Can Mirena work if desogestrel doesn’t?

[CalmTree]

Hi, I’m new to this group and hoping for any advice please.

I’ve been diagnosed with Adenomyosis (by ultrasound) but not Endometriosis as they say I won’t have a diagnosis without laparoscopy. I’ve been on Desogestrel for over two years which has definitely helped with the pain but the bleeding is still terrible. I’ve currently been bleeding heavily for almost 3 weeks (after only having had a one week break) and been taking tranzamic acid on and off. I’ve been offered laparoscopy but GP and consultant keen for me to try the Mirena coil. I initially chose the pill over this as I had a big repair job for a tear with my first child and didn’t like the thought of it! As I’ve had 3 kids in the last 10 years with no fertility issues I don’t think I’m taken very seriously. My mum also had 3 kids and still ended up having an ovary and Fallopian tube removed due to endometriosis when she had her laparoscopy in her 40’s.

My question is this- is it possible that the Mirena could work for me given that I’ve already been taking desogestrel this long and I’m getting worse bleeding? The doctor is suggesting I carry on taking desogestrel once I’ve had the Mirena fitted and given it a chance to settle down, which I’m led to believe could be 6 months. Or…should I just get the laparoscopy done, am I putting off the inevitable?! If anyone been in similar position your advice greatly received. Thanks

[EndoViking]

Hi, I went to my doctor back in 2017 with very heavy and painful periods, I told them there is a history of endo in my family but they didn't really take notice, I was sent for an ultrasound which found fibroids and they put it down to that, the only option they offered me was the mirena coil. I wish I had stuck with my gut feeling and never had it and insisted on a referral to a consultant, as that's were it progressed to in the end. It did help with the bleeding, it didn't stop completely and I could still have heavy days with clots but not to the point in was making me anemic anymore.Unfortunately it didn't help with the pain and after further faffing about with GP diagnosing IBS and then Kidney stones, I got to see a consultant. But just one further thing to note is I had a laparoscopy and it didn't show Endo. I changed to a different consultant who did an MRI and they found I had rectovaginal endo. It's been such a long process and if you believe you will end up needing surgery anyway it might be best to skip the mirena. I tried to tell my GP about my mirena issues and I was fobbed off with "it can take 18 months to settle down"! I know for lots of women it works but unfortunately my experience wasn't a positive one. There is a facebook group : Mirena IUD The good and bad support group, take a look on there for womens experiences. Wishing you lots of luck and a quick resolution on your journey xx

P.s. if you have any questions for me please ask away, happy to answer

[CalmTree in reply to EndoViking]

Thank you, I will check out that fb page. The more I read the more I’m thinking I need a laparoscopy so I know what I’m dealing with here. I’ve not been offered an MRI so maybe this is something I should be requesting. I’m just a little sceptical that Mirena could be the wonderful cure-all I’m being led to believe if the desogestrel I’ve already been taking for years hasn’t worked well for me.

[Jorgina]

On my experience Mirena helped to reduce the blood on a long term, I could notice the change after 1year but I had a intramural fibroid.

[CalmTree in reply to Jorgina]

Thank you

[Biggymiggy]

I am the same. I don't want a hole in my belly. and I don't want Mirena into my body. I take Desogestrel but I am bleeding-bleeding every day. Very boring and disgusting. We had a beautiful sex life. It disappeared because I don't want to make love in full blood. I don't know: is it depression: I don't want to get off my bed all day, I don't work, I don't do anything, I don't feel the life has any sense. My bf started to cheat on me. I think the other woman doesn't take Desogestrel.

[Avourneen]

I havent tried the coil but have just heard horror story after horror story from frineds who have. I am on deostrogel and kept bleeding heavily for ages , I told my gynae and he said take two tablets per day and increase the dose. Aftre two weeks the bleeding stopped completely. No period now for 3 years. Try asking your gynae if you can do this. It might help.