Endometrial Ablation Vs. Mirena

I had an ablation in August, and it has helped with my heavy, painful periods, but I have still get one. For comparison sake, I used to have 9-11 day periods, with 3-4 of them so heavy that I had to back up the super tampons with pads. Oh, and the cramps used to put me on my knees! Now, I hardly have any cramps at all, and I bleed lightly (seriously, I only buy the light tampons now) for a few days. This is such an amazing improvement that I can't really complain. I was hoping I'd be one that didn't get a period at all, but that's not guaranteed. I was not interested in Mirena, because I've had enough of hormones, plus my husband had a vasectomy, as well. If this didn't work, I was seriously considering a hysterectomy so I could donate my uterus to science! I wouldn't wish the awful periods I experienced for way too long on anyone!

I had an ablation. I didn't want any more kids, hadn't wanted any more since the first and only was born, and was having periods from hell. Why subject your body to an implanted device emitting hormones when you can jsut have the endometrium cauterized and be done with it? I had no side effects from the ablation, and it completely took away the cramps that had been literally doubling me over. I was flooding my clothes every couple of hours before, and I haven't had so much as a spot in the six years since having it done. My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner.

I am having the exact same problem. I chose the Mirena over the ablation for the birth control and the possibility of never having a period. I am 46 years old and unmarried, but I have a boyfriend and neither of us want any more kids. So on the 20th, my Mirena will be placed and I'll keep you posted.

I had the Mirena inserted a several months ago & have been very happy so far. The first day I was soar & crampy but that one day was it. Fine since then! I already barely have a period. Need nothing more than a panty liner for a day or so.

I have mirena for the exact reasons that you discuss, and it is perfect for me. It works great and I have no side effects.

It did take some time for my body to adapt to - I had spotting for about 4 months, which is longer than average, but no cramps with it, just daily spotting. I almost gave up on it during that time, but now - almost 2 years later - I am so glad that I did not. I have very light period about every other month. No cramps at all. It's great.

I had a Mirena and loved it. I would try that first and if it doesn't work, move on to the ablation. There are Mirena haters out there but I'm definitely not one of them. I was very sensitive to the hormones in The Pill but the Mirena didn't bother me at all.

I did the ablation and wish I did it sooner. My period is about a day and a half long now. MUCH better than before and I barely bleed. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

I have the mirena..OMG it helped me so much with my bleeding cramps everything. I for the first time have normal small easy periods and not going through a box of supers every month. SOrry TMI> Anyway it helped me alot. I to am done and hubby had vasectomy. Also it did take a couple months though of spotting etc. Hope this helps.

I've heard great things about Mirena and other implants. But if you're nervous, or want to try something else first, you can take birth control pills to eliminate your periods. I've been doing it for years. You take them continuously - no week break after three weeks. Your doctor should be familiar. You may spot in the beginning while your body adjusts to not having your period each month, but after that it goes away completely. Just a thought in case you hadn't heard of it. Good luck with being pain free :)

I LOVE my mirena. I have it for birth control, but I also no longer have a period. I got it right after my DD was born and nursed through the first year, so cannot tell you whether my experience was from nursing or the Mirena, but I had some irregular spotting for about 6 months and then after weaning I had a few very mild periods. For the last 3 years I get a "period" (more like 3 days of spotting) every three months or so. No cramps. Ever.
Mine will be 5 years old by the end of this year and I will definitely get another.

One more thing was that I had a lot of side effects while on the pill (moody, PMS, low libido, weight gain) and have had none of those on Mirena. But I hear some women do have side effects...everyone is different.
Good luck.

I had the Mirena and hated it - it's similiar hormone to Depo Provera which caused all sorts of trouble for me - but I don't know what the hormone is exactly.

My bf had the ablation and loves it - she still gets period like symptoms but no period. She did - however - get a VERY BAD infection shortly after the procedure and ended up having to go to the hospital. She said it was because she had sex before the set time frame (something like 3 weeks) but other than that is happy.

Good luck.

Interesting choice! Seems like you have to decide between hormones and minor surgery that might or might not solve the problem and will come with risks associated with more invasive procedure.
Have you ever been on birth control pills before? If your body doesn't react adversely to hormones, I personally would go for that option since it's less invasive. Also, once you start down the route of medically intervening with your "girl parts" you are closer to a hysterectomy-- not a great option in my opinion.
However, if you have been on hormones and hated them then maybe the ablation is a good option.
Maybe get a second opinion from another OB before you make your final choice?
Acupuncture and herbal medicine can also be a wonderful alternative to western medicine for menstrual problems. My mom was in danger of having a hysterectomy due to heavy bleeding and was able to make it through to menopause with all her parts with regular acupuncture and herbs.

You might find this link helpful.

http://www.naturallycurly.com/curltalk/over-40/98042-endo...

I was googling to get some reasearch and there are some women who have already been through this that have responded to her.

Maybe some moms will chime in here soon that have simmilar stories to share. Hope that helps sweetie!