Microgynon help!

[Jaas1]

Hi Ladies, I was wondering if anyone could help me!

I am 23 years old and getting married in a couple of weeks (young yes I know, but I wouldn't have it any other way!). I was diagnosed with endometriosis and around 10 months ago I had a laparoscopy to get rid of it. Surgery was successful and it wasn't on my ovaries it was near that area and wasn't a lot but seemed as if it was since the pain was unbearable!

Last month I felt the pain come back on a few days before my period, so I booked in to see my gynecologist. I was told have a scan, but my options are only a few which are to either do nothing (obviously not), remove my ovaries (obviously not as I want to have children in 2-3 years) or take Microgynon. I am completely against this pill as I don't think taking a tablet every single day for 2-3 years is good for you, especially without taking a break in between. I was told not to worry and it simply balances the hormones out and freezes your inside so you don't have a period, but I still have my reservations as I don't want this to mess me up even more or most of all decrease my chances of having children.

Am I over exaggerating or am I speaking sense? I'm really confused and everyone keeps telling me to take it and I will be fine, but I just don't see how this won't have a long-term effect.

Please help thank you in advance! x

[Lauraaa]

Hiya,

The idea that taking the contraceptive pill decreases your chances of conceiving in later life are medically unfounded, I.e. There is no scientific proof.

I have two friends who live locally that have proved this, one stopped taking the pill which she had been on for 20 odd years (she was 39) to become pregnant in the first month. The other friend had twin boys in March (she is 38) which were conceived whilst she was on the pill!

I am 37 and have recently been diagnosed with Endo and am having a laparoscopic diathermy to remove the old adhesions and was also advised to take a mini pill to stop my periods (as you say, it freezes the Endo process by stopping your cycle) but due to my age my partner and I have agreed to start trying to conceive instead.

My advice would be to take the pill for a couple of years if you and your husband to be aren't ready for children yet, it won't ruin your chances, in fact it is more likely to preserve them.

Laura

[Jaas1 in reply to Lauraaa]

Hi Laura,

Thank you for your reply. I was just concerned because with endo your chances are already slim compared to a 'normal' person, but I suppose the majority are saying it's fine to take so I may just go with it! At least these comments are giving me more comfort than listening to a consultant so thank you.

[Lauraaa in reply to Jaas1]

You are very welcome, I know it's scary, I feel exactly the same. It's hard to know what to do for the best when you don't have a crystal ball. The alternative is to dive in head first and start trying to conceive, it might take you a couple of years to get pregnant anyway but you need to prepare yourselves for it happening straight away because that is just as likely because you are so young

[HMPD]

Hey! Firstly just wanted to say, don't feel like you have to justify getting married at a 'young age', it's your own decision

Also, I take Microgynon and it is not a pill that you take straight without a break. I've been on it for 4 years now and my packs are designed for 21 days and I take a 7 day break. You can choose to delay your period by a month or two at a time by taking the pill throughout but this shouldn't be done every month.

The point about the pill decreasing your chances is a myth. Dw, I have also had your same concern but after you stop taking the pill your fertility goes back to normal almost immediately. I think the pill is one of the best options available to us endo girls if it sits well with you. Have a try and see how you go?x

[Jaas1 in reply to HMPD]

Hey lol everyone just tells me I'm so young, I've heard it all before so I thought I would get in there first before anyone else haha.

My consultant told me to take it for 3 months then have a 7 day break and then continue it for another 3 months. I have taken my first pill today so I will see how it goes but a family member of mine is also going through the same thing and it turns out that our grandmother had similar problems, so perhaps all of this could be genetic? She told me she was prescribed a tablet called Yasmin which isn't frequently prescribed as it's too expensive, but it targets endometriosis specifically so I am definitely going to bring this up with my consultant next week! Thank you for your comment x

[Jaynow in reply to Jaas1]

I'm new to this forum but thought I would jump in - I was told the same information with Microgynon, I took it for 4 month intervals with a 7 day break for years until I switched to doing the same with Ovranette (which has the same contents).

It works really well for me to lessen pain and I believe the advice of the head of gynaecology at my hospital who suggested it - there are no shown risks to fertility, but as endometriosis does hurt fertility it's better to try and slow down the development. There can be other usually mild side effects but they're different for everyone so it's worth giving it a go x

[Empo]

Hi, I have recently been prescribed the same pill and have the same concerns but to be honest I will try anything to stop the pain. I noticed a significant difference in my severe period pain on my first period this month after taking the pill. I'm not putting it down to just this though as I have recently turned vegetarian and gone part time in work to try and reduce pain.

I hope it works for you.

You are welcome to keep in contact to compare what happens.

Good luck xxx