Laparoscopy without hormones first

[JLT79]

hi, I finally saw a gynaecologist on the nhs, as I’ve had cramps in my uterus for about 18 months now. An ultrasound showed nothing. My only symptom is pain- no heavy bleeding, conceived my children easily etc.

the gynaecologist said she will only perform a lap if I either take the progesterone pill or have a mirena coil for 3 months. I don’t want to put hormones into my body- I have had such bad experiences with them before and am adamant that I don’t want to put myself through that.

Has anyone had any success getting second opinions or having a lap without having to use hormones?

many advice would be greatly received.

[Misswah]

When I first saw a gynaecologist about my symptoms the first thing they said was that they wouldn't operate and would just treat the symptoms with hormones and pain relief. This went on for years, and when I eventually saw a specialist who finally acknowledged it could be endometriosis he still advised GnRH agonists before offering a laparoscopy. However, I've always got on reasonably well with hormonal treatment so I never got to the point where I had to refuse/argue with doctors about this. At the end of the day, they can only advise you on what to do. But equally, if you decline their treatment options, they can decline certain procedures as it is against their medical advice. But if you feel strongly against hormonal treatment due to side effects, try explaining to them why - they can't force you to do anything against your wishes.

[JLT79 in reply to Misswah]

thank you. Yes I explained to her why I didn’t want hormones, but she basically said I had no other option, and said if they performed a laparoscopy that they would fit me with the mirena coil anyway.

I don’t want of that. So I’m now going to try a naturopath route. Thank you for your help

[erinette]

I had the opposite experience - the option of hormonal treatment wasn't even mentioned to me until I was gowned up and ready to go in for my laparoscopy! I was told a coil would be fitted but refused it as it was sprung on me and I hadn't had the opportunity to think about it. At the time, I wished I had been given the chance to try hormonal treatment before surgery but I went ahead with the op and was pleased with the results. However, just over a year my symptoms have returned. The advice seems to vary so much and I feel like I'm trying to make the best decisions for myself without much information.