Copper IUD vs Mini pill

I had Paraguard for almost 7 years. When it was first inserted (insanely painful) I was told it would last for 12 years, however it fell out recently. Only half fell out, as one arm broke off and I was recommended to have a hysteroscopy under full anesthesia to remove the missing part. Luckily it came out on its own and I didn’t require the operation but it was a terrifying experience. Throughout the past 7 years the only issues I had was very heavy periods and severe cramps (including sharp pain when going to the bathroom). Other than that, it was great for me and nice to have regular periods.

I've never used any forms of birth control before, so I don't know what to compare it to other than being normal and not on birth control. Insertion was uncomfortable but not very painful, and I had pain in my cervix and spotting for about a week afterward. My body adjusted very quickly and I had normally spaced periods right after. The most noticeable difference is that my period is lighter and longer. My sex drive noticeably decreased, and my emotions are dampened/numbed. I forget that I even have it 99% of the time, as I don't notice it in my daily life. If all you're looking for is plain and simple low-maintenance birth control, this is it.

Cramping is significantly worse than before I had the IUD. Periods have lasted about 3 weeks when they used to only last 5-7 days. After the IUD was inserted, I ended up having 3 UTIs and cervicitis.

I was on this pill for about 4-5 months. I’m just going to try to sum this up the best way I can; No change with boobs, no change with weight, acne cleared up, no change with hair growth or loss. Dizziness, several headaches a week. Fatigue, low mood and feeling numb. First 3 months was constant spotting and bleeding with about a week to week and half of nothing in between. Then I stopped taking placebos and zero bleeding or spotting for two months. Also around this time I experienced a huge drop in libido, barely able to get turned on and unable to get wet. The few times I tried to have sex I kept getting a perineal tear in the same spot and this was with a significant amount of lube. Finally found a doctor who told me this was because of my birth control. It impacted my hormones and changed my hormones down there to the point I was unable to have sex. My lips also looked like a prune and were wrinkly. I’ve been off the pill for over a week and my lips are pink, full and plush, and I was able to get wet when kissing my husband which had not happened in months. I feel like I’m coming alive again. Personally done with hormones, we are doing nfp and condoms. I don’t want to scare anyone but this was my experience if you happen to go through the same it may be this pill causing the tearing issue and other sexual function issues (which is listed as a side affect)

I like it, helps me a lot with my cramps

Had a terrible experience with a combined BC pill (depression, exhaustion, weight gain), the mini-pill has been GREAT. I get my period only twice a year, and the only side effects are some breast tenderness an occasionally ovarian cysts before my period, but never serious. No mood side effects.

Took OPill after pregnancy, to fill the gap before going back to IUD. Ease of access is a big plus (picked up at grocery store, no prescription needed). First period was weird: started spotting at around the normal time of month, but just stayed like that for about a week before starting "in earnest", at which point it was fairly normal. Feeling a reduction in libido and sexual sensitivity, but could also be related to post-pregnancy hormone fluctuations.

I used to be able to skip periods but my old birth control gave me monthly migraines so I switched to the mini pill. My migraines are decreasing and my periods are regular now.

When I started take this pill 3 weeks in I noticed my hair falling out I took it almost 2 months iv been off of it 3 weeks and my hair is still falling out when will it stop

Worked out great until I started losing my hair. Had more ovary pain too.

Some irregular bleeding and headaches in the first few weeks but overall a good experience. This is the first birthcontrol pill that did not give me mood swings and depressive feelings.

Chosen due to migraine with aura risk, had hair loss but could be unrelated. I did not bleed for first 3 months, now I do not bleed on the placebo week, but in the third week of a new pack

I didn't experience any side effects or issues while taking the pill. The hardest thing was remembering to take the pill at the same time every day. And, while I was traveling, I always brought the pill in my purse so I had it if my baggage got lost. My experience with the pill was great- effective and easy.