Type 1: contraception (mirena vs. copper coil)

[Okulu]

Good morning,

Sorry, mostly one for the ladies... I'm struggling to decide what to do about contraception. I'm very sensitive to hormonal fluctuations during the monthly cycle (I noticeably require more insulin in the 10 days or so before my period, and often feel quite 'down' during this time beyond just the fact that my BGs are a little higher) and so am concerned about getting the Mirena coil (the one with progesterone), although I do realise it should only act locally.

I currently have the copper coil (because I was concerned about the Mirena) but for one reason and another, I'm not completely happy with it, and so am considering changing.. So, my questions are this to anyone who has the Mirena coil (or knows someone with T1D that does):

1. Do you notice any changes in BGs at all (good or bad) (does it stop/reduce the insulin resistance before your period, or does it make it worse if this is/was a problem for you)?

2. Did you get more acne?

3. Have you had any other problems with it - getting pregnant, it slipping, perforating your uterus etc etc?

Would be super grateful for any thoughts on this.
Thanks so much in advance...

 

[Juicyj]

Hello @Okulu I can only speak from experience of using the mirena coil and unfortunately my experience wasn't great, I felt very low whilst using this, it also felt uncomfortable, I tried for a year but in the end had it removed and felt much better afterwards. My personal experience in using bolus/basal system was the same so requiring an increased bolus for around a week prior to my period and a few days into it. I am now using the pump and my 'insulin resistance' has decreased alot, with some months not even requiring an additional bolus as I am purely using novorapid in the pump, so think there could of been some resistance due to my basal insulin. Unfortunately I still find that my moods are affected with hormonal changes so can get fairly weepy, very sore etc. Whatever decision you take read up on other's experiences, some have found great success with the mirena, but I don't know how many of these were type 1.

 

[Okulu]

Hello @Okulu I can only speak from experience of using the mirena coil and unfortunately my experience wasn't great, I felt very low whilst using this, it also felt uncomfortable, I tried for a year but in the end had it removed and felt much better afterwards. My personal experience in using bolus/basal system was the same so requiring an increased bolus for around a week prior to my period and a few days into it. I am now using the pump and my 'insulin resistance' has decreased alot, with some months not even requiring an additional bolus as I am purely using novorapid in the pump, so think there could of been some resistance due to my basal insulin. Unfortunately I still find that my moods are affected with hormonal changes so can get fairly weepy, very sore etc. Whatever decision you take read up on other's experiences, some have found great success with the mirena, but I don't know how many of these were type 1.

Thanks so much for your reply - it's really helpful to know. I also use a pump and have noticed the exact same as you - some months needing to adjust prior to my period, and others not (I do wonder if this is related to me just not ovulating some months...). Interesting.... And yes, I too get weepy etc prior to my period, and this is what also concerns me about the Mirena... Thanks for your help anyway, it's most appreciated.

On a separate note, not sure where you're at with contraception now, but if your periods aren't too heavy and/or painful, the copper coil is a good choice (I've had no mood or BG changes on it, but my periods are just so heavy - 10 or so days - that it's becoming unmanageable).

Would be interested to know about others' experiences with the Mirena if anyone is willing to share....

 

[Brunneria]

I have had a Mirena (2 actually) for the last 10+ years. Love it.

Prior to that I had the older copper coil, and had increased bleeding (3+ weeks of heavy blood clots)
When I switched to the Mirena, it was like someone had waved a magic wand. Shorter, lighter periods (virtually non-events). No PMT or water retention.
I'm hoping this second one lasts until I am through menopause, but don't think it will. In which case, I will request another one and get quite insistant, if they object.

I think that there are a couple of factors that play a huge part in whether a coil is successful or not - and they aren't necessarily to do with the brand of coil.
- what your menstruation is like beforehand (I was pretty desperate and the Mirena promised lighter periods! yay!)
- how expert the insertion is. I have had 3 coils inserted. One by a Sadist, one by bumbling newbie, and one by an expert. The experiences were totally different for each one. If the coil is not positioned correctly, then it WILL be uncomfortable, and it MAY migrate, but that won't be the coil's fault. It will be because of positioning, or your body deciding to react to it.

 

[Okulu]

I have had a Mirena (2 actually) for the last 10+ years. Love it.

Prior to that I had the older copper coil, and had increased bleeding (3+ weeks of heavy blood clots)
When I switched to the Mirena, it was like someone had waved a magic wand. Shorter, lighter periods (virtually non-events). No PMT or water retention.
I'm hoping this second one lasts until I am through menopause, but don't think it will. In which case, I will request another one and get quite insistant, if they object.

I think that there are a couple of factors that play a huge part in whether a coil is successful or not - and they aren't necessarily to do with the brand of coil.
- what your menstruation is like beforehand (I was pretty desperate and the Mirena promised lighter periods! yay!)
- how expert the insertion is. I have had 3 coils inserted. One by a Sadist, one by bumbling newbie, and one by an expert. The experiences were totally different for each one. If the coil is not positioned correctly, then it WILL be uncomfortable, and it MAY migrate, but that won't be the coil's fault. It will be because of positioning, or your body deciding to react to it.

Thanks so so much for your reply...really appreciate it, and so glad to hear that it's worked out for you!