Unknown Ectopic Pregnancy Caused by Copper Coil (IUD)
This post has taken a lot of courage to write. Only recently do I feel ready to share my experiences with the world. It took a long time to be able to openly talk to people about my experience and now I feel. I hope this will help you if you are going through the same or help you to understand more about ectopic pregnancies and the emotional turmoil it leaves someone with. My aim is to help others through sharing my story...so here it goes...
I suffer with a rare Neurological disorder called 
Familial Paroxysmal
Kinesegenic Choreoathetosis. This causes an episode of involuntary `dance like'
movements you can't control (Separate post on this). I am medicated on Carbamazepine
and as a result are limited to what contraception I can take. Certain
contraception isn't suitable as my medication would reduce the effect of them
due to being a liver enzyme drug. Previously I was on Depo Provera for four
years, this started giving me migraines nearer the four year mark, so I
discontinued use. I then had the Mirena Coil, but this cause horrific pain so
was removed. I thought I'd try the copper coil as both the coils and Depo are
the advised contraceptive to take, taking my condition into account.
However fast forward a year and I was contemplating having it removed anyway. It caused such painful heavy periods (was prior to contraception) that was worse than before the coil. For some strange reason it would cause me to bleed twice. This became the norm and I knew this was my coil. However, nearing my 21st birthday I went to a trip to Lisbon and I thought my period was worse than usual. I had very bad crippling pain but brushed it off as usual as I wanted to enjoy my long weekend away in the beautiful City, I had never been to. This trip was the 3rd-6th of November 2017 and I had such an amazing time with my family. I then spotted for a few days which was somewhat normal, then the 20th-29th I was bleeding more. Again, as the coil was doing strange things to my body, I thought it was misbehaving. The end of the week beginning the 20th of November is when looking back at it should have been concerning. However, I was regularly checking the coil was in place as advised and I had had no problems. The week ahead was full of pain.
Overview of Events Leading to Diagnosis
Furthermore, the pain I was experiencing was a sharp stabbing upon movement. It’s the type of feeling when you release to many eggs and they are all built up. I've had this pain before, so I thought it was just that. I then felt a horrible pressure when I sat down which also hurt. This followed with passing urine, I'd get the same pressure/pain. I thought It was the coil. I did however go to the doctors two weeks prior and he didnt want to remove it and told me to `wait a few weeks'. No tests were carried out or anything. However, it resulted in being prescribed Naproxen and Tranexamic acid. Naproxen was to reduce pain and swelling and the Tranexamic acid was to reduce bleeding. I was told to take this before and during my period. I honestly think if I had some tests it would have been detected two weeks prior. Moreover, this pain started to get increasingly intense and walking became painful. The pain was as though I had knives being stabbed in my ovaries/tubes, with a sharp pulling and pressure feeling. Furthermore, I was at work one week in a team meeting and I remember having to use the bathroom so often and I thought to myself jokingly `I'm pregnant' but thought `Nahh' because I hadn't had any symptoms. Looking back this was a symptom and I had many others, but I didn't associate with pregnancy.
Come the 29th of November 2017 and I was getting ready for bed. I had just brushed my teeth; I had a feeling I was going to vomit but couldn't followed by this sudden sharp intense pain shoot through my body. I went dizzy and I fell to the floor. There was no way I could stand as the pain was intense. I crawled to my room and somehow managed to get into bed, my body was still trying to be sick, but it couldn't. I was silly enough not to ring an Ambulance. I thought it must just be very severe period pain as something similar happened at school and it passed (turned out to be nothing). I was up the entire night in constant pain. Nothing took the edge of not even the Naproxen that was prescribed to me 2 weeks prior, nor the Tranexamic acid to help the bleeding. Moreover 3 O'clock came and I remember needing the toilet. I have no idea how I managed to get there and back with how much pain I was in. I led back on the bed and felt a sharp intense pain go from my pelvis towards my belly button. However, about an hour later the pain had travelled to my shoulder. I could only lie in a certain position for hours and if I moved was too intense. Daylight finally came and I decided to have a bath to possibly ease the pain. Nothing helped, not even Naproxen or painkillers. I felt sick and immensely pained. In addition, I rang the doctors and requested an emergency appointment. I managed to get one for 11am.
Doctor Surgery Experience
An hour went by and I still hadn't been seen. The poor surgery was extremely busy that day. I was greeted by a lovely doctor called Dr Fox. I was asked to explain my symptoms. I informed her firstly I had a coil and that for some reason I always have two `periods' a month which was the best way to describe it and that I had strangely a third that month (even though I know it isn't possible). I described the whole process from when I first got the pain, to collapsing and then getting the shoulder tip pain. I was examined and the coil was in place. She felt my stomach to see if everything was okay, but I was unable to lie down as it was immensely painful. I was briefed what it could be based on my symptoms and given a bottle to collect urine for her to undertake a pregancy test. Again, I was sat there worried, thinking nah it can’t be, I've had no symptoms and it’s in place. I convinced myself I wasn't and then the words hit me `You're pregnant'. I was speechless for a few minutes just staring at the tests she had took. Trembling like an earthquake and uncontrollable tears, I couldn't breathe properly. Those two lines confirming it with about three tests taken. Stunned, disbelieved and unsure what this meant. Moreover, Dr Fox was amazing she offered me water and spoke to me calmly whilst I tried to pull myself together. In addition, I was informed what would happen next. I was told that it would likely be an ectopic pregancy and where the pregancy could possibly be if an ectopic. Dr fox then went on to mention that depending on the severity, how far along I was and where it was what treatments I would need. Unfortunately, treatments were either the methotrexate, a drug to stop the pregancy growing or keyhole surgery (Laparoscopy) to remove the ectopic pregnancy and possibly the tube if it is severely damaged. I was offered a room to sit in whilst I called my partner of 6 years (now 8) to inform him of the shocking news. I was crying uncontrollably and still trembling. He wanted to pick me up and take me to the hospital however as my mum was closer, she came to collect me, and I met him there. I have never heard and seen him look so worried, he looked numb, scared, speechless; exactly how I was feeling. Dr fox had made arrangements to go straight to the hospital to ward 9a and that I would have a letter to give them as they were expecting me. I wasn't allowed to walk home to pack a bag as she was worried, I may rupture If I hadn't already. I can't thank her enough she was absolutely amazing.
The Hospital
I arrived about late afternoon, I saw my partner and he asked how I was.
He heled my hand tight and gave me a massive hug. His face was like I'd never
seen before, he looked petrified. We didn't say much it was too hard to
talk. The team on 9a was very welcoming, I was shown to a bed and
explained what tests I'd need to be taken. Firstly, I had three blood tests to
test my HCG levels (pregnancy hormone) an ultrasound and transvaginal
ultrasound. Prior to the ultrasound I needed to drink a litre of water which
was hard as I only had a limited amount of time to consume it in. Before I was
due to go down the ward sister whom had been looking after me amazingly told me
that the worst-case scenario, I may have to have a tube or ovary removed. I was
praying this would not be the case! A very lovely jolly porter took me
down to x-ray, I wasn't allowed to walk. He cheered me up a little, but this
didn't last. Moreover, the sonographer was very quiet and didnt say much. I was
told the doctor would give me the results. Upon getting dressed I managed to
get a glimpse of the scan and I managed to see that it was in my fallopian
tube. I was praying that it would all be okay. How wrong was I?
Ten to fifteen minutes after my ultrasound the ward sister who had been looking after me that day (she was lovely) delivered my results. `Unfortunately the ultrasound shows the embryo is in your right tube, I'm really sorry but we will need to remove your tube'. My face suddenly dropped, and I broke down crying like I have never cried before. She gave me a hug to comfort me as did my mum. My partner bless him didn't know what to do, I think it hurt him as much as it did me seeing me break down like that. After minutes of crying I finally learnt to accept it as I couldn't change what had happened. I hadn't eaten that day, so I was able to have surgery within hours of finding out. I was also so worried because in two weeks’ time I was due to have life changing double jaw surgery for an underbite, which I had been waiting years for.
"It affects 1 in 80 pregnancies in the UK and women who suffer have to face the physical trauma of major invasive treatment, their own mortality, the impact on their future fertility and the sad loss of losing their baby all very quickly. This can be a very frightening and distressing experience."
-The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust
Surgery/After Surgery
Going into surgery I was anesthetised. Lying down was so painful and I was hoping the anaesthetic would work quickly. However, I counted to ten as instructed and I wasn't asleep. I had to be given more and even then, it took longer for me to fall asleep. I felt the world spinning around me and dozed off. When I awoke, I was greeted with a lovely anaesthetist called Raffaella. He had told me that I had just woken up properly and had been in recovery for about an hour. I wasn't yet stable enough and they were waiting until everything was fine until I was sent back to the ward. He made me forget about things whilst I was down there, it was nice to have a friendly face to talk too. He made me laugh and we talked about his upcoming trip to Disney. He was a lovely man and so good at his job. I will be forever thankful. The surgeon came to see me and told me he had removed my right tube and the foetus. I had ruptured prior to surgery and had lost a large amount of blood and I needed 3 bags of blood transfused. The transfusion was the reason why it took some time to be brought back to the ward.
Finally, at around 11-12am I was taken to the ward. Luckily, I had my own room with a shared en-suite. I was sad to see Raffaella go as I was told I couldn't see my family nor my partner. They were told to go home as visitors wasn't allowed that late. However, I just needed to see my partner and my parents. I didnt have my phone as my dad took it so it wouldn't get taken even though I knew it wouldn't. I therefore had no one to talk to, no clock in the room and no watch. It then hit me I felt utterly alone in all this overnight. I couldn't sleep, I was crying lots and I just needed a cuddle from my partner. I needed them there for my own mental wellbeing. I hardly got any sleep and once I saw it was day light, I asked the nurse the time and it was early morning. I decided if I'd stay in my pyjamas then I wouldn't feel any better, so I forced myself out of bed and had a wash and brushed my teeth. The pain from my surgery site was so sore but not compared to the ectopic pain I endured. The nurses were surprised I was up and dressed and so was my surgeon.
I had a visit from the surgeon, and he told me it all went well, examined my sutures and told me that I'd still have a 50% chance of conceiving again in the future. I was told that in rare cases the egg from the tubeless side can be picked up by the tubed side and become fertilized. I was advised not to try again for 3 months and to wait 3 months to let my body heal if I wished to try. However, as I had the coil prior to my ectopic I wasn't anyway. He too was very informative and caring. I was told how lucky I was considering I had lost so much blood and that If left longer it could have been a different story. Throughout the day until it was visiting time, I had a handful of junior doctors asking if they could ask me some questions for thier research. I had to tell my story repeatedly with lots of the same questions, some very personal. Still even though it was hard to talk about it kept my mind busy until I had visitors. I was delighted to see my partner and my parents. After spending a dark night alone with my thoughts wasn't good at all and I needed to talk to them. I ended up being discharged that same day. I couldn't thank the staff enough. They were all so kind and caring and went out their way to make me feel just a little bit better. Thank you to all those involved in my care, I am truly grateful!
Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy and My Symptoms
Own Symptoms;
- Prolonged bleeding mistaken for period.
- urinating more than usual.
- sharp stabbing pain upon movement and sitting down.
- Pressure and pain when going to toilet.
- Prolonged pressure and pulling, sharp pain for over a week in pelvic area.
- Collapse.
- Excruciating pain not relieved by any pain relief.
- Pain shooting from pelvic area to belly button rapidly.
- Shoulder tip pain (unbearable).
- Difficulty to walk.
Recorded Symptoms (NHS 2018);
The NHS (2018) states that `you may have an ectopic pregnancy if you miss a period, have a positive pregnancy test, and have other signs of pregnancy'. Other signs listed from the NHS are below.
- Vaginal bleeding- This tends to be a bit different to your usual period. This type of bleeding usually starts and stops and may be watery and dark brown in colour. Some women mistake this bleeding for a period and don't realise they're pregnant.
- Tummy pain- Tummy pain may be a symptom you experience, typically low down on one side. This can develop suddenly or gradually and may be persistent or come and go.
- Shoulder tip pain- This can be a serious sign of an ectopic pregnancy. Shoulder tip pain can be an indication of rupture, causing some internal bleeding. It is very important if you experience this you get medical advice straight away.
- Discomfort when going to the
toilet-
Pain when going to the toilet (urinating or passing a bowel movement) can
also occur, you may also have diarrhoea.
Symptoms of a Rupture
It’s possible for an ectopic pregnancy to grow large enough to split open the fallopian tube. This is known as a rupture. Ruptures are very serious, and surgery would need to be carried out as soon as possible.
Signs of a rupture include a combination of:
- a sharp, sudden and intense pain in your tummy.
- feeling very dizzy or fainting.
- feeling sick.
- looking very pale.
cited in (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/symptoms/, 2018).
* If you experience any of the above, please see a medical professional as soon as possible. I didnt go to the hospital as soon as I had the signs of rupture as I didnt even know I was pregnant. I didnt want to `clog up' A&E (ER in US). I however thought the pain would go and it was a very bad painful `period'. Looking back if I had known I would have gone to hospital there and then as my tube may have been saved, Therefore If you are showing symptoms, I urge you to seek medical advice.*
Locations of an Ectopic Pregnancy
There are various locations of ectopic pregnancies, not just in the fallopian tube. Below is a list with a short explanation of where it can occur;
- Tubal ectopic pregnancy (ampullary, isthmic and fimbrial)- Like mine, a pregnancy in the fallopian tube as the embryo has failed to make its way to uterus for various reasons.
- Interstitial Pregnancy- a rare type of ectopic pregnancy that occurs when the fertilised egg implants in the part of the Fallopian tube buried deep in the wall of the uterus. Often called ‘cornual’.
- C-section scar ectopic- Occurs when an ectopic implants in the C-section scar within a gap in the muscle of the uterus. These have been thought to be increasing due to the higher rates of Caesarean procedures.
- Cervical Pregnancy- Pregnancy implants into the cervix, this is very dangerous as can lead to haemorrhage.
- Ovarian Pregnancy-Similar to tubal, is where the ectopic implants int he ovary. Ovary may be partially or fully removed.
- Intramural Pregnancy- This occurs when the ectopic implants outside the womb within the muscular wall.
- Abdominal Pregnancy-Thought to start off in the fallopian tube then separates into the abdomen.
- Heterotopic Pregnancy- Where for example one pregnancy is in the fallopian tube and one un the uterus.
(Cited in https://ectopic.org.uk/patients/what-is-an-ectopic-pregnancy/ 2020).
Above shows the locations of an ectopic pregnancy
(sourced from-http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/389004/file-3930562716-jpg/blog-files/ectblog.jpg)
Above are my Ultrasound pictures of my ectopic.
Treatment
Unfortunately, as an ectopic pregnancy cannot develop and grow safely outside the womb, it must be removed. Treatment involves expectant management (seeing if the body will naturally end the pregnancy), Medication and surgery.The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust state that ‘Expectant management is usually defined as watchful waiting or close monitoring by medical professionals instead of immediate treatment.' However, research carried out in patients with an ectopic pregnancy that are properly assessed and had the pregnancy hormone level (HCG) dropping; up to 50% of these pregnancies will end naturally and there will be no need for an operation or a drug to treat the condition. (Ectopic Pregnancy Trust 2020).
Expectant management would be considered if your general health was stable. Doctors would look at the blood results, ultrasound scan(s) and check of your HCG is low (pregancy hormone), pain levels were acceptable, and the ultrasounds shows a small ectopic pregnancy that has no abnormal or worrying bleeding into the abdomen. Thereafter doctors would then test your blood repetitively to ensure that your HCG levels are dropping. This can be several weeks to a few months.
Furthermore, medical treatment may also be advised based upon the size of the foetus. `Medical Management' is when the pregnancy is treated with a drug called methotrexate. The drug stops the pregnancy developing and then it is reabsorbed by the body. This method leaves the fallopian tube intact. This drug is used in the early stages of pregnancy or when the foetus is small. Medical method has been developed in the hope to avoid surgery, although this does also require monitoring and follow-ups. Blood tests to test your HCG levels are also carried out at this time. It is normal to begin to bleed after a few days after the injection and can last up to six weeks.
Lastly surgical method as a form of treatment is carried out failing the previous two cannot be done safely. This is the most established treatment and will involve you going under general anaesthetic. Surgery is carried out if the hormone produced by the pregancy is high (HCG) or the foetus is large, or internal bleeding is present at a significant level. Due to these reasons other treatments aren't considered because health may be at risk,
Usually keyhole surgery would be carried out
(Laparoscopy). Keyhole surgery involved inserting a cameral through the navel
(bally button) and then inserting instruments through small incisions in the
lower abdomen. Gas is then added into your abdomen to inflate and enable the
surgeon to see inside the abdomen for your procedure. Two
courses of action are then considered and will depend upon the damage caused.
If however the other tube is unaffected the most likely cause for action is a
Salpingectomy where the tube with the ectopic pregnancy is removed,
However if the other tube isn't normal then a small cut would be made into the
tube to remove the pregnancy and an attempt would be to repair the tube
(Salpingotomy). If rupture has occurred, then you may require a blood
transfusion.
(Ectopic Pregnancy Trust (2020) https://ectopic.org.uk/patients/treatment/)
Emotions
Upon finding out at the doctors that I was pregnant I was in disbelief. As I was due to have my double jaw surgery op in two weeks, I was petrified this wasn’t going to happen with all the build-up as preparation to it. I was shaking beyond despair in utter shock. I had this dream I was before surgery but thought it was anxieties leading towards the surgery date. I thought how? ‘the coil hasn’t moved’ so why? Then I thought why me? I was petrified of becoming a mum because I was still at university and I thought my parents would be mad. After the shock wore off, I was upset because I always would have gone through with a pregnancy if it was unexpected and I was upset that this little foetus wouldn’t be able to have a chance in life and I felt so guilty. I was picturing becoming a mum and I liked the idea, but I knew it wouldn’t happen because I was told the pregnancy couldn’t continue. I wasn’t really scared until I heard the worlds ‘we need to remove your tube’. All I remember was crying hysterically like I’d lost someone I loved. I was grieving for both my baby and tube. The thought of reduced fertility at the age of 21 by means out of control made me fear for the future. I’ve always wanted children, and this was a major blow. Moreover, I was angry, angry at the fact this happened to me when I didn’t deserve it and angry because I’d always been safe and by being safe and responsible this happened. I was angry at the fact the doctor hadn’t thought to check two weeks prior and listen to me when I said I wanted the coil out and it’s making me miserable. I wished I went to the hospital and was annoyed at myself for not thinking my case was serious enough, but I didn’t want to be a time waster. How wrong was I?
Going into surgery I was calm but inside I was petrified. When I told I was lucky and if I left it any longer it may have been a different story I gulped and realised how lucky I was. I’d rather have my tube removed then be dead. Lastly being alone all night and not being able to see my family or partner was hard. All I wanted was to cuddle him and cry on his shoulder. Instead I was crying alone in a dark lonesome room. Hours and hours of not being able to sleep and hours of being in pain, the wounds a constant reminder of such a traumatic time in my life. I bled quite a lot after surgery and the pain was horrendous. However, the mental pain was the worst. I kept crying nonstop for weeks on end, usually late at night. The torment and trauma had scarred me. All I could think about was children. I have always wanted kids and I thought now because of the coil my chances are reduced. Every child I saw and every cry I heard made me cry. A few weeks after I helped at a dance show behind the scenes. The children seemed to take a liking to me and got me playing games with them. It hurt so much but seeing them happy made me smile. When they were doing thier beautiful dance, I was stood in the wings watching and all I could think about was watching my child dance, would I have this experience as a mother, will I ever be one? It hurt so much, and I know that it is possible because there are so many successes storied out there but the uncertainty of it all was hard to handle. So many friends I know announced thier pregnancies or had given birth. Every single announcement I'd tear up at and although I was happy for them, I was jealous, and I just wanted to be in thier shoes. This feeling has never really gone away and although it has got better I still sometimes deep down feel the same. I was never ready at twenty-one, a uni student still at home to become a mum but loosing this child made me so unhappy. I couldn't even be happy with the news because I knew my pregnancy had already ended before it properly began. The experience has made me think about it more and I was never ready yet however the urge and feeling to want a child are still there. I want to wait ideally but if it happened, I'd be over the moon.
Mental Health Battle
Previously I mentioned that this happened two weeks before my double jaw surgery. I was so scared this wasn't going to go ahead as it took years of braces and orthodontic work to get surgery ready. My Surgeon wasn't particularly keen on operating because he wanted me to recover both physically and mentally first, however he said he'd give me as long as I need. However, I knew mentally if I didnt have this done then my mental health would decline further. I had the surgery two weeks after, I was still so sore from my laparoscopy and had canula scars healing and bruise upon bruise on my hands and arms. They were so sore from all the blood tests and cannulas. Having more blood taken was horrible as it hurt so much. I was petrified to take a urine sample as the thought of it happening again was horrific. In hindsight I think I was mad to have such a major op after having emergency surgery prior! During the weeks following recovery I didnt think so much about my ectopic because this positive change in my life was keeping me going and gave me a false gratification of `happiness'. I lived in a bubble for weeks, but this bubble covered up my true feelings which I had buried to try and concentrate on my recovery. Results from the jaw surgery did make me happy and I was elated with the fact I had no more underbite. However, this false exaltation didnt last long.
Each day was a struggle I would wake up late as I just wanted to sleep, and I'd lie in bed staring at space. I just didnt want to get up, I didnt want to do anything, I was low. In fact, the lowest I'd ever been. University deadlines was approaching and the once efficient woman I was no longer. Procrastinating became a habit and I'd lost all love for assignments. I managed to do them, just. My low mood took a knock to my grades and what was 75-84 marks (1:1 or A) for my assignments turned into a disappointing C-D. I kept wanting to make a referral to the university mental health councillor to talk things through, but I didn't want to keep repeating the trauma repeatedly. However, my lovely uni friends helped and guided me through. luckily, I had such amazing support from friends, family, my partner and his parents.
Months passed, I was in my new job and I remember someone announced he had good news and that he was going to be a dad, I felt teary as no-one knew about my ectopic yet. Constantly I felt depressed all the time and found it hard to be happy. I tend to paint a false smile and act happy when I am not. I was still struggling to get out of bed and motivation was still hard. However, I realised closure was needed and in order to somewhat move on I needed something in order to achieve this. Realising I never had a scan photo, I had to request a copy of my medical records. This took months to be processed and I finally got them sent to me in June 2018, eight months after surgery. I hadn't requested to see photos of the actual surgery, however the first photo I saw was of this nature. Upsettingly the first three photos were of my blood-filled insides, metal instruments burning away my fallopian tube and tearing away the suspected pregnancy. The fallopian tube was double its original size and covered in congealed blood. I burst out crying seeing this as I didn't want to see these. Followed by these distressing photographs were the ultrasounds and transvaginal ultrasounds. There was two showing the coil with an empty womb, scans of ovaries, and right adnexa (tube). Paperwork highlighted relevant information such as HCG level which indicated I was about 7-8 weeks along. It showed a pregnancy sac with a non-viable pregnancy. As I ruptured, I'm not sure if the foetus was dispelled when rupture occurred. I am adamant the foetus had a heartbeat prior to rupture. Moreover, having an ultrasound helped my mental wellbeing because I could see my baby that never was. Furthermore, I found a site that sold pregnancy loss necklaces and hearts. I needed something visual and material I could hold. I brought a beautiful heart with the size my embryo would have been. I decided on the words `Forever in our hearts'. I decided on this because it wasn't just my child that was lost it was also my partners. As it came from Australia and had to be made it took a while to arrive. Having this under my pillow at night to look at and to hold helped to heal more. The little touch of it glowing in the dark was beautiful. The heart was from My Missing Peace. If it would feel like it will help you if you had had a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy or other pregnancy loss, then you can purchase here at; https://www.mymissingpeace.com.au/ (this isn't endorsed). I personally thought it helped me loads. Whenever I feel down about things regarding my loss I look or hold it at night, and I feel some relief. Lastly two years on it has got better but I do have down days, sometimes weeks. The urge to want a child has got more intense along with the fear of the unknown and `will it happen again?' I am so petrified for a repeat of this traumatic time in my life and of losing my other tube. At least now I know I will get checked out straight away, so that's some peace of mind.
Concluding my post, I urge if you have any symptoms to please get checked out and not to leave it like I did. I didn't know I was pregnant but in hindsight I should have either questioned the doctor again two weeks prior or trusted what my body was telling me. If you need emotional help, get it. It’s something I didn't do because I didn't think it was bad enough however, I think I buried my emotions as since writing this they have surfaced again. If you are reading this because you are worried you have an ectopic then I am not a medical professional and have gotten all the information from trusted sites such as the NHS and Ectopic Pregnancy trust. Therefore, consult your doctor or A&E if in severe pain.
I wanted to write this to spread awareness of the coil and ectopic pregnancies in general as there isn't much emphasis about them. There's lots of Facebook groups for ectopic pregnancy that I found helpful and the ectopic pregancy trust forum also. I would never get the coil again and personally I'd advise against it but thats my opinion. The coil is according to the NHS `more than 99% effective'. I got pregnant which is rare however the consequences are dyer. Possibly losing a tube, part of your fertility affects you so much mentally and physically. It is a grief that is hard to explain and for me has never gone away. I'd never trust any hormonal form of contraception that messes with your body anymore out of the fear it could happen again. I've lost one tube I dont want to lose another even before I have had a child. The only thing I do trust which I did a lot of research on before using it is Natural Cycles. It had had some bad press but mostly good. I can't really fault it. You learn so much about your body and in the two years (almost) of using it I have had no incidences, unlike the coil which was around a year. I can't fault it. I may do another post on this for those who are interested as it is fantastic. It also can act as a tool to help plan a pregnancy. It has a `plan-Trying to Conceive' and `Prevent-Trying to Avoid' mode (prevent mode now). Overall, I wish doctors told you more in depth about the dangers of what a coil can do if you end up having an ectopic pregnancy. All you are told is that it can happen and thats it, not that you can potentially die like I could of if I left it longer and that in some cases you would need surgery to have your tube removed. If I had been told this I wouldn't have had it. Therefore, doctors should be more considerate when you ask to have it removed and tell you more in depth about the real dangers!
My aim was to try and help people and I hope this has, your emotions you feel are completely normal and it's okay to talk and express them. If any of you need to reach out and talk to someone you can chat with me, speak to someone from the Ectopic Pregnancy trust or join one of the many Facebook groups which I will link all the information below. Lastly, I hope this had raised awareness of the horrific dangers about the coil and has left you more educated on ectopic pregnancies. Would this make you think twice about the coil?
Thank you for reading,
Holly!
Websites and Support groups
Ectopic Pregnancy Trust forum- https://ectopic.org.uk/talk/
NHS- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Ectopic-pregnancy/
The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust Open Group (closed group also available) - https://www.facebook.com/groups/23135845571
Ectopic Pregnancy Loss support-https://www.facebook.com/groups/search/groups?q=ectopic%20
Pregnant After an Ectopic Pregnancy or Miscarriage support Group-https://www.facebook.com/groups/491818417651850
Pregnancy loss heart- https://www.mymissingpeace.com.au/
Natural Cycles Page-https://www.naturalcycles.com/
Bibliography
https://ectopic.org.uk/patients/what-is-an-ectopic-pregnancy/ 2020)
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/symptoms/,
2018
cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/389004/file-3930562716-jpg/blog-files/ectblog.jpg
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/iud-coil/
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