I had the Essure procedure about a year ago because I no longer wanted to take the Depo Provera injections due to an history of breast cancer in my family. I did like this mode of birth control because I never had a period. The best 2 years of my life! Well not really but close.
Since the Essure implants I have experienced: major PMS symptoms, intense cramping, severe hemorrhaging during my cycle, forgive me for the graphic details but I think it’s important for people to be aware of what to expect. I have had to switch from regular tampons to super plus tampons changed hourly and since I had my child via caesarean section I don’t think it’s due to body changes -often times I can’t leave my home the first day of my period. I also have major clotting, weakness during my cycle due to blood loss, ocassional rashes along my forearms and I am constantly bloated. I also experience sudden, intense break-through bleeding usually induced by exercise- which is terribly embarrassing especially if I am riding my bike or rollerblading along the 6 mile stretch of bike path along my local beach and often times I have my cycle twice in one month.
I feel like my cycle has taken over my life, naturally it’s inconvenient but since the Essure it’s been a bit of a nightmare at times and totally inconsistent. I wish there were a safe way for women to be free of menstrating without hormones or a hysterectomy. I asked my doctor if I could just have my ‘plumbing’ removed but that was a no go. And since I am 45, in a long term relationship and perfectly satisfied with my 1 beautiful child I don’t want to get pregnant again. I thought the Essure was the perfect solution….I’m not so sure it was but our options are limited.