Need to decide between endometrial ablation or Mirena coil - any experiences you could share?

[Evenstar]

I have had problem periods since 2003 on and off, it has got so bad with regard to heaviness that I have to take tranexemic acid monthly. I saw a gynaecologist yesterday and have been offered the choice of D and C and Mirena coil or D and C with endometrial ablation as I didn't want a hysterectomy. DH and I have a slight doubt about the permanance of EA although at almost 44 with youngest DC age 11 and other health problems I feel certain we don't want more children. Anyone had any experience with either option, thanks for your help in advance.

Sorry, should add that gynaeoclogist says D and C is a must with either option as I am over 40 with abnormal bleeding to rule out anything more sinister.

Hi Evenstar,
I don't have experience of either of your options myself, but I had a hysterectomy in January and found a great website. There is a lot of information on it about Mirena coils and EA, so you might find it helpful. The address is www.hysterectomy-association.org.uk if you want to take a look/post a question etc.
Good luck in your decision.

Thanks for that Blodwen, going to work now but I will take a look at that later.

No problem. You will need to look in the 'Alternatives to Hysterectomy' section. Should be quite a lot of info there, and lots of women happy to answer your questions

Hi, had a mirena for same reason as you a couple of years ago - easy to put in, worked brilliantly for the bleeding (it stopped completely), but personally I found the side-effect I had (awful mood swings) very distressing. Decided against ablation because my family wasn't completed, but may reconsider in a couple of years. Good luck!

I had heard that the Mirena could cause this side effect. Has anyone who has had ablation had the side effect of worse PMT? My gynaecologist said he felt this was not so but I have suffered from PMT quite badly since I started my periods and I don't want anything to make it worse.

I had a Mirena for two years, my PMT was horrendous, I put on 3 stone too.

My GP whipped it out one afternoon and I never looked back, BUT the periods came back with avengeance. Flooding after 30 mins all day, every day, for days.

I had a Microwave EA last June and haven't looked back. NO periods, no PMT, life is brilliant.

My gynae won't do unnecessary hysterectomies, but will do EA.

Go for it, I was 49 when I had it done.

If you have ever had PND or hormonally linked depression, if you react poorly to progesten and you have completed your family, I'd go for ablation.

My sister had it and never looked back.

I was like you with awful periods lasting 3/4weeks with only a week inbetween( great irony after years of infertility!!)I was offered your choices or hysterectomy and went for the Mirena, as the least invasive for a start. After a dodgy start, I have NO periods now and it is wonderful!!! My Gynae reckoned by the time it wears out I will be menopausal so we hsall have to see. I think people react differently and you just have to try what feels right for you. Good luck..

Thanks ladies, expat did your sister have many problems to begin with after the ablation such as bleeding etc? The leaflet I was given seems to imply that you could have some bleeding/discharge afterwards for some weeks. Sorry if this is too personal for you to answer. I have indeed had severe PND after my second pregnancy, so that would be a reason to avoid the Mirena I guess.

she had very light bleeding afterwards, for a few days.

since then, her experience has been terrific.

she was long completed her family, too.

Thank you, I don't know anyone who has had ablation, so it is really helpful to hear that.

The website was great too Blodwen with some really good information thanks for that

Evenstar, I didn't have any bleeding afterwards, just a light watery discharge for about 3-4 weeks. I only needed a panty liner, nothing more.

I had a GA, no pain after, back to normal the next day, just the usual tiredness after having a minor op.

I haven't had a period or spotting or anything for over a year. I had the op done last June.

Thank you Alibubbles that is really reassuring at the moment I am veering towards the ablation because of the possible problems for me with a Mirena coil. Most people on here seem to be glad that they had it done.