Menstrual Cycle

[elizabeth.w]

With respect to the IUD - my neurologist and gynecologist were not in favor of it for me. Specifically, my neurologist said there are a lot of sympathetic nerves in the female cervix and that for someone with chronic neuropathic pelvic pain, simply crossing the cervical area to put the IUD in in or having something like the IUD put in that area that would stay there - could create additional or exacerbate existing sympathetically mediated pelvic pain syndromes.

This is something I am curious to get Dr Hibners input on.

Elizabeth

[kat]

I have terrible side affects from anything with hormones in it.
I also don't feel comfortable implanting any object into my lady parts.
Mostly I just fear the long-term affects of these treatments.

[Celeste]

The birth control pill gave me vaginal dryness, which exacerbated my vulvodynia. It did alleviate my cramps and other menstrual pain. I often felt that the pill de-estrogenized me, in a sense.

Perhaps the mini-pill is a better option for people like me? I'm not sure.

Lauren

Maybe so. There is a big difference in hormone level. There is also a pill called Micronor which has nothing but progesterone in it and might decrease bleeding as well. Definitely look into some options if you're still interested.

[Celeste]

With respect to the IUD - my neurologist and gynecologist were not in favor of it for me. Specifically, my neurologist said there are a lot of sympathetic nerves in the female cervix and that for someone with chronic neuropathic pelvic pain, simply crossing the cervical area to put the IUD in in or having something like the IUD put in that area that would stay there - could create additional or exacerbate existing sympathetically mediated pelvic pain syndromes.

This is something I am curious to get Dr Hibners input on.

Elizabeth

Maybe for some it would be worth having it placed, and getting it removed if it doesn't work out; I only had cramping during insertion and for a little while afterwards. Of course some may not want to risk it at all. I just wanted to report my excellent experience with it in case it's a good, non-surgical way to stop the monthly pain of the menstrual cycle. I had my doubts about an IUD but I really love its convenience.

I'm not sure if NorPlant is still on the market or if it suppresses bleeding; that would have the benefit of not being in the pelvis.

[A's Mommy]

Why can't there just be a male birth control pill? I'm sick of us having to deal with everything!!!

Right? Can I get an AMEN!?

[Celeste]

Why can't there just be a male birth control pill? I'm sick of us having to deal with everything!!!

Right? Can I get an AMEN!?

Well...the thinking was always that it's easier to control one egg per month than a bajillion sperm. But yeah, it does seem like just one more burden on women. Considering that 100% of the pregnancy and delivery burden is on us (and let's not even go there with the childcare )...it's probably just better for us to take the helm on this one.

[KMC]

I had to go on BC pills to try to control heavy bleeding. I had thickened endometrium with bleeding so heavy I had to get an iron transfusion in a chemo unit. They did a scope, D&C and endometrial ablation which was supposed to stop my bleeding, it slowed it but not enough. Since going on the BC pills my back pain is excruciating with cycling and I cycle every two weeks. The bleeding is sparse now but the bloating, back pain, sore boobs, severe cramping etc continues..this is why I think I am going to have to have the hysterectomy. I am petrified it will make the PN worse. I tried that IUD and it did good a brief while, then became partially dislodged, daily bleeding, removed it and had SEVERE bleeding as in clots bigger than my palm, flooding, unable to even leave the toilet bleeding. Had to go on hormonal therapy to stop that bleeding (waited six weeks first to see if it would subside but it didnt) I am glad yours is working for you, I know several women who swear by them! I hope if you ever have to get it out it doesnt do what mine did. I think I am just wierd though...lol...I have several congenital defects, just wasnt put together quite right. Katherine

[KMC]

oh also have fibroids and bilat ovarian cysts...

[Karyn]

Oh, you poor thing, Katherine! Difficult enough with a broken coccyx, PNE, recovering from surgery, etc ...
I also had a history of really, really bad periods with the clots the size of my fist, changing tampons & maxipads every hour on the hour, the cramps that took my breath away. My PN started with uterine fibroids and the bilateral ovarian cysts. My uterus was also severely retroverted, detaching and laying against my large intestine. Within a one weeks time, I went from having a completely flat belly to my body mimicking a 6 month pregnancy. The pain and pressure was devastating! To this day, I'm shocked my insides didn't come flying out at warp speed! I had the hysterectomy about 6 weeks later but the damage was already done. I can only guess that the fibroids and cysts aren't helping your comfort level, any. I also understand your reluctance to take any hormones or meds. I have the same sensativity issues as you do. I can't even take prescription hormones! Needless to say, with my uterus and ovaries gone, I went right into full blown (surgical) menopause. No fun. I take Chinese herbs for the menopause symptoms and they seem to be working better than any script I tried. I feel for you with the difficult decision you have to make about another surgery.
Love and hugs,
Karyn

[Celeste]

I had to go on BC pills to try to control heavy bleeding. I had thickened endometrium with bleeding so heavy I had to get an iron transfusion in a chemo unit. They did a scope, D&C and endometrial ablation which was supposed to stop my bleeding, it slowed it but not enough. Since going on the BC pills my back pain is excruciating with cycling and I cycle every two weeks. The bleeding is sparse now but the bloating, back pain, sore boobs, severe cramping etc continues..this is why I think I am going to have to have the hysterectomy. I am petrified it will make the PN worse. I tried that IUD and it did good a brief while, then became partially dislodged, daily bleeding, removed it and had SEVERE bleeding as in clots bigger than my palm, flooding, unable to even leave the toilet bleeding. Had to go on hormonal therapy to stop that bleeding (waited six weeks first to see if it would subside but it didnt) I am glad yours is working for you, I know several women who swear by them! I hope if you ever have to get it out it doesnt do what mine did. I think I am just wierd though...lol...I have several congenital defects, just wasnt put together quite right. Katherine

Yikes, you've been through a lot! In your shoes I probably would have the hysterectomy as well. You've tried absolutely everything there is to avoid it...you need to get your life back.

Hugs,
C.