What’s the lowdown?
- The copper coil (IUD) is a hormone-free contraceptive made of plastic and copper that can protect against unwanted pregnancy for up to 10 years. In the US the copper IUD brand is called ParaGard.
- The Mirena coil is a brand of hormonal IUD made from plastic that releases the hormone levonorgestrel and lasts up to 8 years
- Some people report lighter periods with the Mirena, whilst some experience heavier periods with the copper IUD
- The Lowdown’s user-reported side effects show that some people have experienced more vaginal discharge with both types of IUDs
Once you have decided what birth control method you would like to try (check out our birth control recommender tool to help you figure it out), choosing the brand and type of that particular contraceptive is a decision in itself. Luckily, our team of women’s health experts are on hand to help you decide if you’re really stuck. If you‘d like to chat to one of The Lowdown’s doctors about choosing the right type of coil for you right now, you can book an appointment here.
To help you make the best choice for you, and hopefully without having to conduct so much trial and error, here’s the lowdown on the ins and the outs (pun intended) of IUDs or coils.
Mirena Coil or hormonal IUD
The Mirena coil, is a brand of IUD which releases the hormone progestin. There are several types of hormonal IUD but for now, we shall focus on the Mirena. It is made of a white T-shaped frame made from a plastic called polyethylene, and can last for up to 8 years for contraception.
The Mirena coil releases levonorgestrel, a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone, similar to the natural form produced by your ovaries. It thickens the cervical mucus, which makes it more difficult for sperm to move through the opening in the cervix, and thins the lining of the womb so a fertilised egg is less likely to be able to implant itself. For some women (around a quarter) it may also stop ovulation.
It is inserted into your womb by a doctor a nurse at an appointment which you can book at your local sexual health clinic or some GP practices.
Copper IUD or copper coil (non-hormonal)
The IUD is a small plastic and copper device that, like the Mirena coil, is T-shaped and is inserted into your womb.
The copper alters the cervical mucus, which makes it more difficult for sperm to reach an egg and survive. It can also stop a fertilised egg from being able to implant itself into the lining of the womb.
The copper coils in the UK can last from 5 years to up to 10 years depending on which make of coil you have, whereas ParaGard lasts for 10 years.
Unlike the Mirena coil, the ParaGard and other copper coils are hormone free.
Side by side coil comparisons
Prices refer to how much each coil costs the NHS (as of September 2022)
Pros of both types of IUD…
- They can be used while breastfeeding
- They are not affected by other medicines
- They are some of the most effective forms of contraception available
- It’s possible to get pregnant as soon as the IUD is removed
Pros of the copper IUD / ParaGard
- The copper IUD protects you from pregnancy right away.
- It does not contain hormones and can also be an option if you cannot take oestrogen or experience side effects with hormonal contraception
- It can be used as a form of emergency contraception
Pros of the Mirena
- The Mirena coil is useful if you can’t use the hormone oestrogen, which is in the combined pill, the contraceptive patch and the contraceptive vaginal ring.
- It can reduce heavy bleeding and 52% of our reviewers say it completely stopped their periods (data until July 2024)
Disadvantages of the copper IUD
The copper coil can cause some women to experience heavier, longer and more painful periods, though this may improve after 6 months.
Disadvantages of the Mirena IUD
With the Mirena coil, some women experience side effects such as acne, headaches or breast tenderness, usually in the first few months. Some women also experience changes in mood or libido.
Initially you can get irregular bleeding or spotting for the first 3-6 months before this settles and the bleeding hopefully stops.
Although very rare, some women using Mirena can develop small fluid-filled cysts on their ovaries. These usually disappear without treatment.
Both types of IUD…
- Are great at protecting against pregnancy but don’t protect against STIs
- Require a fitting and removal appointment with a clinician
- Can cause vaginal discharge and may be a risk factor for thrush
- Can cause pelvic infection after insertion – usually within the first 3 weeks
What do our reviews say?
One of the great things about The Lowdown is that real contraception users tell us their thoughts on the contraception they have tried, which we hope helps you make a better decision when you are considering going on or coming off one.
For the Mirena coil, half (52%) of reviewers said it stopped their periods completely but for the copper coil, the majority (64%) said their periods became heavier.
Over half (58%) of reviewers said the Mirena coil either improved or did not affect their moods and 75% said the same for the copper coil.
Just below half (44%) said the Mirena coil caused no change to their sex drive, 10% said it increased and 29% said they felt a loss in their sex drive. For the copper coil, 64% of females said there was no change in their sex drive, 16% said there was an increase and 12% said there was a drop.
One of the most common side effects immediately after having the Mirena coil put in was vaginal discharge. Of the 41% reviewers who said they had vaginal discharge, almost 10% said it affected them a lot or a great deal.
Likewise, the same side effect was reported as the most common for the copper coil right after insertion. Of the 43% who said it was a side effect, 8% said they had a great deal of vaginal discharge, 11% quite a bit and 18% a bit.
(taken from data as of May 21 2024)
Mirena vs Copper IUD experiences
Mirena coil
“I have used the coil for best part of 20 years after my now 20 year old son was born. I would highly recommend, after trying the pill before this, hated that!”
“The day I had it fitted I had THE WORST cramps I have ever had but I did also have some post smear investigations done at the same time so they probably didn’t help. I had irregular bleeding for about 6 weeks due to having my implant removed and coming off the pill at the same time as having this fitted (hormones all over the place!) 3 months ish in and it’s the best thing I ever did! No side effects, no bleeding, no remembering to take anything and covered for 8 years. Bonus I feel so much happier/positive, loss a bit of weigh (I do exercise a lot) and increased sex drive.”
“I waited 2 years before getting the Mirena coil as I had heard so many horror stories. I saved up so I could go privately to a highly experienced gynaecologist as I was petrified about the insertion. I have had 2 babies, but I honestly did not even know she had inserted it! She gave me a numbing injection which didn’t hurt either, maybe that helped. No cramps until the evening which were quite strong, but a hot water bottle and ibuprofen helped. Some greasiness and spots in the first 3 months. However, 6 months later, no periods, no cramps, skin is back to normal, no bloating and a very reliable form of contraception. Best contraception I have used and just wish I had gone for it sooner! Advice would be, get a very experienced professional to insert, and keep with it for 6 months for your body to fully adjust.”
Copper coil
‘Painful insertion’
“The insertion was very painful however I think worth it if it works for you in the long term. The positives were no change in hormones so no change in weight, mood and other changes from hormonal contraception. For me it just made my periods too uncomfortable and I also got thrush and cystitis. I’ve heard since that it is better for women who have had children so maybe that was why.”
‘Very happy’
“Insertion was painful and I did feel faint during the procedure but it was quick and i felt better after about 10 mins. Since then my periods have been heavier but no change in PMS, pain or cramps and more importantly to me no change to mood, skin, weight or libido like hormonal contraception can do. Very happy with the copper coil, I can tolerate slightly heavier periods and don’t have to worry about pregnancy or the hormonal side effects of other methods.”
‘Terrible cramping’
“The Paragard was great in some ways but it caused me terrible cramping, heavy periods (I mean like soak a super sized tampon in an hour, which normally for me wouldn’t happen even in a day), and worst of all chronic, recurrent yeast and bv infections. I have had it out for more than a year and seem to have permanently altered my vaginal Microbiome as I am still getting the occasional infection. Worst decision of my life. If you’re cool with risking long term dysbiosis, go for it, as it is a well documented side effect. Otherwise, stay away.”
Still not sure which is best for you? Compare the Copper IUD vs Mirena in our brand new Contraception Comparison tool for side by side pros and cons. Or book an appointment for advice from our friendly doctors.
Got more questions about coils?
Sophie is a Cardiff University- trained journalist who is passionate about sharing womens’ contraception stories in the hope that it will connect with others.
You can find her on Twitter.
