What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) grows outside the uterus. This misplaced tissue can attach to organs such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel, and bladder. Just like the uterine lining, this tissue thickens, breaks down, and bleeds with each menstrual cycle. However, unlike the normal uterine lining, this blood and tissue have no way to exit the body, leading to inflammation, pain, and the formation of scar tissue (adhesions). Common symptoms of endometriosis include:
- Pelvic pain, often chronic
- Painful periods (dysmenorrhea)
- Pain during or after intercourse (dyspareunia)
- Heavy bleeding during periods (menorrhagia)
- Infertility
- Painful bowel movements or urination
- Fatigue
What is the Mirena Coil?
The Mirena coil, also known as the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS), is a small, T-shaped device inserted into the uterus by one of our specialists. It releases a small, steady dose of the progestogen hormone, levonorgestrel, directly into the uterus. While primarily used for contraception, the Mirena coil can also be an effective treatment for heavy periods and, importantly, for managing the symptoms of endometriosis.
How the Mirena Coil Can Help with Endometriosis
The Mirena coil can significantly alleviate endometriosis symptoms through several mechanisms:
- Thinning the Endometrial Lining: Levonorgestrel reduces the growth and thickness of the uterine lining. This effect extends to endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, effectively slowing down its growth and reducing the amount of bleeding with each cycle. This reduction in bleeding translates to less inflammation, pain, and adhesion formation. Many women experiencing pain related to their Mirena coil & endometriosis have reported improvements.
- Reducing Menstrual Bleeding: By thinning the uterine lining, the Mirena coil drastically reduces menstrual bleeding. This is especially beneficial for women with endometriosis who experience heavy periods.
- Pain Relief: The reduction in inflammation and bleeding leads to a significant reduction in pelvic pain associated with endometriosis. For some women, the Mirena coil can be a crucial component in managing chronic pain.
- Localised Action: The Mirena coil releases hormones directly into the uterus, minimizing the hormonal impact on the rest of the body. This is important for women who may be sensitive to the side effects of oral hormonal medications.
What to Expect During and After Insertion
Before inserting a Mirena coil, one of our specialists will conduct a thorough consultation to assess your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and determine if the Mirena coil is the right option for you. This is especially important when considering Mirena coil & endometriosis treatments.
During the insertion process, which typically takes just a few minutes, you may experience some discomfort similar to period cramps. We offer various pain relief options, including:
- Local anaesthetic gel (instillagel)
- Local anaesthetic spray
- Entonox (Gas & Air)
- Cervical Block (Only provided with ultrasound guided coil procedures)
After insertion, you may experience some spotting or irregular bleeding for a few months. This is normal and usually subsides as your body adjusts to the coil. Some women may also experience mild cramping. Pain relief medication, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, can help manage any discomfort.
Potential Side Effects
While the Mirena coil is generally safe and well-tolerated, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects:
- Irregular bleeding or spotting (especially in the first few months)
- Amenorrhea (absence of periods)
- Headaches
- Breast tenderness
- Acne
- Mood changes
- Ovarian cysts (usually resolve on their own)
- Expulsion of the coil (rare)
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (rare, especially if you are at low risk for STIs)
It’s important to discuss any concerns you have about potential side effects with our specialists during your consultation.
Is the Mirena Coil Right for You?
The Mirena coil is not a one-size-fits-all solution. While it can be highly effective for managing endometriosis symptoms, it may not be the best option for everyone. Our specialists will carefully consider your individual circumstances, including:
- The severity of your endometriosis symptoms
- Your desire for contraception
- Your medical history
- Your preferences regarding hormonal treatments
Other treatment options for endometriosis include pain medications, hormone therapy (such as oral contraceptives or GnRH agonists), and surgery. In some cases, a combination of treatments may be necessary.
Follow-Up Care
After the Mirena coil is inserted, you can schedule a Follow Up Discussion or a Coil Check (charged seperately) to ensure it’s properly positioned and that you’re not experiencing any complications. We are also available to address any concerns or questions you may have.
Conclusion
The Mirena coil can be a valuable tool in managing the symptoms of endometriosis, providing significant pain relief, reducing heavy bleeding, and improving your overall quality of life. If you are considering the Mirena coil as a treatment option for endometriosis, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of our specialists at Clarewell Clinics. We will provide personalized care, answer all your questions, and help you make an informed decision about the best treatment plan for you. Remember, managing endometriosis is a journey, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
