Treatment options

[Miracle77]

As per my 1st when I have my lap and removal of endo etc my gynae wants to insert a Mirena. I was initially keen on the idea but now having 2nd thoughts due to mixed reports so now seeking advice from fellow endo suffers on what works best. Would Mirena be a good option or would the pill or something else be better?

[JuCeb]

Hello. I'm just recovering from my second laparoscopy to remove large endometriomas from my left ovary, which unfortunately also had to go, and had a Mirena fitted during the op.

I have been on both the combined and mini pills in the past to help with my endo, but for other health reasons had to come off them. So a Mirena was another option to explore. I know that one of the main benefits is that it delivers a much lower dose of hormone than pills due to its localised position in the uterus, thus any side effects are greatly reduced. It also keeps the endometrial lining to a minimum which can result in no periods, what I am hoping for!

Other than being surprised at how little pain I'm in since having it implanted, I can't really comment on the other pros and cons as it's only been a week.

Hope this helps a little and remember that everyone is different thus will react to things differently, as I too had heard a few horror stories which put me off a bit, but so far so good x

[Hidden in reply to JuCeb]

Hi JuCeb I was just wondering how you are now getting on with the coil?

I am due to have one in in a month (not diagnosed with endo formally but the doctor wants to fit the coil to treat the symptoms of assumed endo)

General response seems to be "everyone is different" - just wondered if you can offer any words of advice?

[JuCeb in reply to Hidden]

Hi Shelley. It seems to be going ok at the moment. I'm not in any discomfort and haven't had my usual heavy painful periods, which is great!

The only annoying thing is the unpredictable spotting I keep getting - to wear a liner or not wear a liner?! - but then they say it can take 3-6 months for everything to settle down and take effect so I'm hoping this will calm down and eventually go away. Fingers crossed.

Hope this helps you a bit x

[Hidden in reply to JuCeb]

Thank you JuCeb - my mum had it for heavy periods and it did help but the one thing she said to me was that they didn't warn her about what would happen on removal - she got a massive bleed and collapsed at work - obviously everyone is different but just something to be aware of.

Hope it continues to help you xx

[Hidden]

Hi, my personal opinion.... Never ever have the Mirena coil fitted it is horrendous... I had my inserted on my first lap 15th oct and had it out a week later xx

[EVHannah]

I have now had the Mirena nearly two years and it was the only thing that really worked in keeping the endo at bay. I had always suffered from painful heavy periods anyway, and the mirena means bleeding and pain are minimal. It's only in the past week or so that I've had a couple of days of pain like 2 years ago, which is being investigated. I really would highly recommend the Mirena. It gave me my life back. Good luck!!

[jas_mum]

Hi,

A few years ago I spoke with my gp in regards to the marina coil and she strongly advised against it because of my endo history.

It was suggested that I tried the implant as I couldn't take the pills and have had it in for 2 and half years I trurly believe that it has helped with my endo I have had a surgery earlier this year but in all honestly I believe I would have needed one much sooner.

My advice would be to speak with your consultant or gp, look at each option and the pros and cons my consultant is happy with the fact I have the implant and said it is slowing down my endo.

Do your research and talk it through. Hope this helps, take it easy and have a great Christmas

Gillian x

[Tumper]

Coil was just awful fr me. Weight gain? Mood swings but the worst was migraines, I don't get headaches but did with coil. Lasted 7 months as kept saying to stick with it. Definately helped pain but wasn't worth it! Some people find great so it's worth a try!!

[Mabes]

I have had mine for 4 weeks now (first time). So far it's okay - jury's out. I'll give it 6 months. I am in pain and I'm bleeding daily (hard to tell what's recovery from laparoscopy and what's the mirena). I know that it can take months to settle so I'm prepared to give it a chance.

The thing is, I know I don't get on well with the pill (perhaps due to higher hormones in it?!), and I didn't want to try an injection (depo provera) as once you have that, there's no going back whereas at least with the mirena it can be removed... So perhaps if your consultant suggests it, it is worth a try.

A friend of mine, who also has endo, tried it and did not get on well with it at all, but she still agreed that I should at least try it and see as we all are different. From what I've read, if it does work then it's really good as you can pretty much forget about it and get some relief. Conversely those for whom it has not worked have usually had a really bad response and hate it.

[Hidden in reply to Mabes]

Hi Mabes how are you now getting on with the coil?

[Mabes in reply to Hidden]

Still somewhat similar to be honest Shelly. I seem to have a short cycle (coming on around every 3 weeks) and once the period starts, I keep bleeding for days! That's annoying as I have to wear liners and pads (I do use natural ones as I've developed a reaction to normal ones!).

Having said that, overall my period is not as heavy or as painful so that is a definite improvement. It is a lot better pain wise during ovulation and period - still painful but much more bearable, and when it is quite painful it is in shorter bursts. Whereas before it was constant between an 8 to a 10 on the pain scale for at least a few days.

Unfortunately my daily chronic pelvic pain is still there (I have no idea why) and I want to know if it's the fibroid I have (that I found out about as a result of the laparoscopy) or the endo or something else. So I'll have to address that with the consultant.

I definitely will give the Mirena a year now. It is not the perfect fix for me, but I think it's probably the best option (I like the fact I can forget about it for most of the time) of the bunch. Also I do feel better knowing it is at least some effort on my part to prevent the endo growing back or as aggressively.

I hope the helps a little.

[Hidden in reply to Mabes]

Very useful thank you - I'll keep you posted

[squif85]

I have the marina coil and I take the pill, tbh it feels like a bad period pain when you first have it, but us girlies are use to that pain aren't we

[Hidden]

Hi there, I tried it, but for me the pain was awful and always bleeding, but I do know women that swear by it. I had mine removed as I was told to take the pill with it and I didn't see the point and the pain had me walking like an old lady all the time. We are wll different though and they can always remove it. ;0)

Good luck with your decision.

Big hugs

Jen xx