Contraceptive whilst on Decapeptyl - do I really need one?

[Endo1973]

Has anyone else been in this situation and what were you advised about contraception?

I’ve been on Decapeptyl injections for 8 years and these have successfully managed by endometriosis. I have no pain or other symptoms whatsoever now. I get bone scans every 3 years to check my bone density and I’ve always been normal, so all good. Last year I started a new relationship (first one in 8 years, since my husband passed away), and I’ve had a lot of problems trying to have sexual intercourse due to vaginal dryness caused by the chemical menopause state that Decapeptyl puts me into, however I’m now using estrogen cream, vaginal moisturisers and lube and I now feel that this issue is getting better. What I’m still struggling with is contraception. I always thought that cos decapeptyl put me into chemical menopause that I couldn’t get pregnant whilst taking it, but my GP has said I shouldn’t rely on it as a contraceptive as it’s not licensed as a contraceptive, she checked out my options with my hospital consultant and I was given two options:

1.Come off decapeptyl and take the mini pill

2. Stay on decapeptyl and get a non- hormonal copper coil

I’m scared to come off the Decapeptyl in case my endometriosis symptoms and pain return. And I’m scared about getting a coil fitted as I’ve never had children and I got a Mirena coil fitted years ago and it was a very painful and traumatic experience.

I only have one ovary left as the other was removed in 2011 due to re-occurring endometriosis cysts. I’m on Decapeptyl which puts me into chemical menopause. I’m 49 years old and when I was diagnosed I was told that my endometriosis was so severe that I’d most likely need help to get pregnant if I wanted to.

[Pureunicorn]

Hi Endo1973, first great news about ur new relationship 🥰 I can only say about my experience, I've been on decapeptyl injections monthly for 2years and I've never used contraception, I have stage 4 endo and I'm waiting for a total hysterectomy. Good luck with whatever you decide xx

[Moonglo]

Hallo! I’ve been on Zoladex for 8 years and never needed contraceptive - I haven’t had a single period and scans have shown that the walls of my womb are extremely thin. I also have just one ovary, removed because of a burst endometrioma. I also get the classic signs of menopause (mainly hot flushes) just before and straight after each injection. So if I got pregnant , it would be a miracle!

It sounds like your current treatment is working for you, do you really want to introduce an unknown, and potentially disruptive element into your life? I know exactly how you feel about the coil! You’re also 49, so the chances of getting pregnant (with or without your injections) are low. If you’re really worried about getting pregnant then maybe your partner can use a condom? Xx

[vjhm]

i have always been told that having endometriosis, i could not get the copper coil?

i am currently getting the 3 monthly decapeptly injections and taking body identical HRT.

i am not coping well with the progesterone and my doc has now suggested i continue with the injections and also get the marina coil fitted.

this would mean i could stop taking the progesterone and only use the estrogen patches?

i am 34Yo and have been in medical menopause for a year now waiting for a hystorectomy.

i was also told to use contraception while in medical menopause but my husband has had the snip.