Nisha Pandey

Health and Me

'Contraceptive Coil Saved My Life': UK Woman's Persistent Abdominal Pain Led Her To Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis

'Contraceptive Coil Saved My Life': Woman's Persistent Abdominal Pain Led Her To Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis

When Caroline Bailey started experiencing stabbing abdominal pain, she believed her <span>contraceptive coil</span> was at fault. Bailey’s pain became so severe that the 54-year-old was forced to pay multiple visits to her doctor, desperate to have the device removed. But she instead ended up receiving a life-changing diagnosis 

Her scans revealed a 13cm tumour pressing against the coil. In June 2023, Bailey was diagnosed with stage three <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/ovarian-cancer">ovarian cancer</a></span>, a diagnosis that left her fearing that she may not have long to live. But now after chemotherapy and surgery, she has no evidence of disease. 

 Looking back, she believes the coil may have saved her life by prompting her to get medical intervention diagnosis. “I started to have the worst stomach pains – like a stabbing pain in the middle of my abdomen,” she said. “So, I kept going back into the doctors and said, 'I think the coil needs to come out'.” 

As the pain worsened, Bailey returned to her doctor. She described how she “crawled into the doctors on my hands and knees”, still hoping to have the coil removed. “I wanted to rip it out myself, but you can't. I thought it was killing me,” she said.

<h2>Doctor Suspected Ovarian <span rel="noindex"><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/cancer">Cancer</a></span> </h2>

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/can-panty-liners-pose-a-cancer-risk-what-science-says-article-156340789" data-type="tilCustomLink">Can Panty Liners Pose A Cancer Risk? What Science Says</a>

Bailey, who had been diagnosed with <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/women-are-travelling-to-mexico-for-endometriosis-surgery-as-canada-is-doing-a-poor-job-at-providing-care-article-156326032" data-type="tilCustomLink">endometriosis</a> in her mid-20s, initially believed her symptoms could be due to the coil. She said there was no history of ovarian cancer in her family. 

However, a doctor wanted to investigate whether ovarian cancer could be causing her symptoms and gave her a form for a CA125 blood test. The CA125 test measures the level of a protein in the blood. Elevated levels could signal presence of ovarian cancer. 

Bailey's result was 72 units per millilitre (U/ml). According to the charity Ovarian Cancer Action, women over 40 with a CA125 level above 35 U/ml should be referred for further investigation. Subsequent scans revealed the 13cm tumour, and a biopsy confirmed stage three <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/world-thrombosis-day-can-an-unexplained-blood-clot-be-the-first-sign-of-cancer-experts-explain-article-156329988" data-type="tilCustomLink">ovarian cancer</a>. The cancer had spread to her omentum, a layer of fatty tissue in the abdomen near the stomach. 

“I couldn't believe the size of it. I actually thought, 'I won't live for another two years',” Bailey said. 

<h2>Six-Hour Surgery Followed By Chemotherapy </h2>

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/pope-leo-xivs-lung-cancer-diagnosis-when-should-you-worry-about-lung-nodules-article-156338907" data-type="tilCustomLink">Pope Leo XIV’s Lung Cancer Diagnosis: When Should You Worry About Lung Nodules?</a>

Bailey began chemotherapy, undergoing four rounds of treatment that reduced the tumour from 13cm to 8cm. 

She also underwent a six-hour operation that included a total hysterectomy, removing her womb and cervix, as well as her omentum and appendix. The surgery left her with no evidence of disease. However, she was told that ovarian cancer is an be unpredictable and may return. 

Bailey underwent two more rounds of chemotherapy in January 2024 and continued to get follow-up CT scans. 

Around the same time, genetic testing revealed mutations that increased her risk of breast and ovarian cancer. 

She is now having consultations about a double mastectomy, followed by reconstruction and implants, as part of a trial. Her family members are also undergoing genetic testing. 

<h2>What Are The Symptoms Of Ovarian Cancer? </h2>

Dietary Supplements: Hidden Dangers, Fake Claims & How to Choose Safe Protein | Expert Explains

Ovarian cancer can be difficult to identify because its symptoms may resemble those of less serious conditions. Persistent or frequent symptoms should not be ignored, particularly when they are new or different from usual. According to the <span>NHS</span>, the main symptoms are: 

<ul><li>A swollen tummy or persistent bloating</li><li>Pain or tenderness in the abdomen or the area between the hips</li><li>Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly after eating</li><li>Needing to urinate urgently or more often than usual</li></ul>

Bailey said she wished it had been easier to get her symptoms taken seriously. “I wish it was easier for women to get diagnosed,” she said. Her experience also highlights the importance of seeking medical intervention when symptoms, even when there appears to be an obvious explanation. 

Ovarian cancer was the 16th most common <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/colon-cancer-in-young-adults-the-growing-burden-among-indias-under-50-population-article-156335137" data-type="tilCustomLink">cancer</a>, with approximately 7,700 new cases every year in the UK, according to Cancer Research UK.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

contraceptive-coil-saved-my-life-womans-persistent-abdominal-pain-led-her-to-ovarian-cancer-diagnosis

ovarian cancer

contraceptive coil

Cancer

pope leo

lung cancer

uk-antidepressants-to-carry-new-warnings-on-suicide-risk-sexual-side-effects

UK Antidepressants to Carry New Warnings on Suicide Risk, Sexual Side Effects

lead-poisoning-who-warns-there-is-no-known-safe-level-flags-risks-from-paint-spices-and-cookware

Lead Poisoning: WHO Warns There Is No Known Safe Level; Flags Risks From Paint, Spices and Cookware

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

When Caroline Bailey started experiencing stabbing abdominal pain, she believed her contraceptive coil was at fault. Bailey’s pain became so severe that the 54-year-old was forced to pay multiple visits to her doctor, desperate to have the device removed. But she instead ended up receiving a life-changing diagnosis Her scans revealed a 13cm tumour pressing against the coil. In June 2023, Bailey was diagnosed with stage three ovarian cancer, a diagnosis that left her fearing that she may not have long to live. But now after chemotherapy and surgery, she has no evidence of disease.  Looking back, she believes the coil may have saved her life by prompting her to get medical intervention diagnosis. “I started to have the worst stomach pains – like a stabbing pain in the middle of my abdomen,” she said. “So, I kept going back into the doctors and said, 'I think the coil needs to come out'.” As the pain worsened, Bailey returned to her doctor. She described how she “crawled into the doctors on my hands and knees”, still hoping to have the coil removed. “I wanted to rip it out myself, but you can't. I thought it was killing me,” she said.Doctor Suspected Ovarian Cancer Also read: Can Panty Liners Pose A Cancer Risk? What Science SaysBailey, who had been diagnosed with endometriosis in her mid-20s, initially believed her symptoms could be due to the coil. She said there was no history of ovarian cancer in her family. However, a doctor wanted to investigate whether ovarian cancer could be causing her symptoms and gave her a form for a CA125 blood test. The CA125 test measures the level of a protein in the blood. Elevated levels could signal presence of ovarian cancer. Bailey's result was 72 units per millilitre (U/ml). According to the charity Ovarian Cancer Action, women over 40 with a CA125 level above 35 U/ml should be referred for further investigation. Subsequent scans revealed the 13cm tumour, and a biopsy confirmed stage three ovarian cancer. The cancer had spread to her omentum, a layer of fatty tissue in the abdomen near the stomach. “I couldn't believe the size of it. I actually thought, 'I won't live for another two years',” Bailey said. Six-Hour Surgery Followed By Chemotherapy Also read: Pope Leo XIV’s Lung Cancer Diagnosis: When Should You Worry About Lung Nodules?Bailey began chemotherapy, undergoing four rounds of treatment that reduced the tumour from 13cm to 8cm. She also underwent a six-hour operation that included a total hysterectomy, removing her womb and cervix, as well as her omentum and appendix. The surgery left her with no evidence of disease. However, she was told that ovarian cancer is an be unpredictable and may return. Bailey underwent two more rounds of chemotherapy in January 2024 and continued to get follow-up CT scans. Around the same time, genetic testing revealed mutations that increased her risk of breast and ovarian cancer. She is now having consultations about a double mastectomy, followed by reconstruction and implants, as part of a trial. Her family members are also undergoing genetic testing. What Are The Symptoms Of Ovarian Cancer?                Ovarian cancer can be difficult to identify because its symptoms may resemble those of less serious conditions. Persistent or frequent symptoms should not be ignored, particularly when they are new or different from usual. According to the NHS, the main symptoms are: A swollen tummy or persistent bloatingPain or tenderness in the abdomen or the area between the hipsLoss of appetite or feeling full quickly after eatingNeeding to urinate urgently or more often than usualBailey said she wished it had been easier to get her symptoms taken seriously. “I wish it was easier for women to get diagnosed,” she said. Her experience also highlights the importance of seeking medical intervention when symptoms, even when there appears to be an obvious explanation. Ovarian cancer was the 16th most common cancer, with approximately 7,700 new cases every year in the UK, according to Cancer Research UK.

'contraceptive coil saved my life': woman's persistent abdominal pain led her to ovarian cancer diagnosis

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

'Contraceptive Coil Saved My Life': UK Woman's Persistent Abdominal Pain Led Her To Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis

UK Antidepressants to Carry New Warnings on Suicide Risk, Sexual Side Effects

Lead Poisoning: WHO Warns There Is No Known Safe Level; Flags Risks From Paint, Spices and Cookware

Swimmer Archie Goodburn’s Plea Prompts UK Brain Cancer Research Review

Health Conditions A-Z

'Contraceptive Coil Saved My Life': UK Woman's Persistent Abdominal Pain Led Her To Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis

UK Antidepressants to Carry New Warnings on Suicide Risk, Sexual Side Effects

Lead Poisoning: WHO Warns There Is No Known Safe Level; Flags Risks From Paint, Spices and Cookware