Copper coil (IUD) vs Female condom

I got the Kyleena coil fitted in Jan 2025 - just for reference I am a 5"3 23yr old without ever given birth - the insertion was very uncomfortable but not the worst ever, I did it with my sexual health clinic as I find they are more patient and kind rather than a quick GP / hosp appointment. My 11 months with the coil were overall great, except extreme contraction like pain and very occasional periods that would either last hours or a day. I didn't bleed every month but would get the odd few days of a period, quite unpredictable. I got a scan in July time just to make sure it was in the right place due to the amount of pain I was getting, and was all fine. In November 2025 I suddenly got excruciating pain and was told the coil has moved (perhaps explains the contraction pain throughout the year, I presume my body was rejecting it). Thankfully I pushed for another scan otherwise I would've kept having unprotected sex lol. Despite all the above, I am getting another one fitted because it is a trusty bit of contraception - just be aware if you experience a lot of pain in the lower tummy, to get it checked out!!

I may have only had mine for 6 weeks but am currently very happy with my decision. Decided to get it to prevent a potential pregnancy as the morning after pill was potentially not going to be effective for where I was in my cycle. The insertion was uncomfortable as expected but the nurses were phenomenal, i was given a lidocaine gel and they talked me through every step. Had 24hrs of quite hefty cramps and light bleeding post insertion and it triggered my period early a few days later which was longer and heavier than my usual, but since then things have got back to normal in terms of my cycle length and symptoms I usually experience throughout and my next period came on time. Yes it’s heavier, a bit longer and the cramps are sometimes tough, but with a good regimen of painkillers, hot water bottles and being kinder to myself, i would take that over the risk of pregnancy any day. My partner doesn’t feel the strings when we have sex either. Will update in a few months 😊

Changed from mini-pill after 16 years as I wanted to know my body without hormones and start to understand my cycle better. No issues with the copper IUD. My periods are a bit heavier but they are more predictable and regular. I do have more cramps but they are manageable. Insertion was fine, just uncomfortable. I was surprised how quickly the cramping started after though. I was in quite a bit of pain for an about a week as it settled in.

Same as the male condom, has no side effects and will protect from STIs and pregnancy! The only thing its a little fiddly to get on and if you don't react well to latex then not ideal!

These condoms prevent me from getting UTIs, I can't have sex without them! I think it's because the part of the condom that sticks out covers my urethra and prevents bacteria from spreading. They're a little hard to use at first, and some brands are better than others, but I highly recommend them to everyone.

Tried it a couple times with different partners. Mixed reactions. I practiced inserting prior to anything, so it was easy, especially after a couple of tries. Sex felt no different for me and one of the partners. One didn't like the appearance and the other the feel. One thing I love is that it doesn't have that nasty latex smell! You can also use any lube. Overall, I think it is a great option for many people, but (like everything) you should try it a few times for yourself. Also great if you run into situations where the guy is resisting wearing a condom himself.

Used it once - it came off inside me within 5 minutes and I didn't realise so ended up having completely unprotected sex and having to get a STI test.