After the fitting:
- You are likely to have some light bleeding or spotting for a couple of days.
- We would advise waiting for 24 hours before having sex to allow the coil to settle.
- Please continue using your current method of contraception until advised you can stop. This is usually at least 7 days after the coil is fitted.
- Avoid tampons for the first week after fitting.
- It is best to wait 48 hours before exercise or swimming, to let the coil settle. If you are still experiencing discomfort after this it is best to wait until that stops.
- Seek medical advice if you have severe or increasing pain, heavy bleeding, foul smelling discharge or you are concerned the coil may have come out.
Your Questions Answered
HELPING YOU WITH CHANGE.
Below are some of the questions we get asked most frequently. If there is any further information you require then please contact us directly.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which involves supplementing the body with oestrogen and sometimes progesterone and testosterone, has been associated with weight changes in some women however other studies show no significant difference in weight compared to women not using HRT. Many women report that they actually lose weight when they begin HRT treatment and find their hormones are more balanced. It’s important to note that individual responses to HRT can vary, and factors such as age, dosage, duration of use, and lifestyle habits may influence weight changes.
Body identical hormone replacement therapy (HRT) refers to hormone medications that contain hormones that are structurally identical to the hormones naturally produced by the human body. Body identical HRT is derived from the yam plant and includes oestrogen which is delivered through the skin in the form of gels, patches and sprays and micronized progesterone sold as Utrogestan in the UK. The term “body identical” is used to emphasize that the hormones used in these treatments are chemically indistinguishable from the hormones naturally produced by the body and are the type of HRT recommended by menopause specialists.
Transdermal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) involves delivering hormones into the body through the skin via patches, gels, creams or sprays. In transdermal HRT, hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone are absorbed directly through the skin and into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. Transdermal HRT offers an alternative to oral hormone medications and allows for more consistent hormone levels throughout the day. Many women at increased risk of stroke can safely take transdermal HRT because the oestrogen goes directly through the skin and into the bloodstream bypassing the liver.
The Mirena Coil, also known as the hormonal intrauterine device (IUD), is primarily used as a form of contraception. However, it can also be utilized as a component of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women who have a uterus.
When used in HRT, the Mirena Coil releases a small amount of the progestin hormone levonorgestrel directly into the uterus. This localized hormone delivery can help protect the uterine lining from the potential overgrowth associated with oestrogen-alone therapy.
By combining systemic oestrogen therapy (transdermal, or patch oestrogen) with the Mirena Coil, women can achieve the benefits of oestrogen on other menopausal symptoms while minimizing the risk of endometrial hyperplasia (abnormal thickening of the uterine lining).
It’s important to note that the use of the Mirena Coil as part of HRT should be discussed with a healthcare provider, as individual circumstances and medical history can influence its suitability and appropriateness as a treatment option.
At Menopause Health Matters we have our very own purpose built medical suite where Mirena Coils can be fitted by our experienced doctors.
The terms “body identical” and “bio-identical” are often used interchangeably, but they have very different meanings. Body identical HRT refers to hormone medications that contain hormones that are molecularly identical to the hormones naturally produced by the body. These hormones, such as oestrogen and progesterone, are synthesized in a lab but have the same chemical structure as endogenous hormones.
On the other hand, the term “bio-identical” is sometimes used more broadly to refer to compounded hormone preparations that are custom-made by a compounding pharmacy based on an individual’s specific hormone needs. These compounded bio-identical hormones are tailored to each person and can include a combination of hormones such as oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. At the moment bio-identical HRT is not regulated in the UK and is not approved by the NHS or menopausal societies.
Several pharmaceutical companies produce body identical hormone replacement therapy (HRT) products. Some well-known brands of body identical HRT include Evorel and Estradot transdermal oestradiol patches, Oestrogel, Sandrena Gel , Lenzetto Spray and Utrogestan for oral micronized progesterone. It’s important to consult with a healthcare menopause specialist to determine the most appropriate HRT brand and form of administration based on individual needs, medical history, and preferences.
The duration of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can vary for each individual. It depends on factors such as the purpose of HRT, individual health considerations, and individualized treatment plans. It is recommended to regularly reassess the need for continued treatment with a healthcare provider. For women using HRT for specific medical conditions, the duration may be longer, and the treatment plan should be discussed and monitored closely with a healthcare provider.
We can use hormonal blood tests a few months after starting HRT to determine if the dose and type of HRT is suitable for you. Sometimes you may need your dose adjusting from time to time to achieve symptom relief or you may find changing your type of HRT eg, from patches to gel, may help you to absorb better. Finding the right type and dose of HRT can take time and everyone’s body is different. Adding testosterone to your HRT regime can also help to alleviate many symptoms and again a blood test can help to determine when to consider this and what dose is right for you.
View And Book Our Services
Annual Payment Plans
We are delighted to offer a Payment Plan at Menopause Health Matters which will help to spread the cost of GP appointments and blood tests for our clients.
Menopause Employee Benefit
Menopausal women are, demographically, the fastest growing group of workers in the UK. We offer personalised care for your employees and our team highly skilled professionals dedicate the time to understand and treat their individual needs.
LIMITATIONS OF SERVICE
Our services and advice are provided for non-urgent circumstances only and it is not possible to contact any of our clinicians outwith appointment times. Any client or prospective client whose needs require more urgent or multidisciplinary support should contact their GP in the first instance.
In case of any medical or mental health emergency including risk of suicide, please call 999 or attend your nearest Accident and Emergency department. The following services may also be contacted:
NHS 24 – 111
This service is available to give help and advice if your GP surgery is closed and you cannot wait until it re-opens.
Samaritans – 116 123; jo@samaritans.org
This service provides twenty-four hour emotional support to individuals who are suicidal or in crisis.