Hi all, first and foremost apologies for invading the community. I am not a mum and have no immediate plans to become one. But I read through some of the chats that come up when googling and find the community on here appear to be extremely helpful and non-judgemental. Long post incoming…
I (f30) have had period issues since I hit puberty. Heavy periods (menorrhagia), PMDD, and horrific cramps. As I come from a small town the local doctors have never really cared that much. I have tried the pill (combined and progesterone only), I then had 3 implants (nexplanon - first one worked wonders no periods at all for 3 years, the 2nd two did not work and were both removed before the 3 years). Unfortunately I am extremely emotionally sensitive to hormones and can have a huge detrimental impact on my mental health so I can’t risk having the injection.
I then went contraception free but ended up seriously anaemic on folate and iron.
Last year I then got the IUD (mirena coil) and insertion was pain free. But about 2 months after insertion I started experiencing cramps that radiated down my legs and made me pass out they were that intense, I also developed hormonal cystic acne. During this time I was having prolonged (3-4 long light periods) I was told to wait 6 months to let it settle so I did and endured the pain.
I pushed to have an ultrasound at my doctors to do further investigation. During the ultrasound they said my coil was sitting too low and also checked my ovaries. The doctor completing the ultrasound said I had too much bowel gas to really make a definitive conclusion on what my ovaries looked like. They advised removing the coil and reinserting another. All the while heavy painful periods continued.
A week later the doctor says that the scan says there’s no sign of PCOS or endometriosis
Then experienced horrific cramps one night and couldn’t find the strings. Doctor says it must have fallen out and wants to insert another. I push for a transvaginal scan to make sure. Get referred to the sexual health clinic 45 miles away. A transvaginal scan found that it is now completely up inside my uterus.
The doctors have essentially said I have expended all options and when discussing during insertion of my coil the doctor bluntly said “This would be your last option if consider getting a hysterectomy”.
I feel like I am completely lost and unsupported and looking for anyone who has had similar experiences or the best course to get help. I do not want a hysterectomy as I would love to be a mum one day but currently right now I am not in a place in life to have a child.
I can’t go back to the period I had, I was so unwell fatigued, can’t function for 7+ days and losing my hair. But I can’t keep with the pain of this coil and the additional impacts (cystic acne scarring now). I feel like I am of options and no one cares at all. Sorry for the long post!!
TLDR; f30 expended all options of contraception for managing heavy periods and looking for support and advice as hysterectomy not an option currently