Cap or diaphragm vs Copper coil (IUD)

Apart from the issue I'm currently dealing with (it getting stuck inside of me), I LOVE the diaphragm. I found out I wasn't never fitted (which is why it kept getting stuck upon removal), so my new, awesome doctor actually sized me. It's easier than popping in a tampon once you learn how to do it and then ya pop it out the morning after sex. No side effects, no hormones, no emotional hangover. It's very hard to find though. Pharmaceutical companies don't want women to buy one silicone object that lasts for the rest of your life, so finding the right size and actually getting it has been a challenge. My mom used it and only got pregnant to have me (her only child) and I've been using it for 5+ years with no issues.

I've used Caya several times over the past couple years (they last up to 2 years- due for a new one now). I use it on the edges of my fertile window (with fertility awareness) and/or combined with withdrawal or condoms to boost efficacy during the fertile window. Always use with Caya/Contragel- they come with an applicator to re-insert the gel into the vagina, as you need to reapply the gel each time you have sex. Watching the YouTube instructions on how to put it in (plus the instruction manual in the box!) helped me understand how to use it properly and to have an idea of how it was inserted properly.

I used the caya cap. It has been a game changer after previously taking the pill. I feel in control, no need to remember to take a pill, just put it in when needed. Better than condoms as it is women based and not detectable. Effect of not taking hormonal contraceptives has been amazing. All the side effects that I had ( migraines, reduced sex drive, dryness, breast tenderness, strong period pains, breakthrough bleeding and emotionalness) all gone. I wish someone had told me about it before!

I used the Lowdown to choose the coil and true to some of the reviews, my experience of insertion was painful. My periods for the first three months were much more painful and heavier than previously. Month one was so bad I thought to remove it but I persevered and it got easier with every passing period. Now it is settled and is a brilliant contraception method! I highly recommend. My periods are heavier and longer but I think it’s worth not having other side effects.

On the whole the coil has been a good method of contraception. It was a little painful when getting fitted but cramps only lasted a few hours after. Mine was meant to last 10 years but I had to get it removed early as I was in a lot of pain and my period had gotten a lot heavier. I managed to get an ultrasound which showed my coil had slipped down and was no longer a reliable method of contraception.

Getting the Gynefix fitted was surprisingly painful but probably could have been less painful if I took some painkillers before the appointment. My first couple of periods with the coil were bloodier than usual but they quickly normalised. I had absolutely no side effects or symptoms with the Gynefix for 5 years, it was simply brilliant. Although I did experience a few chemical pregnancies and ended up doubling up with condoms for the final 18 months of having the coil. I was particularly concerned about the removal process but surprisingly it didn’t hurt too much at all. In conclusion I would absolutely recommend the Gynefix as a fantastic pain-free, hormone free contraception method.

My 3rd coil now. 1st lasted years. Second one fell out and I didn’t realise so accidentally got pregnant. 3rd has extra long strings so hopefully that won’t happen again. Never had much pain during insertion or removal or any added pain any other time just slightly heavier periods. Overall have always been happy with the copper coil just need to be better at checking the strings after each period. Feel happier and have a higher sex drive while it’s in.

I switched to the copper IUD after 8 years with implants and always irregular bleeding with the implant. The fitting was a little uncomfortable as expected but definitely bearable with a paracetamol taken beforehand. My first two proper periods were heavy-ish but not unmanageable (I don't remember having particularly heavy or painful periods before using implants); I felt some lower back ache and cramping for a couple of days at the beginning of each period but again this wasn't too bad, and it was nice to recognise a normal cycle after losing this when using the implant. Over the next four periods my bleeding has got a bit lighter than the first two, and I only feel occasional cramps or back ache so I'm very happy with the IUD and would definitely recommend it.

I've had copper coil since february 2024 and I feel so good that my body can have a normal cycle again after years on a pill. The insertion itself wasn't nearly as bad as people say. Yes it was a sharp cramp but it only lasted around 30 seconds and I could still talk through it so it wasn't anything traumatising. I took 800 mg of ibuprofen beforehand and that's what the doctor advised as well, it definitely helped. On the day I had it done I felt a bit weak and my lower abdomen felt as if I did a great deal of ab exercise. Nothing a couple painkillers and hot water bottle couldn't solve. My periods did become much heavier and more painful but before I had a coil they were very light and I had no pain at all so it is probably just about the same as most women experience every month. For this reason I wouldn't recommend it to people who already have heavy and painful periods but for someone like me it is manageable. I definitely feel so much better with it than a pill, sex became way more enjoyable and I'm more in tune with my body. I had the procedure done at sexual health clinic so I would recommend it over a GP. Overall very good experience and If I don't get any side effects from it over the next 5 years I will definitely do it again.

I originally came to the Lowdown in 2021 for advice on contraception. I trusted the reviews, albeit some weren’t positive, and went for the copper IUD. It’s been the best decision I’ve made re contraception. It allows me to have safe sex with my partner, without artificial hormones. I’m back in touch with my cycle which really helps, and my periods are really manageable. I have 3/4 day periods, with some cramps but mostly manageable. Whilst the procedure to get the coil is unpleasant, the pros definitely outweigh the cons.

Sadly the copper IUD didn’t work well for me. Felt like it made my PMS worse, also experience hair loss. So removed after a few months and swapped to mirena coil.

I had the copper coil put in a few months after my birth. I have tried to stick with it to settle down, but as time went on my period each month got heavier and more painful. I'm currently getting advice to get it removed and find a new contraceptive to lighten my period.

I’ve had the copper coil for 3 years, and at first I was really happy (having swapped from the combined pill after getting migraines with aura). I liked being hormonal free, and my periods have been regular, I’ve been much more aware of my cycle than when on the combined pill. However, over the last year my periods have been getting increasingly longer, more painful and heavier (with 3-5 days of very light bleeding followed by 2-3 heavy days with significant cramps) so I’m going to try and swap to the hormonal coil. Insertion was painful but quick - and I found a sexual health clinic offered pain relief whereas a GP appointment did not.