Copper coil (IUD) and thrush

I got the Kyleena coil fitted in Jan 2025 - just for reference I am a 5"3 23yr old without ever given birth - the insertion was very uncomfortable but not the worst ever, I did it with my sexual health clinic as I find they are more patient and kind rather than a quick GP / hosp appointment. My 11 months with the coil were overall great, except extreme contraction like pain and very occasional periods that would either last hours or a day. I didn't bleed every month but would get the odd few days of a period, quite unpredictable. I got a scan in July time just to make sure it was in the right place due to the amount of pain I was getting, and was all fine. In November 2025 I suddenly got excruciating pain and was told the coil has moved (perhaps explains the contraction pain throughout the year, I presume my body was rejecting it). Thankfully I pushed for another scan otherwise I would've kept having unprotected sex lol. Despite all the above, I am getting another one fitted because it is a trusty bit of contraception - just be aware if you experience a lot of pain in the lower tummy, to get it checked out!!

I really had high hopes that the copper coil would work for me, as in theory it sounds great! However, after a long wait and several appointments later. I finally got the copper coil inserted. However… two weeks later, the coil had to be removed, as it had moved down from my uterus into my cervical canal. Which can happen and is apparently rare! I was just unlucky. Due to me never being pregnant or giving birth (according to the GP) insertion procedure without anaesthetic was super difficult and quite uncomfortable for me. Luckily the GP didn’t push and force her way through my cervix and stopped the procedure after struggling for a while. The GP then referred me to my local sexual health clinic, to have the procedure done there instead. As apparently they have more facilities available and can apply anaesthetic to your cervix, in these types of situations. When I finally had the procedure done, it was a positive experience, thanks to the anaesthetic!!! It did hurt a little. The pain felt like a sharp period cramp that came and went! I wouldn’t recommend the coil personally, as in my experience it was a faff to get done and then only to have it removed two weeks later! Also, with how easily the coil moved! And the procedure being slightly painful, even with anaesthetic. All of the above is not ideal!

My experience of the copper IUD is mixed, even if overall positive. I first got it as emergency contraception after my first sexual experience, and was not properly offered any pain relief. The pain was excruciating and slightly traumatic, but also as I wasn't used to things going inside my vagina either. However it served me perfectly for 5 years, and no hormones and side effects from those. When it was time for renewal I was prepared emotionally and knew what pain relief to ask for. The procedure itself was quick and felt very empowering. They offered me the 10 year one which was slightly bigger and I thought it was no big deal. I was in constant low level pain and discomfort with it, and periods became excruciating. I got it switched back to a 5 year one and this cleared up. Again. the procedure was fairly quick as I knew my body and had good pain relief. My last one suited me fine up until around 2020, when the combination of the stress from the pandemic and using an expired lube gave me recurring yeast infections that lasted at least a year. I then discovered that it had slipped and so got it removed, deciding to switch to Fertility Awareness Method. After that, the recurring yeast infections stopped.