Today I finally had a consultation with a gynaecologist about possible endo (which he confirmed was probably what’s happening). He said my only option is the coil, which isn’t something I’m very comfortable getting done. Are there other options to the coil?
Thanks so much!
I was told I could do the coil, or the arm implant. My doctor said she wasn’t keen on the mini pill as it causes most to bleed all of the time. Wishing you the best.
Depends on why they want to give you the coil.If it's to try and manage symptoms then any hormonal birth control may or may not help. Not everyone gets on with the same hormones, strength etc. And not everyones symptoms are helped by these options.
Thanks. Honestly, he didn’t really explain why the coil was necessary, just it’s the only option for me. I don’t really want birth control (especially the coil) but I also don’t want to be in pain. Do you know what non hormonal options there are?
Non hormonal options would bePain management, so tens machines, pain killers etc
Surgery
Some try a low fodmap diet to try and help
You may find Nancy Nook on Facebook helpful as it is an Endo group run by a nurse with a background in dealing with Endometriosis herself and they have an extensive 'library' of information which includes links to a lot of information.
In respect of alternatives to the coil, your health care provider saying there are no alternatives immediately raises red flags for me. If they are suggesting the coil for to treat the symptoms of endometriosis only there are alternative ways of taking progesterone. There is a Depo needle or even taking progesterone daily, in the form of a tablet. I was dead set against the coil myself for various reasons and yet I was really pushed to take it. I stood my ground (and thankfully have a supportive GP who I was able to talk to and be reassured by IRO my decision). Ive tried daily progesterone instead, which I am glad of as I've had the choice to stop at any time due to the effects of the medication on me. I've also been able to try more than one form of oral progesterone as well to see if it made a difference. However, the coil would have required waiting for an available appointment to have it removed. Many people have issues with having a coil inserted for various personal reasons and your healthcare provider should respect your wishes. I am not saying some people don't find it is a good choice for them, but if you are not comfortable with the option you shouldn't be pushed into accepting it and you should be presented with alternative care options.
Are you aware that a coil is not the only treatment option for Endometriosis? The current best option is excision, which is cutting out the growths (vs Ablations which is just removing he surface, sort of like cutting a weed at ground level and leaving the root behind). Not removing the growths can lead to them continuing to grow and it can lead to further issues down the road for many such as damage to your reproductive parts, your bowel, and/or your bladder, for example. You may not have these issues occur, but personally I think it is better to understand as much as you can to make the best decisions for you.
It can be difficult to find doctors who are practicing the most up to date treatment options, without realising what you should be looking for/asking ahead of time, but there is a list available through the above FB group and many of the group members also post updates and/or details of their own experiences. The excision list is separated by area and covers many countries world wide. If you are in the UK it does include both private and NHS options, but may require you to travel as the majority seem to be located in/around London and Manchester. While a BSGE center for Endometriosis is supposed to mean the consultant specialises in Endo they do not always practice the most up to date treatment options (which is something that is not made clear) and some still try to suggest outdated treatment options that have been proven to not help in most situations (example: Ablation, a hysterectomy to specifically treat all endometriosis (it is very rare, specific cases in which it could be helpful), suggesting pregnancy, etc).
I hope you find the information you are looking for and that it helps you to make the best decision for you.
Get a second opinion. It is not the only option. The most effective treatment To manage the disease is excision surgery depending on where & how severe it is.I was given a coil to help treat symptoms of endo and it did not suit me at all. After 7 months my body rejected it & I had to have it removed. I physically can’t have it replaced as it doesn’t sit properly in me so they prescribed rigevidon & I feel *so* much better. I had surgery last year & I think that’s what’s helped the most.
I think it was this website for contraception that was mentioned on bbc radio 4 women’s hour this week x contraceptionchoices.org/
The coil for Endometriosis?
Pros and cons for the Mirena Coil please
Mirena Coil - unbelievable pain?! 
Laparoscopy + or - mirena coil!? 
Endometriosis, HRT and Mirena coil.
