Hormonal coil (IUS) and decreased sex drive

How our community feel hormonal coil (IUS) has affected their sex drive

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

No change

47%

Don't know

15%

Out of the 857 reviews for hormonal coil (IUS), 238 people (28%) reported decreased sex drive.

Reviewers that reported decreased sex drive as a side effect

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

Used for 5 - 8 yr
31 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  today

I liked that it was minimal effort once inserted. My periods were far lighter and less frequently occurring. Because of the thickening of vaginal fluids being part of the mechanism; I found I because much more prone to UTIs after sex and also had lower sexual drive. I came off the Mirena because I wanted to track my cycle accurately to see if my hormones and cycle were affecting/triggering my seizures (I have drug resistant epilepsy). When I came off the Mirena I found I was less anxious over the months following swapping to the copper coil I.e. non hormonal. This had not been a concern of mine when on it.

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Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 5 - 8 yr
31 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

The mirena coil did effectively reduce menstrual bleeding and prevent pregnancy. Due to thickening vaginal discharge I found I was more prone to thrush and also that this had an impact on arousal. I was an advocate for the hormonal coil until I changed to a non hormonal birth control and found that this had elevated my anxiety certain times in my cycle. I am epileptic without seizure control and this was my reason for coming off hormonal methods. Female hormones can trigger seizures in women with refractory epilepsy!


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 3 - 6 mo
38 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  11th Jul 25

I got the coil fitted to control heavy periods with contraception as a bonus. I’m aware I might be still in the settling down phase, this is my experience so far. Fitting was uncomfortable but I’ve had 3 vaginal birth so nothing touches that! Cramps for a few days but settled down. So far I have been bleeding most of the time since having it fitted, not heavy, light, but constant and irregular patterns. Very annoying. Low self esteem and low mood. Weight gain, despite being more physically active and eating healthily. Increase in headaches and migraines. Generally unimpressed at the lack of connection with healthcare professionals and Mirena coil users. So many women reporting poor experience yet doctors aren’t relaying this information. Will be having it removed. I choose control over my body over convenience.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Hormonal coil (IUS) common side effects

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

62% of hormonal coil (IUS) reviewers reported period like cramps

43% of hormonal coil (IUS) reviewers reported tender breasts

40% of hormonal coil (IUS) reviewers reported vaginal discharge

29% of hormonal coil (IUS) reviewers reported lower back pain

26% of hormonal coil (IUS) reviewers reported breast enlargement


Possible hormonal coil (IUS) side effects

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

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