Copper coil (IUD) vs Cap or diaphragm

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Copper coil (IUD)

Add your Copper coil (IUD) review

Cap or diaphragm

Add your cap or diaphragm review

Overview

Rated 3.5

605 reviews

5 - 10 years

Frequency

Over 99%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Rated 3.9

15 reviews

During or before sex

Frequency

84% - 94%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Copper coil (IUD) ingredients

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

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.

What Lowdown reviewers say

54% no impact on mood

69% heavier periods

63% no impact

75% no impact

75% no impact on skin

Cycle return

44% in 1 month

87% no impact on mood

87% no change

93% no impact

100% no impact

80% no impact on skin

Cycle return

50% in 1 month

Benefits: What this contraceptive can help with

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

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

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Add your cap or diaphragm review

Check out our latest reviews

Real life reviews from people like you

Copper coil (IUD) reviews

605 reviews

Copper coil (IUD)  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
31 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 days ago

Copper coil (IUD)  

I am a new user to the copper coil but am happy with how its going. I naturally have heavy periods (day 2 i would go through 4 pads extra absorbant in the day) but I'm in a place where i wanted to allow my body to heal after over 10 years of progesterone contraception ( implanon-mirena- copper coil). I feel this is a good balance for allowing my body to live in its natural state while also protecting from conception.

Read more

Very positive mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Copper coil (IUD)  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
40 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Copper coil (IUD)  

More painful periods with extremes like waves of cramps accompanied by sweating, nausea and dizziness


Very negative mood

0 helpful

0 comments

Copper coil (IUD)  
Used for 5 - 8 yr
27 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

Copper coil (IUD)  

My experience with the copper IUD happened over an 8 year period. Had my first copper IUD for 5 years, ages 19-24, was perfect, periods were heavier for around 3 months but went back to normal. No pregnancies, no pain, literally was a miracle contraception for me. Lost my IUD card so was not sure if I had a 5 or 10 year coil, clinic is impossible to get in touch with, so I thought I would get it replaced just in case. After replacing it I had horrible cramping, periods so heavy I would see stars, pain not only after sex, but after masturbating no longer than 2 mins. 6 months into my second IUD I went for scans and check ups as the pain was not getting better, everything seemed to be in place. Went to the clinic for a consultation and they advised get rid of it or go for the Kyleena. Got the Kyleena IUD which was amazing until I fell pregnant after having it for a mere 11 months. Terminated the pregnancy and went back to the copper IUD. I had three copper IUDs (YES 3 separate insertions) due to two of them moving out of place. All 3 of them gave me insane amounts of pain, WAY worse than the 2nd IUD, I’d get cramps going to pass a bowel movement or even overeating. Got this last one scanned and checked out due to the pain that was not subsiding, everything was in place, decided to leave it in despite the pain for another 3 months as I just really wanted it to be like the first one. After 3 months I was so depressed from how much pain I was in, I got it removed and now I am pain free. Giving this three stars because my first IUD was the best and I wish I could go back to it, the other 4 were seriously having an impact on my life and mental wellbeing, I spent a whole session with my therapist talking about my traumatic experience with this bloody thing. Please note I am an anomaly, but if you have it and the pain is not subsiding, do not hesitate to get it removed, some people’s bodies (such as mine) just reject it for whatever reason.


Top side effects not reported

1 helpful

0 comments

Copper coil (IUD)  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
31 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 days ago

Copper coil (IUD)  

I am a new user to the copper coil but am happy with how its going. I naturally have heavy periods (day 2 i would go through 4 pads extra absorbant in the day) but I'm in a place where i wanted to allow my body to heal after over 10 years of progesterone contraception ( implanon-mirena- copper coil). I feel this is a good balance for allowing my body to live in its natural state while also protecting from conception.


Very positive mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Copper coil (IUD)  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
40 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Copper coil (IUD)  

More painful periods with extremes like waves of cramps accompanied by sweating, nausea and dizziness


Very negative mood

0 helpful

0 comments

Copper coil (IUD)  
Used for 5 - 8 yr
27 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

Copper coil (IUD)  

My experience with the copper IUD happened over an 8 year period. Had my first copper IUD for 5 years, ages 19-24, was perfect, periods were heavier for around 3 months but went back to normal. No pregnancies, no pain, literally was a miracle contraception for me. Lost my IUD card so was not sure if I had a 5 or 10 year coil, clinic is impossible to get in touch with, so I thought I would get it replaced just in case. After replacing it I had horrible cramping, periods so heavy I would see stars, pain not only after sex, but after masturbating no longer than 2 mins. 6 months into my second IUD I went for scans and check ups as the pain was not getting better, everything seemed to be in place. Went to the clinic for a consultation and they advised get rid of it or go for the Kyleena. Got the Kyleena IUD which was amazing until I fell pregnant after having it for a mere 11 months. Terminated the pregnancy and went back to the copper IUD. I had three copper IUDs (YES 3 separate insertions) due to two of them moving out of place. All 3 of them gave me insane amounts of pain, WAY worse than the 2nd IUD, I’d get cramps going to pass a bowel movement or even overeating. Got this last one scanned and checked out due to the pain that was not subsiding, everything was in place, decided to leave it in despite the pain for another 3 months as I just really wanted it to be like the first one. After 3 months I was so depressed from how much pain I was in, I got it removed and now I am pain free. Giving this three stars because my first IUD was the best and I wish I could go back to it, the other 4 were seriously having an impact on my life and mental wellbeing, I spent a whole session with my therapist talking about my traumatic experience with this bloody thing. Please note I am an anomaly, but if you have it and the pain is not subsiding, do not hesitate to get it removed, some people’s bodies (such as mine) just reject it for whatever reason.


Top side effects not reported

1 helpful

0 comments


Cap or diaphragm reviews

15 reviews

Cap or diaphragm  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
27 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  6th Apr 25

Cap or diaphragm  

I’ve enjoyed using the cap around my fertile window but struggle to feel 100% confident I have inserted it correctly. When removing the cap I notice a lot of discharge but not after use, only when removing. Way better than the pill or condoms for me.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 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

2 comments

Cap or diaphragm  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
27 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  6th Apr 25

Cap or diaphragm  

I’ve enjoyed using the cap around my fertile window but struggle to feel 100% confident I have inserted it correctly. When removing the cap I notice a lot of discharge but not after use, only when removing. Way better than the pill or condoms for me.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 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

2 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 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2nd Dec 22

Cap or diaphragm  

Having experienced terrible physical and mental health side effects from both types of contraceptive pill (Combined and POP), and permanent pain and repeated UTIs with the copper coil, I hoped that Caya diaphragm would be a suitable non-hormonal method to try. Unfortunately, I found insertion very tricky - it seems I have a case of "deep vagina, small fingers", as I could never tell whether I'd pushed the diaphragm up far enough to cover my cervix, and sex was always a bit uncomfortable. I'm naturally prone to cystitis and thrush, and getting both while using the diaphragm also put me off using it long term. However, on the plus side - I didn't get pregnant (though I was still breastfeeding a lot, and my periods hadn't yet returned postpartum), and I did manage to avoid the hormonal depression, skin changes and weight gain/loss that I've experienced in the past with pills.


Top side effects not reported

3 helpful

1 comments

Cap or diaphragm  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  12th May 21

Cap or diaphragm  

All in all it was acceptable


Top side effects not reported

1 helpful

0 comments

Cap or diaphragm  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  23rd Aug 19

Cap or diaphragm  

Fiddly and a faff. Didn’t bother a couple of times and ended up pregnant. He’s nearly 20 now and I’m still married to his father so not all bad :) Tried the copper coil for a bit after but it gave me very heavy periods and stomach cramps which had never been a problem before. Switched to the mirena coil and now on my third - no periods for 15 years and no menopausal symptoms despite being 52. What’s not to like?


Top side effects not reported

1 helpful

0 comments

Cap or diaphragm  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  21st Aug 19

Cap or diaphragm  

I was only using it shortly, as I wanted to avoid hormones. It was not bad, but the need of using a spermicide as well was the reason why I stopped, I had vaginal discharge caused by the spermicide.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Cap or diaphragm  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  20th Aug 19

Cap or diaphragm  

As someone who has struggled with more mainstream contraception, this was a miracle. Zero side effects and non-invasive! You're able to insert it up to two hours before sex so it doesn't have the moodkiller effect of a condom, and neither partner can feel it once it's in, unless you're searching for it with a finger. Inserting and removing it takes a little getting used to, but the initial learning curve is very much worth it. (And any Mooncup users will find it easy enough.) Note you will need to be fitted by a nurse/ health practitioner to ensure its effectiveness. This can be tricky to find unless you live in a larger city/ you have a very thorough doctor, but it was worth persisting for me.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Cap or diaphragm  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  20th Aug 19

Cap or diaphragm  

A bit fiddly until I got used to it.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Contraceptive alternatives and comparisons

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