Contraception Reviews

Copper IUD vs Combination birth control pill

Copper IUD

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Combination birth control pill

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Overview

Rated 4.0

5 reviews

5 - 10 years

Frequency

Over 99%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Rated 3.4

20 reviews

Daily

Frequency

91% - 99+%

Effectiveness

Increased

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Copper IUD ingredients

Copper coils are made of a T-shaped frame of polyethylene (plastic) and barium sulphate. Copper wire is wound around the vertical arm.

Combination pill ingredients

Main hormones in Combination pill

estrogen

What Lowdown reviewers say

Benefits: What this birth control can help with

There are no benefits that are recognised in scientific research or guidelines for this birth control

Acne or bad skin

Heavy periods

PMS and PMDD

PCOS symptoms

Period pain

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Real life reviews from people like you

Copper IUD reviews

5 reviews

Used for 3 - 6 mo
22 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  1 week ago

I experienced a lot of common side effects of the IUD, it may have been caused by the fact that it was misplaced, and I didn't find out until I went in to get it removed. While I used it, it was an effective contraceptive, even with it being misplaced. I used it for almost six months, and the negative symptoms didn't alleviate at all throughout that time. I would recommend a provider who has a lot of knowledge about IUDs and who doesn't downplay pain before considering it, but it can be a great choice

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Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 5 - 8 yr
30 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  26th Jul 23

Was great for first three years, inserted 6 weeks post partum after 4th child, however 1 year in and I noticed alopecia had begun but didnt progress further than two small patches of hair loss in back of hair line. 2 years in underwent a lot of stress and lost a lot of weight. Gained it back in covid. 4 -5 years in could not shed 1kg despite everything. Resistance training, cardio, macro tracking, eating for my cycle. Begun experiencing debilitating pain in hips and groin especially during intercourse. Anxiety and symptoms of PMDD seeped in, becoming intense every month throughout luteal phase. Periods were getting heavier and heavier, datigue before and during period was so severe i was missing shifts at work and nearly lost my job. Duration started at 7-10 days then slowed to 5/6 days with spotting for 3-4 days. Started to experience menses symptoms during ovulation including spotting, cramping, swelling, cravings and mood swings. Gynecologist highly recommended removal after debilitating pain, nausea, dizziness and headaches. Possibly anaemic due to blood loss. Overall, great for first 1-3 years. Then bad, very bad. My paraguard should have been left in another 5 years. Personally my moods shifted that quick, there was no way i could do even another month of it! I believe it should have been changed regardless of my symptoms at that time frame. Gynecologist prescribed mini pill (microlut in Australia to be exact) 30mcg of levenorgestrel. Started it day 5/6 of cycle (period just finishing) so far, tiny bit of left over spotting from period, slight tenderness in breasts, slight bloating and cramping. I am mostly oestrogen dominant, with very big noticeable fluctuations in my luteal phase, hoping the small increase of progesterone will help the cravings and severe 3-5kg fluid retention at the time. Dont see dr for another 4 months. Currently needing cortisone (steroid) injections for inflammation in my hips from copper, hair slightly growing back in bald spots. I urge anyone getting this device or if you already have it in, research further. My body is a freaking mess as it begun to wreck havoc on my body. All signs and symptoms of copper toxicity, plus copper binds to oestrogen so i believe my rising fluctuating levels of oestrogen in the luteal phase were exacerbated by the iud.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 8+ yr
45 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  21st Jul 23

I’m in perimenopause so it’s difficult to know if the coil has changed my periods, as they have naturally changed a lot in the last three years. I don’t think they are heavier because of the coil and have never had bad cramps while using it. Would definitely recommend


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 3 - 6 mo
22 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  1 week ago

I experienced a lot of common side effects of the IUD, it may have been caused by the fact that it was misplaced, and I didn't find out until I went in to get it removed. While I used it, it was an effective contraceptive, even with it being misplaced. I used it for almost six months, and the negative symptoms didn't alleviate at all throughout that time. I would recommend a provider who has a lot of knowledge about IUDs and who doesn't downplay pain before considering it, but it can be a great choice


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 5 - 8 yr
30 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  26th Jul 23

Was great for first three years, inserted 6 weeks post partum after 4th child, however 1 year in and I noticed alopecia had begun but didnt progress further than two small patches of hair loss in back of hair line. 2 years in underwent a lot of stress and lost a lot of weight. Gained it back in covid. 4 -5 years in could not shed 1kg despite everything. Resistance training, cardio, macro tracking, eating for my cycle. Begun experiencing debilitating pain in hips and groin especially during intercourse. Anxiety and symptoms of PMDD seeped in, becoming intense every month throughout luteal phase. Periods were getting heavier and heavier, datigue before and during period was so severe i was missing shifts at work and nearly lost my job. Duration started at 7-10 days then slowed to 5/6 days with spotting for 3-4 days. Started to experience menses symptoms during ovulation including spotting, cramping, swelling, cravings and mood swings. Gynecologist highly recommended removal after debilitating pain, nausea, dizziness and headaches. Possibly anaemic due to blood loss. Overall, great for first 1-3 years. Then bad, very bad. My paraguard should have been left in another 5 years. Personally my moods shifted that quick, there was no way i could do even another month of it! I believe it should have been changed regardless of my symptoms at that time frame. Gynecologist prescribed mini pill (microlut in Australia to be exact) 30mcg of levenorgestrel. Started it day 5/6 of cycle (period just finishing) so far, tiny bit of left over spotting from period, slight tenderness in breasts, slight bloating and cramping. I am mostly oestrogen dominant, with very big noticeable fluctuations in my luteal phase, hoping the small increase of progesterone will help the cravings and severe 3-5kg fluid retention at the time. Dont see dr for another 4 months. Currently needing cortisone (steroid) injections for inflammation in my hips from copper, hair slightly growing back in bald spots. I urge anyone getting this device or if you already have it in, research further. My body is a freaking mess as it begun to wreck havoc on my body. All signs and symptoms of copper toxicity, plus copper binds to oestrogen so i believe my rising fluctuating levels of oestrogen in the luteal phase were exacerbated by the iud.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 8+ yr
45 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  21st Jul 23

I’m in perimenopause so it’s difficult to know if the coil has changed my periods, as they have naturally changed a lot in the last three years. I don’t think they are heavier because of the coil and have never had bad cramps while using it. Would definitely recommend


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments


Combination birth control pill reviews

20 reviews

Used for 3 - 5 yr
22 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  6 days ago

This isn’t the best birth control I’ve been on but I’ve been on worse pills. I mainly switched because my previous pill was negatively affecting my mood. This pill doesn’t! I do have the occasional spotting but for the most part my periods are regular and light!


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 6 - 12 mo
19 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  2 weeks ago

This birth control has been effective with stopping pregnancy while giving me light periods with little to no side effects.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 6 - 12 mo
23 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  2 weeks ago

Literally the god send pill that I started using on my study abroad year in America but can no longer access because I’m British and its only available in the US😭 Literally had no negative side effects apart from some nausea at the beginning that went away swiftly. PLS AUBRA, COME TO THE UK, I WILL PAY FOR YOU!!


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 3 - 5 yr
22 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  6 days ago

This isn’t the best birth control I’ve been on but I’ve been on worse pills. I mainly switched because my previous pill was negatively affecting my mood. This pill doesn’t! I do have the occasional spotting but for the most part my periods are regular and light!


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 6 - 12 mo
19 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  2 weeks ago

This birth control has been effective with stopping pregnancy while giving me light periods with little to no side effects.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 6 - 12 mo
23 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  2 weeks ago

Literally the god send pill that I started using on my study abroad year in America but can no longer access because I’m British and its only available in the US😭 Literally had no negative side effects apart from some nausea at the beginning that went away swiftly. PLS AUBRA, COME TO THE UK, I WILL PAY FOR YOU!!


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 12 - 18 mo
25 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  2 weeks ago

it’s fine, I got back in it after being on a higher hormonal dosage then going off — and it’s definitely helped my acne. But I do feel really bloated and eh


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
25 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  2 weeks ago

I wanted a pill that I'd still have my period on and that was good, but I wasn't thrilled about not having a sex drive.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 3 - 5 yr
25 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  2 weeks ago

Made my period short and regular but so heavy. Like only 2-3 days but going through a super plus every couple hours.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 3 - 5 yr
27 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  3 weeks ago

It has been incredibly effective with preventing pregnancy. As long as it is taken consistently. Weight gain and loss of sex drive started within the first 6 months of taking.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 5 - 8 yr
27 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  3 weeks ago

I think Yaz has gotten a bad rap in the past, but for me it was totally fine. It was a great choice for me at the time and I experienced no major side effects. I would recommend this to others.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 6 - 12 mo
23 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  1 month ago

I've heard it works for some people but not for me. It made me so moody where I could tell there was a major difference than the other brand I was using. I got bad acne every week before my period (did not happen before this pill). The only positive was that I had no cramps and my period was lighter.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 1 - 3 mo
21 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  1st Aug 23

So far it’s been good just got down with month three and experienced some spotting but I also have been skipping the placebo pills


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

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