Copper coil (IUD) reviews

I know people’s experience differ greatly from insertion, to side effects and even removal, but I guess I was one of the unlucky ones… the insertion was extremely painful and also a very odd experience. I felt extremely faint, and nearly passed out during it. I couldn’t get off the bed for an hour afterwards as I felt like my legs were going to give in. After leaving the room, I had to sit in reception for another 30mins to ensure I won’t pass out on public transport. Also I have never heard of cervical shock/vasovagal syncope, nobody has ever told me about this. I think it should be explained before the procedure. I had very bad cramps for 3 days. On the first night I had another episode of feeling like passing out and shaking violently as if in shock. It was terrifying but I was determined to give it a good go. I had some mild cramping on and off for the rest of the time I had it in and a dull ache at the times I wasn’t cramping. I could also definitely feel it was in there… especially during workouts. My period wasn’t heavier but it lasted 7 days straight and kept spotting until it was taken out (my periods usually last 3 days). 3 weeks after insertion I had another episode of ‘shock’ accompanied by extreme pain, so I had to lie on the floor for an hour and then go to A&E to see if it could have got dislodged as the pain was very severe. They couldn’t do a scan even after a 9hr wait as the registrar wasn’t available so hoping for the best I decided to wait until 3 days later when the clinic had availability for removal. The removal hurt just as much as insertion but for a shorter period of time, and only felt slightly faint for a bit afterwards. There were some cramps for the next 48hrs but more bearable (like a light period) and some spotting. I knew I was feeling unwell while it was in, but only once it was taken out did I realise just how much pain I was in constantly. I wish it worked, and it’s great it does for some people but it was not for me. :(

I used this contraception for 4 years from 2019- 2023. Firstly, it made my periods extremely heavy and painful to the point where i was unable to do usual daily activities . Would also bleed during sex consistently. However, i ignored these side effects because it was doing what it needs to do and preventing pregnancy and i was afraid to use hormonal birth control . When i went to the doctors about bleeding issues they would just tell me its a normal side effect from the copper IUD. However this year i found i was pregnant with the IUD still working not expired and in place so essentially it failed for whatever unknown reason. Now apparently this is very rare to happen, but it happened to me and it has happened to other people. No health care professionals would take the coil out because i was pregnant and as a result of this i ended up miscarrying with the coil still in place, which was very painful and i bled heavily for a month after. It was very difficult to get it taken out, as apparently there was a struggle to find the placement. Eventually it was taken out a month after the miscarriage. Since having it taken out i have been using the combined pill for 3 months which has made my periods less heavy and much less painful. My advice would be to anyone who is afraid of using hormonal contraception like i was to just try it. As it turns out that non hormonal contraception can cause just as many issues if not more issues than hormonal contraception can. However it is important to remember that everyone is different. Ultimately, i would definitely not recommend this contraception especially if you haven’t tried hormonal alternatives.

Getting the coil in was fine, obviously wasn’t the most comfortable thing but my nurse was amazing and I didn’t feel much pain. The next day I had period like cramps then they went away with some ibuprofen. Sex drive was so increased and boobs have grown bigger, only down fall is the periods are quite painful but that was outlined to me in my consultation and it was my choice to receive it. Everything else has been perfect.

I had this coil for just over 6 months until I couldn’t cope with it any longer . First of all the insertion was a bizarre pain which I can’t describe but it made me scream. I had a few mild cramps after for the rest of the day and some light spotting but this settled however this made my periods SO much more painful and heavy . My period before the coil would usually last about 3 days it would be heavy and i would get some cramps but this coil made me bleed for around 8 days each time, so heavy that I would be changing pads every hour or less and the cramps would be unbearable, I would get shooting pains, stabbing pains, back pains. They were so bad I was unable to leave the house or even work because the pain would be so strong I couldn’t focus . Painkillers did nothing either . I got terrible ovulation pain too to the point where I couldn’t walk around without having to sit down all the time, I would also have spotting around this time too. My moods were definitely different on the coil too, I got very snappy, angry and anxious, I don’t know if this is down to the coil or just the pain I was constantly in. I probably only got about 1 week a month where I would feel fairly normal on this. I really wanted this to work out for me so kept thinking to myself I’ll give it another month to see if it gets better but it just really didn’t suit me. I had it removed this today and I already feel happier. I felt like there was a weird like of pressure/slight pain that was always there and that has gone now . I’m now unsure what to do as this has put me off trying any other coils and I don’t like taking hormones .

The insertion was fast and didn't hurt much to my surprise. However the following months my periods were 2x as heavy and much more painful. But these effects subsided eventually when my body got used to it! Sadly I had to get it removed after 8 months because the IUD had moved. I would still say my experience was positive overall because I didn't need to worry about getting pregnant anymore and I mostly didn't even notice my Copper IUD except on my periods.

Not had this one for long but I had a great procedure for insertion, I went privately after the NHS had zero appointments anywhere. I've been very lucky to have no extra pain with my periods, they aren't that painful normally and I'd say they'd stayed the same pain wise. I am bleeding a lot more heavily though but my iron levels are normal and I'm okay with it. Was a bit annoying the first month as I couldn't wear a tampon until the strings had softened but now it's no different except I need to change my tampon three times a day rather than one to two previously before insertion. This isn't a deal breaker in my eyes but could be for others. No effect on my mood and I'm very happy with it!

The copper coil really didn't agree with me. I felt terrible. I felt like I was being poisoned. My uterus felt like it was trying to leave my body and run away. I was bleeding a lot, every few days. I had to go and have it removed at a walk in clinic. It was painful to sit and wait. When I gave my symptoms to the doctor they made me go for an ultrasound as they thought my symptoms sounded like the copper coil had perforated my uterus. Thankfully that was not true!

Having the copper coil inserted was quite uncomfortable. I didn’t have any pain after insertion. My periods only last around a week and only really heavy for 1-2 days of the period. My only annoyance is that I’m having light brownish discharge on and off after and before my period and mostly after sex. Having to wear a panty liner most days which is annoying. Otherwise no other issues with the copper coil!

After 2 years on the progesterone pill & implant with very irregular periods I decided to try the copper coil - best decision I made! I was very nervous at the thought of the coil and insertion but I had a lovely nurse and healthcare assistant who were really supportive and told me exactly what was happening and when. The procedure did hurt, but it was a manageable pain. I experienced a short sharp pain which was then followed later by cramping, I also felt dizzy afterwards. The day of the procedure was the worst cramps I've ever had. I'd recommend stocking up on painkillers and having a hot water bottle. I had the following couple of days free which I was glad for as I didn't feel up to going out or to work. After a couple of days to settle I was fine and back to normal. For the next few months my periods were much heavier and with more painful cramping but this was still manageable. I also began to have ovulation pain/ cramping, my GP said to monitor this as the coil is still settling. Today, almost a year later, I am feeling so much happier with my health, despite some settling issues and the cramping/ pain. I would say the positives outweigh the negatives in my experience. I have my regular normal periods back, reduced acne and generally feel better for being off hormonal contraceptives - I wish I'd done it much sooner & I now don't need to worry about it for 10 years!

Great option for those who don’t have heavy periods to begin with!