Cap or diaphragm vs Hormonal coil (IUS)

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Cap or diaphragm

Add your cap or diaphragm review

Hormonal coil (IUS)

Add your Hormonal coil (IUS) review

Overview

Rated 3.9

14 reviews

During or before sex

Frequency

84% - 94%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Rated 3.5

794 reviews

Every 3-8 years

Frequency

Over 99%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Cap or diaphragm ingredients

A contraceptive diaphragm or cap is a circular dome made of thin soft silicone although they come in different shapes sizes and materials. You need to use it with a gel that kills sperm called spermicide. The most common active ingredient of spermicides is nonoxynol-9.

Hormonal coil (IUS) ingredients

Main hormones in Hormonal coil (IUS)

progestogen

What Lowdown reviewers say

86% no impact on mood

86% no change

93% no impact

100% no impact

75% no impact on skin

Cycle return

50% in 1 month

43% no impact on mood

48% stopped periods

47% no impact

59% no impact

53% no impact on skin

Cycle return

30% don’t know impact

Benefits: What this contraceptive can help with

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

Adenomyosis

Endometriosis

Heavy periods

Menopause

Period pain

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Add your Hormonal coil (IUS) review

Check out our latest reviews

Real life reviews from people like you

Cap or diaphragm reviews

14 reviews

Cap or diaphragm  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  13th May 24

Cap or diaphragm  

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.

Read more

Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Cap or diaphragm  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1st Jan 24

Cap or diaphragm  

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.


Top side effects not reported

2 helpful

1 comments

Cap or diaphragm  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  14th Feb 23

Cap or diaphragm  

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!


Very positive mood

2 more effects

1 helpful

1 comments

Cap or diaphragm  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  13th May 24

Cap or diaphragm  

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.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Cap or diaphragm  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1st Jan 24

Cap or diaphragm  

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.


Top side effects not reported

2 helpful

1 comments

Cap or diaphragm  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  14th Feb 23

Cap or diaphragm  

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!


Very positive mood

2 more effects

1 helpful

1 comments


Hormonal coil (IUS) reviews

794 reviews

Hormonal coil (IUS)  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
23 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 day ago

Mirena coil  

Worsened eczema, dry skin, overly sensitive skin


Worse skin

0 helpful

0 comments

Hormonal coil (IUS)  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
20 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 days ago

Mirena coil  

minimal side affects comparted to my experience on the combined pill


Worse skin

0 helpful

0 comments

Hormonal coil (IUS)  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
44 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Mirena coil  

I had such high hopes for the Mirena to help with my heavy periods but sadly I'm nearing the six month mark and there has been no improvement in the long term, if anything my periods are worse and I can't find any reason online as to why. I couldn't put up with the monthly flooding any longer and the NHS waiting list was at least 12 months, so I paid privately for the Mirena to be fitted. The insertion was uncomfortable but bearable (I haven't had children) and I didn't experience any discomfort immediately afterwards. The cramps during menstruation in the first two months following the fitting were intense, but the period was lighter so it still seemed like a win overall and I remained hopeful the cramps would ease as my body got used to the coil. That has happened and the cramps have eased to next to nothing now, but strangely my periods after the three month mark have been horrendous. I've been losing clots bigger than I have experienced before and I am back in incontinence pads to manage the amount of blood I lose. I can't continue to afford to access private care and I remain on the NHS waiting list, where I guess I will discuss ablation when I finally reach the top of the list. I so wish this had worked for me because it seemed an easy option and importantly it didn't end my fertility, but sadly it wasn't to be. I don't know why I'm surprised it didn't work for me, this is just my luck!! I wish it hadn't cost me hundreds of pounds to find this out, but for those it works for it seems life changing so it very much felt like an avenue worth exploring.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Hormonal coil (IUS)  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
23 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 day ago

Mirena coil  

Worsened eczema, dry skin, overly sensitive skin


Worse skin

0 helpful

0 comments

Hormonal coil (IUS)  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
20 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 days ago

Mirena coil  

minimal side affects comparted to my experience on the combined pill


Worse skin

0 helpful

0 comments

Hormonal coil (IUS)  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
44 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Mirena coil  

I had such high hopes for the Mirena to help with my heavy periods but sadly I'm nearing the six month mark and there has been no improvement in the long term, if anything my periods are worse and I can't find any reason online as to why. I couldn't put up with the monthly flooding any longer and the NHS waiting list was at least 12 months, so I paid privately for the Mirena to be fitted. The insertion was uncomfortable but bearable (I haven't had children) and I didn't experience any discomfort immediately afterwards. The cramps during menstruation in the first two months following the fitting were intense, but the period was lighter so it still seemed like a win overall and I remained hopeful the cramps would ease as my body got used to the coil. That has happened and the cramps have eased to next to nothing now, but strangely my periods after the three month mark have been horrendous. I've been losing clots bigger than I have experienced before and I am back in incontinence pads to manage the amount of blood I lose. I can't continue to afford to access private care and I remain on the NHS waiting list, where I guess I will discuss ablation when I finally reach the top of the list. I so wish this had worked for me because it seemed an easy option and importantly it didn't end my fertility, but sadly it wasn't to be. I don't know why I'm surprised it didn't work for me, this is just my luck!! I wish it hadn't cost me hundreds of pounds to find this out, but for those it works for it seems life changing so it very much felt like an avenue worth exploring.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Hormonal coil (IUS)  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
36 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 month ago

Mirena coil  

Insertion was fine, just like a deep period cramp but only lasted 3 seconds. I was a little cranky for the rest of the day but no more than a regular period. I did bleed and spot for 4-6 weeks after insertion and then gradually over the last 12 months my periods have become lighter and lighter and have now stopped with only the odd day of spotting . What I will say is it doesn't totally prevent pms symptoms but has massively improved mines. I had to suffer from terrible tender breasts for 14 days leading up to my period and bad bloating ! That's gone now but I do still get a little emotional round about the time I would get my period. My only negative I can say is I have gained approx 1.5 stone but I can't say for certain it's this coil. I am hoping to diet and exs in the new year and lose it. Over all this is a brilliant form of contraception for me after trying so many pills , the implant , the patch you name it. This has been by far the best one with little to no side affects. I strongly recommend it.


Gained weight

0 helpful

0 comments

Hormonal coil (IUS)  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
28 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  10th Dec 24

Mirena coil  

Prepare for an immediate & severe drop in mood after insertion, coupled with intense pain for the first few weeks. My mood has stabilised a bit after 5 months, but overall I am much lower in mood and lack energy and motivation. The headaches are persistent and I have gained 1 stone. I bled for 3 months straight and now I bleed for approx half of the month, with painful periods and severe bloating.


Very negative mood

3 more effects

2 helpful

0 comments

Hormonal coil (IUS)  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  27th Nov 24

Jaydess coil  

I’ve had this coil in for around 5 weeks now which isn’t a long time but it’s the best i’ve used so far. I have had positive experiences with copper IUDs in the past but they have all rejected due to strong period cramps, so I decided to give the Jaydess a try as it is the lowest dose of hormones available. I initially had it inserted a week after my period and the following week I started my period that lasted 17 days, very heavily. I didn't have any mood swings or weight gain in that time, but the cramps were SO bad for the entire time. On the weight gain, my experience might be skewed as I go to the gym and do very rigorous cardio 6 days per week. I have ultra dry skin also, so I cannot comment on acne as I luckily don’t suffer from it, apart from one super huge spot that came up on week 4. So far so good girls, stay safe and good luck!


Somewhat positive mood

1 helpful

0 comments

Hormonal coil (IUS)  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  26th Nov 24

Mirena coil  

I have found the coil a very useful and relatively stress free form of contraception. I find the lighter periods much easier to deal with, my PMDD has been a lot more manageable with the coil and I appreciate not having to remember to deal with contraception regularly. My only issues have been some uncomfortable cramping occasionally and I did have an ovarian cyst which the doctor thought could be related to the hormonal contraception. The cyst did require an overnight hospital stay for pain relief but didn’t require surgery to fix, it went away on its own. Overall, taking everything into account I would still recommend the hormonal coil for ease etc - I think it is worth it!


Somewhat positive mood

1 helpful

0 comments

Hormonal coil (IUS)  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  18th Nov 24

Mirena coil  

Mostly happy but dryness is a big issue, making sex uncomfortable and sometimes not possible. No other issues so will persist but was not an expected side effect!


Somewhat positive mood

1 helpful

0 comments

Hormonal coil (IUS)  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  18th Nov 24

Kyleena coil  

Really good contraception however I feel my breasts are sore 3 weeks out of 4.


Gained weight

1 helpful

1 comments

Hormonal coil (IUS)  
Used for 5 - 8 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  13th Nov 24

Jaydess coil  

After having a bad experience with the Nexplanon implant (very low mood) I decided to try the Jaydess coil as recommended by my doctor. Insertion is very painful as expected but the taking out is fine, I am currently coming to the end of my second coil so I'm swapping to the Mirena for a longer lifespan but I have loved this coil - I had some painful cramps for about 3 months at the beginning of the first coil but after about 6 months everything settled down. I've had no periods, no mood changes, no weight gain, my skin hasn't been great but it has improved recently and I wouldn't confidently say this was down to the coil anyway, more likely lifestyle choices.


Somewhat positive mood

1 more effect

1 helpful

0 comments

Contraceptive alternatives and comparisons

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