Mirena coil or pill - experiences/opinions?

[Fidgettt]

Hi all,

New to the group - quick(ish) summary of my situation:

Came off contraceptive pill (Rigevidon) in November last year, having been on it for around 8 years, and in January began experiencing constant pelvic pain, much like menstrual cramps but on a daily, unrelenting basis. Painkillers had limited effect, couldn’t sleep through the night etc. Had an ultrasound through a private clinic; very small cyst on left ovary (1.8mm) but nothing else found at all - “very healthy” lining, apparently.

Back on Rigevidon for the past four weeks with not much improvement so far, plus additional nausea and fatigue. I’m normally a very active person (weightlifting, gymnastics, CrossFit etc.) so needless to say this has all been taking its toll mentally.

All the signs/symptoms seem to point to endometriosis, although I’ve yet to be diagnosed (and likely won’t be for some time yet, judging from the numerous tales I’ve read).

Presuming this is endo, what are people’s thoughts on the way forward - stick with the pill for a few months and see if things settle? How long can it take for the pill to really make a difference?

Or, might it be best to opt for the Mirena coil? The coil sounds like one of the better options, albeit uncomfortable initially.

I’m also not sure if the nausea is also partly down to the constant stream of painkillers I’m relying on to get through the days. If anyone has any nuggets of wisdom on this, I’d be interested to hear them.

F*ck I’m tired.

[goldenretriever14]

Hey there,

I am also undiagnosed but have suspected. I'm sorry to hear you're not having a great time :(. Your situation seems very similar to mine. I was on the pill (rigevidon) when I started to get in a lot of pain and had the worst acid reflux so I came off that one and tried cerelle (mini pill) I was on that for a bit 6 months and was so unwell on the week of my period - sick, pain, headaches the lot. I had some scans and nothing showed so doctors suspect endometriosis and reckoned that the mirena coil was my best bet before going for the surgery. I've now been on it for 6 months and have seen little improvement. I still get horrendous pain as well as bleeding every 2 weeks if not more. However it has helped me not feel so unwell when I bleed which is a positive (it's more like on and off contraction type cramps and ache). I'm now being referred and going for the op. My doctor recommended taking both the pill as well as my coil but I didn't fancy that.

Long story short, I think do whatever you feel is right and best for you and your body. I was willing to give anything a go and have overall found the mirena coil fine. I think if things aren't improving after sticking at something for 6 months then definitely try something else because it's really crap when you're waiting for so long for something to work and it still doesn't.

I hope that kinda helps/makes you feel a bit better. Sending love

💜