Contraception help!

[SeaSloth]

Hi all,
I'm keen to hear some thoughts / opinions on different types of contraception which may help me. I have a GP appointment next week but would like to hear some 'real life' experiences if anyone has found themselves in a similar situation.

For the last two years my periods have been so heavy to the point I can no longer wear tampons as I soak through in 15 mins even using super plus. I have to schedule my work around my cycle because I can't leave the house easily.

Added to that the last 6 months or so I've had horrific PMT type symptoms but for more than half of each month, turning me into a generally horrible and angry person which just isn't me!

At certain points in my cycle I'm also suffering from painful fissures down below which tear constantly, bleed and cause me so much pain I can't sit. I saw a gynaecologist about 18m ago - no signs of infection or anything. She gave me steroid cream but it no longer works.

I've had a copper coil since 19 and had it removed each time I wanted to conceive. I know copper coils are not good for heavy periods but wondered what options might be good for me to help solve all my woes! I've always avoided hormones but wonder if now I'm older I'll have to look at that route.

Thanks in advance

Mirena coil should help.
How old are you ?

I'm 34.
Would it help with all my issues at once do you think? I'm willing to try anything I'm at the end of my tether.
I've heard mirena can cause weight gain is that true?

I had it fitted for heavier, more frequent periods in peri. It had the good side effect of reducing my rages.
No I didn’t put weight on with it.

Thank you that's really helpful

Second the mirena coil. Stops or reduces periods in the vast majority of women and has few side effects. I don't do well with hormonal contraception but get on fine with this

Would u consider depo provera?

@bakewellbride can you tell me more? I need something I don't have to remember to take!

www.sexwise.org.uk/contraception/contraceptive-injections

I've recently started the depo provera. It's an injection you get every 3 months from a nurse at the GP surgery. I had my first one a few weeks ago and so far so good! I feel fine!

The GP texted me the date my next one is due and apparently it's safe if you get the next one 2 weeks either side of this date. However im very fussy and particular about stuff like this so will try to aim for the exact date!

@bakewellbride thank you for the information. I've had a quick look and I'm not sure it will be suitable for more - thyroid and early osteoarthritis so it looks like I fall under the risk category. Will discuss with the GP nevertheless

@SeaSloth ah maybe not then. Good luck!

@seasloth I'm in the same position as you. Soaking through thick maternity pads and the pain is awful. Are you anaemic at all? My levels are really low even with taking iron tablets.
I've got an ultrasound scan next week referred by GP but wait for gynaecologist in my area is over 58 weeks!
I'm not good with hormones and limited due to health issues. Some friends have said about the mirena coil as has the GP. I'm still a but nervous about it so keen to hear others stories.

@abbs1 seems we are in the same miserable boat! I'm not anaemic as far as I know.
I did wonder if maybe I was showing signs of low oestrogen as I seem to have so many symptoms - although I know I'm probably too young for the menopause!
I feel the GPs are v keen to push the mirena but maybe I'm just being stubborn

That's also a shockingly long wait!! I have medical cover through work so was lucky with mine as yes NHS wait was forever here too sadly.

Hi, in your situation I would push for a referral to a gynaecologist so you can have a proper investigation. Why are you so against the combined oral contraceptive pill, millions of women take it for years and it usually makes periods lighter. I also think that one reason the mirena coil is effective is because it releases some hormone, but I admit I am not an expert so I don’t know how much or which ones. If you went to see a gynaecologist they can ultrasound your womb etc and check if you have any fibroids etc and should be able to investigate your symptoms fully. Potentially you could try out the pill for a few months while you are waiting for the appointment, if you wanted to. Do not be fobbed off by something like a conversation with a nurse about different methods, go get a proper examination by a qualified doctor. Hopefully they can improve your symptoms and give you expert advice.

@JussathoB thank you. I don't know really just always been like that. I'm stubborn about taking medication.
Luckily I have BUPA through work and they always manage to get me a referral for anything within a week or so which is great.
Thanks for your advice

I would definitely get some blood tests done to check as I was going crazy and then when my bloods came back it explained a lot.
I don't just want to be fobbed off with the coil as I want to know what's causing mine to be so bad.
I can't have combined pill due to previous BP issues (pre eclampsia) as well as possible PE that put me hospital for a week on medication to dissolve it. Thankfully all tests did come back clear but they said I can't be on certain contraception anymore. I get awful migraines and the mini pill gave me the worst IBS and made my migraines even worse so I haven't got a lot of options.

I'm glad you've got private health care. Once I've had scan will see what comes back and if I need to urgently see a gynaecologist hopefully the Dr can push me up the wait list. I can't do this another year+😥