contraceptives after lap

[Charlie0112]

I had a laparoscopy around eight weeks ago. The surgeons removed stage 4 endo from various organs including the bowel and got rid of some large ovarian cysts as well. They said after the surgery that they ‘got it all’. They’ve recommended I have a coil or go on the pill after surgery to stop the endo growing back. It’s a definite no to a coil as I’ve heard way too many horror stories. I’m also not sure about taking the pill - I’ve never had any oral contraceptives before. Im already fairly prone to depression and mood swings and am nervous about taking it for that reason.

my endo was largely painless (apart from heavy period) and I didn’t know it was there until I went to the dr to investigate my heavy periods. The cysts were however causing some complications (which I’d attributed to other things). I don’t therefore really need the pill for pain relief; it would just be to try and stop the endo reappearing. I’m also 40, so my thinking is that the endo is unlikely to have time to grow to the same stage again as I’ll likely Be menopausal before that happens.

I guess my question is - has anyone not taken the pill after surgery and did your endo come back if so?

[siob96]

Hey Charlie, I’m in the same boat as you! I’ve got my first lap in a couple of weeks to remove a large endometrioma and any endo they see, and I’m not really keen on taking any form of birth control either.

From what I’ve read, there is conflicting evidence as to whether the pill/coil slows down the regrowth of endo or simply suppresses the symptoms so there’s no easy answer. However, I have read that birth control can shrink endometriomas, so if you are prone to cysts it may be more beneficial?

I’m still undecided myself (agree with you though, definitely not the coil). I think I’m going to try the mini pill and see how my body responds. I guess the main benefit of the pill is if you don’t like how it makes you feel you can just come off it, unlike the coil/implant.

Sorry I’ve not got any firsthand experience to offer yet, but hope this helps somewhat!

[Charlie0112 in reply to siob96]

Hi,

Thanks for your reply - it’s so helpful to know I’m not the only one in this position. Interesting about the cysts - I hadn’t realised that so it sounds like the pill could be helpful in that regard.

Hope your lap goes well xx

[Starry1977]

hi, everyone reacts differently so unfortunately it’s just about trying, my story is very similar to yours with regards symptoms. No severe pain luckily, I describe it as discomfort. Also stage 4, not everything removed as I didn’t know I had endo b4 lap, just a cyst and there were no bowel specialists there. I tried 2 types of mini pill after lap, didn’t stop my period, were more often, just a bit lighter. It also increased my anxiety. I came off them in June and only had 2 periods since! Neither were particularly bad, so I’m going to stay off and see how things go. I’m 46 pretty sure peri as I get night sweats/ memory issues and hot flashes.

[Purplebex]

Hi I am in the same position, 10 months ago I had excision with bowel resection. My gynae said as I’m 41 the chances of it coming back to that extent were low as it had taken all those years to get so extensive. She still recommended the mini pill though for afterwards which I’ve yet to start.

I have been unable to find any definite source that it reduces recurrence and am only reading that it helps symptoms. If anyone has their own experiences on this I’d also be grateful. As a side note until 6 years before my lap I’d been on the pill since 16 including femodene, depo injection and cerazette x

[megiiva]

Hi, I'm do glad they found it an you get it all out. Wishing you all the best. I had the same but was really painful didn't want mirena or contraceptives so had copper coil futted as had the same for the last 30 years on and off. I'm in.my my late perimenopause and 44. Hopefully, will get it over soon, too, as I still have horrible symptoms from the endometriosis . The copper coil works for me.Maybe it is an option for you, too. XxMegi

[Charlie0112 in reply to megiiva]

Thanks megiiva. It’s the fitting / removal with coils that really concerns me - I’ve had two friends both pass out due to the pain during fitting. Also not being able to easily get an appointment for it to be taken out if it bothers me. I think if if I do have anything it will be the mini pill. Need to give it some more thought though xx