I got the copper IUD in September, after being on the combined pill for around 10 years, and I’m so glad I did. Let’s start with the insertion, which was a lot better than I expected as I had read lots of negative experiences so I was terrified. I had mine inserted in a sexual health clinic as opposed to a GP surgery which I definitely recommend as I think they’re more equipped for it personally. Comfier chairs/beds, pain relief and staff who carry out multiple procedures every day (compared to my GP who held one IUD insertion clinic a month). A nurse carried out the procedure & a HCSW was present for comfort and to hold my hand. The nurse numbed my cervix with a gel which worked amazingly as I didn’t feel the pinch on the cervix at all. Measuring my cervix and inserting the IUD felt like painful period cramps, which for me was okay as I have had awful period pains in the past and it wasn’t as painful as those. This isn’t to diminish anyone’s painful experiences, but to offer a different experience as everyone is really different. I had some mild cramping for the rest of the day and the day after but nothing that stopped me going about my daily life. I also had quite heavy discharge for around 2-3 weeks after insertion but that settled down and returned to normal. Prior to coming off the pill I had been experiencing extremely painful and heavy withdrawal bleeds which lasted around 7 days and so I was scared of the common side effects of the copper IUD of increased bleeding and pain. However in my experience my pain has almost disappeared completely and whilst my periods are still heavy, they only last around 3-4 days now which is amazing, and using a menstrual cup as helped to manage the heaviness. So for me I think the pill was causing most of my issues. I would definitely recommend the copper coil as hormone free alternative, especially if you’re experiencing issues with the pill after being on it for a long time like I was.

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