Copper coil (IUD) and more regular periods

I switched to the copper IUD after 8 years with implants and always irregular bleeding with the implant. The fitting was a little uncomfortable as expected but definitely bearable with a paracetamol taken beforehand. My first two proper periods were heavy-ish but not unmanageable (I don't remember having particularly heavy or painful periods before using implants); I felt some lower back ache and cramping for a couple of days at the beginning of each period but again this wasn't too bad, and it was nice to recognise a normal cycle after losing this when using the implant. Over the next four periods my bleeding has got a bit lighter than the first two, and I only feel occasional cramps or back ache so I'm very happy with the IUD and would definitely recommend it.

I originally came to the Lowdown in 2021 for advice on contraception. I trusted the reviews, albeit some weren’t positive, and went for the copper IUD. It’s been the best decision I’ve made re contraception. It allows me to have safe sex with my partner, without artificial hormones. I’m back in touch with my cycle which really helps, and my periods are really manageable. I have 3/4 day periods, with some cramps but mostly manageable. Whilst the procedure to get the coil is unpleasant, the pros definitely outweigh the cons.

I had the coil for 18 months, and while it offered some positives, it was overall a challenging experience for me. The insertion was unpleasant, and I was left feeling emotional for the rest of the day, which wasn’t something I was fully prepared for. I experienced unexpected heavy bleeding on random days outside my regular menstrual cycle for about three months. My periods, although they became regular, were very heavy and painful. Some months were more manageable than others, but overall, my periods were awful. I also had a constant feeling of pressure and a dull ache in my lower abdomen, which turned into sharper pain two weeks before my period. Additionally, I experienced some weight gain and bad acne. I was glad to be on a non-hormonal method of contraception, as it gave me a better understanding of my natural cycle. This ultimately helped me receive diagnoses for both PMDD and endometriosis, so the copper coil was helpful in that regard. However, during the last five months of using it, I developed persistent thrush. I have since switched back to the combined pill, as the side effects from the pill are less severe than those I experienced with the coil.