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This will be the silliest question; but im clueless :redface:
Where do I start? Do I go to a gp and ask? Then do I see a gyno or what? I sound so daft but I'm thinking its the best contriseption for us (as dh wont get the snip) and my body goes 'eff you pill' in 6months (21day cycles suck!!) And I want something I dont need to think a whole lot about too.
So how do I get the ball rolling?
I was asking this same question to someone. I think I need a gp referral to a gyn to do it. Then I think you need to have an initial consult with the gyn and then a second appt to actually get it as it has to be at certain TOTM
Don't know if it's different over there, but here I just got it at my GP. I'm pretty sure I've heard of GPs doing them there too, though only certain GPs do them.
Your GP can put in.
You will need to see your GP, get a script for the IUD itself, get it from the chemist, not freak out over how big the box is and go back to the GP to have it put back in.
You'll be given a pregnancy test to make sure you aren't pregnant.
Some GP's can put them in if they have the training and others will refer you to an ob/gyn. The ob/gyn is more likely to give you a local when they do it which is nice because it can be kind of ouchy.
They like to do it straight after your period.
I had mine all done by my OB. You have to have a few tests beforehand. A swab too make sure you don't have an infection.
They will give you a script to get one from the chemist..a warning, it is in large packaging! Take a big bag when you collect from chemist.
I didn't have a local, it's like a long invasive pap smear when they insert it. I was in a big comfy chair with my legs in stirrups for insertion and had to sit for a good 10mins after as it can make you feel a little light headed after. The OB explained that this feeling is usally due to your cervix being poked a prodded for a bit. You wiill need to put a liner or pad on your nickers for after.
The IUD only cost around $30, the insertion and OB cost around $200 (some claimable from Medicare).
Like Onyx explained, usually best inserted after your period.
If you are lucky, you may not get a period for 5yrs with this, I get a very very light one.
Yeah I was just going to add that if you have had csection rather than vaginal births they actually recommend full sedation. I just had mine put in the other day and i was completely knocked out and had to go to a gyno clinic.
So far so good, i had a day or so of really light spotting, and no discomfort at all- just very sleepy for the arvo and night after i was under!
I have just made an appointment at my local family planning. Like the others have said the first appoinment is for questions, suitability and a smear.
If all is good from there then a 2nd appoinment is required for insertion.
I havent had the Mirena but I have had a normal IUD a few years ago and although a bit uncomfortable afterwards (like bad period cramps) I was good to go the next day.
I did have extremely heavy periods with the IUD thoguh so im hoping that the Mirena will knock that out.
My GP/OB inserted it, and it hurt far less than when the OB/GYN inserted the last one. The cost for the GP/OB to do it was $120 and we needed a smear/swabs before he would insert. Had some spotting for about 4 weeks and none since. He did use a local.
I had mine put in 3 weeks ago by my gp. Interesting I've had 2 c sect and I wasn't given anything! It was a little uncomfortable reminded me of embryo transfer procedure for ivf. I've just got af and it's a bit lighter but heaps longer? Hoping af will stay away after this???
Just updating ... had it removed yesterday ... nightmare few months ... mood swings, weight gain and didn't do a thing for my bleeding issues.
Hey girls do your research before going with mirena, different effects with different people and I know women who swear by it so not all bad...I have now had mine in 3 years, bleeding is very light and maybe once in 3 months but very irregular. 50% of the time I get stomach ache after sex which kinda sucks and the threads bugged my partner for a while but I think he's just got used to it now haha!! Biggest and most common complaint I have heard is SMELL! Sooooo many women have complained of developing a foul smell, With a huge range of severities in each woman, yet tests for infections are coming back clear, you only have to google mirena and there are hundreds of forums about this particular side effect. I have experienced this problem mildly but it is a real pain I can not wait to have mine removed and be free from this problem for a while next time I'm trying to conceive.... However for me the pro's and effortlessness of this contraception has outweighed the cons.
Thanks to everyone who has posted in this thread, it is so helpful for someone considering going down this path.