Combined pill before laparoscopy

[AnnaSW11]

Hello

Once again, I'm struggling to find an answer to what should be a straightforward question re endometriosis! Three weeks ago my consultant told me I have an endometrioma that needs removing via laparoscopic surgery. I had a very painful period right after so a few days ago (not knowing when my surgery date would be) I decided to go back onto the combined contraceptive pill to try to stop my next period (as the ovarian cyst gets bigger with each period and the period itself is obviously pretty painful). It seemed like a logical thing to do. I now have my surgery in less than 2 weeks. It suddenly occurred to me to check if going back on the pill would be an issue - to be honest I never thought it would be, but having read a lot of material online a lot of sources (including NICE guidelines but not sure how old these are) are saying you should stop the pill 4 weeks before surgery. I am now clueless as to whether I should continue or stop. I've only taken about 3 so if it's an issue being on the pill, I'm assuming there shouldn't be an issue. However, if it's not, I'd rather keep going. Can anyone help?

[Zuzu7]

Hey darling,

I've been going back and forward to the gynae for years now and as far as what I have been told even if you do have endo the contraceptive pill is in fact an advantage as it helps to slow down the growth of it, as with the cyst. Therefore, I dont think it is a major issue if you do continue with the pills? I had a lap not too long ago, but with things like vitamins, nutrients and more obvious things like aspirin as it may have an effect on the flow of your blood.

The disadvantages of stopping the combined pill (which I'm assuming is something similar to microgynon) is that is can mess up your hormones drastically and you may actually get spotting, pain or irregular bleeding durimg the next couple weeks. However, with all that being said did you attend a pre-operative assessment yet? As the nurse can advise you on the best option or even give you leaflets etc, but with all that being said if you could ring up the reception or the surgical unit just to be on the safe side and just ask them that would be the best option as opinions on this subject could vary xx

[AnnaSW11 in reply to Zuzu7]

My last consultation with my surgeon was three weeks ago and as my surgery is in less than 2 weeks (it's at a private hospital via my work health insurance) so there is no pre-op. I don't get the feeling that they really give you as much info when you go private and it's really hard for me to get hold of either my consultant or his secretary. It's not like in the NHS where you can call up and ask a specialist nurse. I'm on Loestrin and I only restarted it 3 days ago since I had no idea when surgery would be and thought it was a good idea to stop my period.

[Zuzu7 in reply to AnnaSW11]

The only risk is obviously continuing and then knowing that you should have stopped taking them ☹. Perhaps try to get in touch with a health centre or call in somewhere for the best possible medical advice as this may result in delay for your procedure xx

[AnnaSW11 in reply to Zuzu7]

That's the whole point I'm raiding though - there's no confirmed advice I shouldn't be taking it.

[Vervegirl92 in reply to Zuzu7]

The specialist that just did my surgery told me to carry on the pill as normal but if you're worried ring your hospital and they'll advise you 🙂

[tinkerbell971]

I continued taking my combined pill which I had done for 6-7 years before during and after my operation x

[AnnaSW11 in reply to tinkerbell971]

Thanks for your response. I'm going to keep taking it as every source I've found online that says you shouldn't seems to be referring to major surgery and I don't think laparoscopy comes under that.

[JenBrown1983]

Don't stop the pill. Keep taking it mrs. I took it morning op op too. It really helps me through the month and stops the terrible ovulation pains i get too. I had a large endometrial cyst removed and alot of cleaning up inside too.

Good luck!x

[AnnaSW11 in reply to JenBrown1983]

Thanks Jen - appreciate your advice and Thanks also for the well wishes

[AnnaSW11]

Just for the record, and to inform others who might be struggling with my initial question, I got in touch with my surgeon and he said that it was fine to me on the combined pill before a laparoscopy.

[Ari3l]

Hey, I too have my surgery in two weeks, well less than that actually! I had my pre op and the nurse told me to continue taking my pill and all medications I’m on, I hope that brings you reassurance. It really sucks that you didn’t get a pre op and if you have any questions about if you can ask me anything

[AnnaSW11 in reply to Ari3l]

Thanks for your comment - good to know. The reason I didn't get a pre-op is because I only had my last consultation recently and at that consultation I decided to wait a few months to reassess the situation. Following that, however, my symptoms went downhill and quick so I did a U-turn and requested surgery. It might have been different if I'd been with the NHS I guess.