Hormonal coil (IUS) and period like cramps

How our community feel they have been impacted by period like cramps on hormonal coil (IUS)

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

None or not sure

38%

A bit

21%

Quite a bit

16%

A great deal

15%

A lot

9%

Out of the 894 reviews for hormonal coil (IUS), 552 people (62%) reported period like cramps.

Reviewers that reported period like cramps as a side effect

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

Used for 1 - 3 mo
27 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  4 days ago

I got the Benilexa IUS to treat painful periods and PMS. However, within under two months, it severely exacerbated my PMS, causing sleep deprivation, frequent panic attacks, bouts of crying, and increased suicidal thoughts. This was also experienced during my period. Most importantly, it has completely disrupted my Psoriatic Arthritis management. Despite being on a biologic (adalimumab), the IUD has triggered a massive flare in my right foot that has now progressed to my left foot and ankle. I went from rarely needing NSAIDs to relying on daily ibuprofen. Regarding my psoriasis, I noticed a slight change in dryness/thickness in scales but not much else. My periods were even more awful than before and I had to call sick into work which l've never had to do. I further experienced fluctuating pelvic and ovary pain, with some days better than others. I expected side effects, but not to this extreme, system-wide level. I understand for some women the IUS is life changing in a positive way and a great treatment for endometriosis, etc. However, for other women, it may not be suitable for our body, especially if you have pre-existing conditions like myself. Whether that's due to the small amount of hormones released into the blood stream or the body reacting to a foreign object to the body. Or even both. Please do your research and consult with professionals if you have specific conditions or autoimmune diseases. Because most of the time, they won’t or care to understand your concerns. I've thankfully had it taken out today and was told by the GP it would take a few weeks to see a positive adjustment, flare reduction, and difference to body/mind, to my joints especially. You know your body best, any triggers and what helps. If you have a terrible experience like mine, don't let anyone tell you to put up with the lUS a few more months just to see if it "settles", etc. Advocate for yourself and try all avenues. I’m lucky my threads today were visible as they were not at the last GP appt. And I’m very grateful I had a caring and understanding GP who listened, affirmed my concerns (such as assessing my joints), and believed me.

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Very negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 6 - 12 mo
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Super convenient; few side effects though not negligible.


Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
28 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

Sex drive plummeted on this, plus I think it made doggy uncomfortable and even painful, never had that issue before! I also had breakthrough bleeding whenever I did have sex, although this was the only time I would bleed. I had more intense period cramps and sore breasts on this than I had on any other contraception (implant, combined pill and mini pill), and I'm so glad to have it gone! Absolutely horrific experience getting it in, and ended up getting it out by myself at home when the sexual health nurse didn't want to remove it. Thankfully it was barely even uncomfortable to remove (would still recommend going to a health professional to remove though just in case!).


Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

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

44% of hormonal coil (IUS) reviewers reported tender breasts

39% of hormonal coil (IUS) reviewers reported vaginal discharge

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

27% 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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