Two minipills x day to stop bleeding? Avoid laparoscopy?

[Juditd21]

Hey there! I am in the process of being diagnosed endo. I have been taking Desorex (mini pill) to stop my period and my pelvic pain (which I was having 24/7 the lasts months). I stated on December, and for my surprise, it has been a nightmare. I have had my period 6 times in less than 2 months. He said the minipills aren't working and he suggested to take two x day. I can't take the combined because I have other health issues. Has anyone taken two x day? I'm a bit scared about how is that going to affect my body.

My gynaecologist put my in the waiting list to do a laparoscopy, but he wants to avoid me for doing it because "if it is not you are going to be very upset for have had surgery". It's the only doctor who said its unlikely to be edo, my GP disagrees, she really thinks it is.

I honestly don't know what to do. I've been alone in this process (I'm from Spain and I haven't been able to go since dec'19). I felt so so scared and lonely, and this kind of comments from the doctors aren't very helpful. Should go ahead with the laporoscopy or should I avoid it?

I'd appreciate your advice!

Thanks in advance

[Hidden]

Hi Judith,Yes, I believe it is possible to take two Mini pills a day.

On the Endometriosis UK site, there is guidance about managing it during the covid season (year?), and I think it mentions that two mini pills can be taken (I searched for that myself, too).

Link: endometriosis-uk.org/covid-...

Having a laparoscopy is a very personal choice, but I completely understand your question about whether or not to go ahead. Well, endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women, so it's pretty common. If you have symptoms of endometriosis (see endometriosis UK website), the definitive way to get a diagnosis is a laparoscopy.

If the gynaecologist is pre-disposed not to do a laparoscopy, I would wonder if perhaps you would prefer to check with a gynaecologist with a specialism in endometriosis. The laparoscopy needs to be done by a person who is trained in knowing what to look for and where. Laparoscopies are not equal (I say this after my first lap which was done as an emergency, checking for appendicitis - which I didn't have. They didn't give me a proper diagnosis with the stage of endometriosis, because that wasn't their job. Their job was to check that I wasn't going to expire that day - which they did 😊).

The gynaecologists I've spoken to have used fact-based language and told me about the potential benefits and risks of laparoscopy. They did not try to talk about what might "upset" me.

I decided to have a diagnostic laparoscopy because I was hurting and needed information to help me make a plan to manage the endometriosis. I have come to understand that it can be progressive (can potentially become worse). I also understand that surgery can be used to remove endometriosis (by excision). I also understand that hormonal treatment may slow the progression, but this is only for the time the hormonal treatment is used.

So, I wish I could tell you if you should or shouldn't have the laparoscopy. All I can tell you is that I chose to do it, and it gave me information - the diagnosis of endometriosis and the stage. Because I have this info, I'm now awaiting an MRI scan before planning a surgery to do further work (remove more adhesions, etc). If I hadn't had this info from the lap, I wouldn't be on this specific path to try to manage it. It would all be guess-work.

I read your other posts because I was interested in your story. Something you might find interesting: my letter from the gynaecologist also says I have a bulky uterus. I looked it up, and that often means adenomyosis (endometrial-like tissue present in wall of uterus). Adenomyosis and endometriosis are often found together. For adenomyosis, the Mirena coil is often suggested for localised delivery of progestin. There's a very good set of informational videos on adenomyosis and endometriosis on the Endometriosis UK website. They are by a gynaecologist who explains them very well. 😊

With the information I had, and desire not to go to A&E again for endo pain, I've worked out with a gynaecologist to get the Mirena coil, and my GP to top-up with the mini pill to try to suppress periods and endo period pain. For me, it's been worthwhile to use hormonal treatment to reduce the endo pain while waiting for an MRI scan and potential surgery.

[Millabajack]

Hi , I can’t say about the laparoscopy as I’m still on the waiting list (14 months so far 😡 ) this is the right route for me as I have had ongoing problems for the last 17 years + , I want answers, not more pills. But in regards to taking 2 x mini pill a day I did that a some years ago with mircroyon (not sure on spelling) and it was a massive help, regulated my periods and made them lighter , I was a great success for 2 years .

Maybe you should go on the waiting list, but try the x2 pills in the mean time, and if your more comfortable nearer the time , then ask yourself whether you need the lap or can you put it off, I was told if I changed my mind that was fine.

Best of luck, stay strong

Natalie 😀

[Jennfer]

Hi there, I think if I were you I would ask for a second opinion from someone who specialises in endo. I’ve just had a laparoscopy 4 weeks ago, my gp directed me to someone who specialised in it, I didn’t actually think I had it, but turned out I did and it was extensive, and I had severe bowel endo too. I’m still in a lot of pain post op, but so glad I went ahead with it as I wouldn’t have known. It’s the gold standard for diagnosis. Don’t accept anything you’re not happy with. Good luck x

[astrocat]

I take two desogestrel (mini pills) each day, to try and reduce the bleeding, on the advice of my bsge consultant. I was having very frequent periods like you, now they are very long but less frequent. I was worried about side effects from doubling up, but the only real one I have had is lots more spots :(I am also on the waiting list for a lap, hoping these pills will get me through to then. They have definitely reduced my pain!