Mirena information please.....

[Marlene]

I asked my doctor for the Mirena IUD when I went for bubs 6 week check. He said I had to go to a Gyneocolegist (spelling?) and gave me a referal. I cant get into the Gyneo for 2 months and it is going to cost me $140 just for the visit, they don't bulk bill and the IUD is not included (I have no idea how much they cost).

What I want to know is...is it necessary to go to gyno or can a GP do it, and also how much does the mirena cost?

I think my doctor said something about licensing or something when he said he didnt do it and gave me the referal but I cant remember. I thought maybe he just gets a kick back or something if he sends me to the gyno.

Any help appreciated.

[danniellabella]

A friend of mine got one and she had to have her legs in stirrups. They were electric ones and something happened and her legs were moved the wrong way and she's had problems ever since with her hips (this happened a few years ago). If you get it then watch for this and if anything feels uncomfortable let them know straight away.

If you have a health care card it should cost $5. I looked into it but decided to get an implanon instead which lasts 3 years instead of 5 and on healthcare card only cost $5 as well. My GP put it in but not all GPs are qualified to do it.

[three4me]

Hi,

The Mirena costs about $30 and you have to go to a gyno to have it put in although I think your GP can remove them.

It is uncomfortable to have it inserted but that doesn't last long. The gyno gave me a pap smear while he was at it.

I'm having problems with mine at the moment and am going back to maybe have it taken out.

Hope that helps.

Nicki

[MantaRay]

I had mine done by my gyno too. But I think some family planning clinics have staff who are qualified to insert them too. It is on the PBS, so the same cost as one pack of pills - whatever that is now, it's been a while LOL! If you haven't given birth vaginally already, it will be harder to insert so sometime is done under a general. I'd had two vaginal births and my ob/gyn did it in her rooms with no worries.

[MissWingBat]

Mantaray - Absolutely right - I just went to the Family Planning Clinic today. They do all the education, pap checks and insertion right there. Only if you have prior complications/worries they send you to get an ultrasound.
I think all up it will cost me only $30.

[shell_l_d]

I got script from GP, cost $30 for Mirena (PBS).
The Family Planning Clinic can insert them, 2 aptmts needed: councelling session ($0) then insertion ($30).
Also gynae's or day surgeries do it.
I had it done at a day surgery (no referral necessary, rang them on Tue, got in on Thu) where they do other types of birth control & it cost $215, only 1 visit, & would get $120 back from Medicare, but coz met safety net for this calendar year I got about $190 back.