Copper coil (IUD) vs Combined pill

I genuinely love my copper coil (IUD) that lasts 10 years, and I wanted to write this review as I used to hear horror stories about it and it almost put me off, but I didn't experience this and I want to reassure others that may be considering this. I got my copper coil in March 2023 after an unwanted pregnancy as a last resort. No hormonal contraception worked for me and I often experienced negative side effects, so I felt my last attempt was the copper coil. What a GREAT choice! Yes, the insertion is uncomfortable, but I asked for cervical numbing cream and it was mildly uncomfortable for two minutes. Definitely bearable with numbing cream. Since then, my periods are still regular a little bit heavier. and I do get a few more cramps. Very easily managed with a menstrual cup and painkillers. I love not having to think about my contraception, and I don't need to think about getting it replaced for TEN years. What a dream! It's a life saver for those of us that struggle with hormonal contraceptives.

As the copper IUD gets so much negative press I wanted to post my genuine positive experience. Initially I was apprehensive to get the coil after hearing so much fear mongering, and so many users saying they had major cramping (perhaps some did), but this wasn't the case for me. I experienced the worst period cramps that I have ever had within the first 7-10 days post-insertion, but it was manageable with ibuprofen + heating pad. Once I got through those initial days it practically subsided (apart from the slight numbness around my cervix from the procedure which healed around the month marker so I recommend taking any kind of sex slowly to avoid worsening it). Between days 10 and my first period I had occasional mild cramps here and there, but after that first period the cramps completely subsided. Fast forward to month 6 I can confidently say that the cramps only occur at normal times of the month (just before or the first days of your period) just slightly more painful but not unbearable. When it came to bleeding side-effects in the first 3 months I never got any spotting between periods and my period came on time but was heavier than usual (more bleeding but the same number of days as without an IUD). However after that 3 month marker I remember the bleeding becoming lighter, to the point now where it is similar if not the same as the amount pre-IUD. In conclusion the IUD has worked great for me, and I barely even notice it now. If you can do visit a sexual health clinic over a GP surgery, as they seem to be more experienced. Please don't let peoples bad experiences put you off, I strongly believe that for 99% of IUD users the bad experiences are based upon people noticing the fine details with their body that perhaps was there before but now that they have the IUD they become a 'worrier'. That every little cramp means something bad. I say that if you have an issue, go and see a professional who's qualified and not ask the internet.

I’ve had no issues since having it put in January 2022. Having it placed was uncomfortable but not painful (I was 22 and not had any children). I was done with the side effects of hormonal contraception and I’m glad I made the switch.

Love this pill, I've been on it for nearly 10 years now and have noticed few changes and side effects. If anything, my skin is more clear and my periods are light (3-4 days instead of my usual 6-7). I feel more emotional than baseline but it does not bother my day-to-day activities.

Overall its fine, slowed down my metabolism and made me pretty dry but that's all

This has by far been the best pill for me I love how confident and comfortable I feel

Thrush constantly. Horrible.

My worst side effects have been the mood swings, I am crying a lot more for no reason than I ever did before, it definitely has made me more emotional. My period has gone from being 3 to 4 days to being 1.5 / 2. My breasts become really sore and hard before and after my period. I don’t feel as sexually active as before and I experience dryness more regularly than normal. My skin is completely clear with the pill. Everything bad is / has been fairly manageable, not ideal but haven’t had any pregnancy scares.

I had very good experience for 2.5 years and then I got acne.

The “Nordette” pill was not much better than the Nur-Isterate injection. It just decreased my mood swings. I lost a bit of weight (went back to my normal size) my acne got worse . Libido was still incredibly low. And Vag still as dry as a desert

This contraception is highly effective, but for me the main side-effect is major hair loss and irregular periods.

My legs randomly ache, I have. 0 sex drive, the thought of being touched is making me sick. I have severe anxiety and I’m borderline suicidal. This is not the right pill for me but going back to my gp and getting another one seems exhausting.

I am 26. Have been on yasmin pill 7 months, I take in the evening just after food. I have PCOS and PMDD. I have found it to be good- it has really stabilised my mood as im not getting hormone fluctuations and has helped with insomnia and mood swings. The side effects: Breasts getting bigger [they might be slightly tender but also have large breasts to begin] and potentially more anxious/irritable but I also have more stress in my life so I think this is due to that. I have not noticed changes to skin [pimple every so often like before]. I also do 3 pill packs back to back without a break week and this caused some intermittent bleeding so now I do 2 pills back to back and this has gone away. I would recommend, once you get into the rhythm of taking a pill is easier.