The Mirena Coil and Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a disease that has, until recent years, gone undetected for long periods and therefore, untreated. The lives of countless women have been affected with the repercussions of this painful disease. Severe menstrual cramping, fatigue, and infertility are only a few of the symptoms of endometriosis.

Treatment Options for Endometriosis

The treatment options for endometriosis are debated constantly by both the medical profession and women who suffer with the disease. Since nobody knows definitively what causes it, finding a successful remedy is difficult. As a result, there are a variety of options available to women who are being treated for endometriosis. Laparoscopic surgery is used to both diagnose and treat the disease. Hysterectomies are sometimes done, and other options include hormone treatments using contraceptive pills, synthetic estrogen, testosterone (Danazol) GnRH agonists and progesterone tablets.

Using the Mirena Coil as Treatment

Another option is the use of the Mirena Coil. This option is chosen because it has the ability to reduce the amount of blood flow during menstruation. Like many other types of intrauterine contractive devices (IUDs), the Mirena Coil is fitted by a medical professional and remains in place for a specific amount of time. When the prescribed time has elapsed, the coil or IUD is replaced. Most IUDs make a woman's period heavier. However, the Mirena Coil does the opposite and because of this it is chosen as a treatment for heavy periods and also for endometriosis.

Why Use the Mirena Coil?

The Mirena Coil has a supply of the same hormone that is used in contraceptive pills - Levonorgestrel - but at a lower dosage that goes directly into the uterine lining rather than into the blood stream. Originally developed as a contraceptive, the Mirena Coil leads to lighter periods and is used to stem the flow of blood during menses, particularly for women who have a heavy blood flow, which occurs with endometriosis.

The downside of using the Mirena Coil for treatment of endometriosis is that it increases the risk of developing ovarian cysts three-fold through the use of synthetic progestogen hormones. The IUD can also lead to infection in the uterus.

Are Hormone Treatments Valid?

The aim of drug treatments, whether through hormones or IUDs, is to reduce endometrial implants and reduce the painful symptoms of the condition. They are all effective to some degree, but almost all have unpleasant side effects that associated with them. Many of the drug therapies have no proven benefit when it comes to improvement of the condition, enhanced fertility, or in reducing the recurrence of endometrial implants in the future.