Hormonal coil (IUS) and spotting
Reviewers that reported spotting as a side effect
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
28 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 days 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
Used for 3 - 6 mo
42 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 6 days ago
I've had the mirena coil for four months, I'm still bleeding irregularly (period every 8 days) and lots of spotting. I've been dizzy for months, I'm feeling very low, I have water retention and a lot of lower back pain that feels like a pinched nerve so I'm battling to concentrate on work. I really want to have it removed but I'm terrified of going back to the alternative of extreme heavy periods that made me anemic.
Somewhat negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
33 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 weeks ago
I've had great success with a Mirena for treating jawline acne, after getting it to prep for going onto Roaccutane it actually cleared my acne up amazingly and now I just get the odd spot every month when I'm due on. I get irregular, yet light periods, and occasionally some spotting, and overall my period cramps have been lessened. My sex drive is not what it is when off hormonal contraception, but as I've been on hormonal contraception my whole adult life, bar a couple of years here and there, this hasn't been an issue overall. I have put weight on gradually, but I've also aged (now 34), so its more likely to be metabolic changes rather than a side effect. The only thing I would say is that the coil itself has moved twice, resulting in removal and replacement (I'm waiting for another removal, and will likely explore pill options again as its just too painful getting it replaced every 2 years!). It should last 8 years, but for whatever reason, maybe my anatomy, mine moves to be too low, and then the long process of getting it checked, ultrasounds, appt waiting times for removal, and everything else, means its not something I want to continue using at the moment. Overall though, it has been a really good method for me, and just because mine hasn't stayed where it should be, doesn't mean someone else won't have a good experience, its probably down to my anatomy only!
Improved skin
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
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
