Copper coil (IUD) vs Female condom
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Overview
Rated 3.5
605 reviews
5 - 10 years
Frequency
Over 99%
Effectiveness
None
Blood clot risk
None
Effect on fertility
Rated 3.5
4 reviews
During or before sex
Frequency
79% - 95%
Effectiveness
None
Blood clot risk
None
Effect on fertility
Copper coil (IUD) ingredients
Female condom ingredients
What Lowdown reviewers say
Benefits: What this contraceptive can help with
There are no benefits that are recognised in scientific research or guidelines for this contraceptive
Protects against STIs
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Check out our latest reviews
Real life reviews from people like you
Copper coil (IUD) reviews
605 reviews
Used for 1 - 3 mo
31 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 days ago
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
Used for 1 - 3 mo
40 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 weeks ago
More painful periods with extremes like waves of cramps accompanied by sweating, nausea and dizziness
Very negative mood
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 5 - 8 yr
27 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 3 weeks ago
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
Used for 1 - 3 mo
31 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 days ago
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
Used for 1 - 3 mo
40 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 weeks ago
More painful periods with extremes like waves of cramps accompanied by sweating, nausea and dizziness
Very negative mood
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 5 - 8 yr
27 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 3 weeks ago
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
Female condom reviews
4 reviews
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 8th Feb 24
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!
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 19th Jan 22
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.
Top side effects not reported
3 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 26th Apr 21
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.
Top side effects not reported
2 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 8th Feb 24
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!
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 19th Jan 22
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.
Top side effects not reported
3 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 26th Apr 21
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.
Top side effects not reported
2 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 12th May 20
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.
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments

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