GyneFix® Information
Why
How does it work
Advantages
Side-effects
For whom
Availability
Experiences
Helen
Helen is 23, unmarried, but in a steady relationship. She has a very busy lifestyle working in the media business.
Helen decided that she wanted to stop taking the pill and move to an alternative method of contraception.
"I'd been on the pill for a few years and felt it wasn't totally right for me. I smoked and was worried about the risk of thrombosis after the pill scare a couple of years ago and I also suffered from annoying side effects such as swollen breasts."
Helen went to her GP and asked about having a coil fitted. Her GP advised against it saying that it could leave her more open to infections. Helen then heard about the new GyneFix device through a friend.
"I was worried that GyneFix was so new here, but understood that it had been used in Belgium where it was developed, for over ten years" explained Helen.
Helen investigated where she could have GyneFix fitted and made an appointment with the doctor.
"I was told exactly how GyneFix worked and how it would be inserted, to ensure I was happy before I made a final decision. It sounded right for me so I decided to go ahead and give it a try."
"I did experience a short pain when it was inserted and a dull period-like pain for a day or so afterwards, but this soon disappeared."
"It's been just over a month since I had GyneFix fitted and although its early days I'm really pleased with it so far. I don't have to remember to take the pill and it can stay in place for up to 5 years."
"I have had some bleeding or spotting, but my doctor told me to expect this and that it will pass."
"I share a flat with two female friends and they've now had GyneFix fitted too - so we call ourselves the GyneFix girls!"
Julia
Julia is 21, single and currently a student. While still at University Julia has no immediate aspirations about settling down and starting a family, however having tried the pill several times, she found the process cumbersome and wanted a new contraceptive that would give her greater freedom. She also felt it wasn't healthy to continue taking the pill long-term.
"Being at University, I have no regular work routine and so I often find it difficult to remember to take it everyday. This does worry me because I don't want to become pregnant", explained Julia.
Julia heard about GyneFix from her doctor and found it interesting. After much thought, Julia decided to have GyneFix inserted which she described as being surprisingly easy.
"I have now been using GyneFix for two years and as a result my periods are less heavy than before. I also have less back pain during my periods", explained Julia.
"I've told my friends about GyneFix and would definitely recommend it - although I know that not all doctors are trained in fitting it yet. I hope that this soon changes so that more women can benefit from this hassle free contraceptive"
Claire
Claire, a photographer, is 28 and in a steady relationship. The couple failed to take adequate precautions and Claire became pregnant accidentally. The pregnancy was terminated and Claire was keen to prevent any further accidents.
"I was reluctant to take the pill because I didn't like the idea of taking hormones and from past experience I was dissatisfied with the side effects I experienced such as pain in both my legs and breasts", explained Claire.
It was Claire's doctor who first informed her about GyneFix. The fact that it could be inserted immediately after the termination was very appealing.
"I was happy with the idea of GyneFix because it is easy and provides continuous contraception for years without having to take hormones", explained Claire.
During its fitting Claire didn't experience any pain or discomfort since she'd had a local anaesthetic for the termination.
"Originally, I had a few problems with pain and bleeding which I attribute to the termination, but this passed and everything was fine - my periods returned to normal", said Claire.
"My partner occasionally feels the thread at the end of the device from time to time but it's not a big deal - it can always be cut shorter by the doctor."
"I had GyneFix fitted two years ago and feel pleased with it. I would certainly recommend it to my girlfriends."
Sarah
Sarah is 31, married with two children and has, as she explains it, "a complete family". As well as being a full time mother Sarah has a job in a local factory.
Having become pregnant with her first child whilst taking the pill, Sarah wanted to look at an alternative method of contraception.
"I didn't want to become sterilised as you never know what the future may hold for your family", explained Sarah.
After speaking to her sister, who was already using GyneFix and seemed very happy with it, Sarah was satisfied with the positive reports she had heard about the device.
She was concerned about some of the difficulties many people face with IUDs and was relieved to learn that GyneFix is secured and very unlikely to come loose.
"I was nervous about the insertion process and anticipated it being a little complicated, but I'm pleased to say it was in fact very quick and easy. My periods are as usual."
"I have now had GyneFix fitted for over 3 years and have experienced no complications - which, as most people know, is quite rare when relying on contraceptives!"