Copper coil (IUD) vs Hormonal coil (IUS)

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.

I had used the Mirena coil back to back post partum for 9 years very happily but my LEA meant I was only having withdrawal bleeds. After restoring bodyweight and menstruating naturally, I went back for Mirena but was given Jaydess. The insertion was more problematic and that she how I ended up with Jaydess over Mirena. I had irregular and more bleeding for the first 3 months but read the reviews on here to help me persevere. I was “angry” as on Mirena it was always so easy but then I wasn’t actually properly menstruating due to low energy availability (eating disorder) so I drew perhaps FALSE causation on Jaydess being wrong. I have very light but regular periods and my PME is definitely reduced. I’ve had it in a year and am very happy with it and my threads have stayed in place despite roughhousing which wasn’t always the case with the Mirena. I’m in no rush to have to it out even though I turn 50 this year.

Had this for adenomyosis and the pain stopped for a while but its back again now so the side affects aren't worth it for me. Having it removed later today

I love my hormonal coil. I have had no side effects what-so-ever and my bleeding is regular but extremly light, only monthly spotting. I did have ongoing spotting for around the first 6 months but no issue at all since then and the spotting was worth it for the final result of minimal bleeding.

Expressed concerns as not very tolerant to pop pills, was told it’s localised so wouldn’t be the same. Insertion caused intense one sided stabbing pain. This cramping then continued for the 6 weeks that I tolerated it, especially after eating. Bleeding and spotting was literally all day everyday. My moods worsened, anxiety went through the roof and I felt horrible! Didn’t have sex at all with it in! Asked to have it removed and gp ignored me. Arranged appointment with sexual health clinic, 4 week wait. You are at their mercy for removal, no control of your own body. Luckily an amazing nurse who could see the distress it was causing me. Instant relief once removed. Mood lifted and amazing not to be bleeding every single day. I couldn’t have waited out the 6 months, if I could I would have removed it myself.

Was on the injection for over 6 years and was advised to change due to adenomyosis diagnosis. Injection gifted me no periods for 6 years and I’ve still not had any sine changing to coil. Insertion was painful but 6/10 initially. Hot water bottle and pills helped. Cramping did occur infrequently for 2-3 weeks post insertion. Breasts have definitely enlarged and far more tender to touch, feel heavier and unfortunately don’t fit my bra’s anymore. 1st world problems. No issues during intimacy or post either. Other than the cramps, no complaints!

I previously had the copper coil for 4 years because I wasn't keen on using a hormonal contraception but I wish I'd changed to benelixa sooner. I opted for a numbing injection during the procedure and hardly felt anything, it was great. Afterwards there was some very mild cramping and unfortunately I did get mild thrush within the week, however since then it's been amazing. Hardly any pain during periods and they are sooo much lighter. I used to bloat all the time but now I never do. I also lost about 4lbs and have stayed at that weight ever since. I had thinning hair previously and now have lots of new baby hairs coming in all over my head which I'm delighted about. Sex drive has decreased ever so slightly but not enough to be a problem. No changes to my skin or any other negative side effects. Really can't recommend it more, I'm delighted with not being in agony every month and I have much more energy since I'm only losing about a quarter of blood compared to before.

I’ve had the kyleena iud for just over a year. Initially, I had more painful periods but that’s common for about 6 months as your body adjusts but this has since gone away. After about 6 months, I started to suffer with vaginal dryness. This was easily managed with lube during sex but after a year it really started to get bad. It was causing constant thrust (5 times in 3 months) which I had never been prone to before and the pain during sex can sometimes mean we have to stop or I’ll be okay for a bit but then after will be bleeding or have sort of friction burns. It’s coming out soon but it’s just a shame about the dryness as I loved it otherwise

My first year of the coil seemed to be okay. Took a while to get used to and on the grand scheme of things after about 3 months my period pretty much left.. but in the last year, I’ve been getting symptoms of anger, forgetfulness and generally feeling checked out. Going to speak to GP to find another option.

Hard to tell if it’s improved but I definitely have breast tenderness

Kyleena was recommended with mr having Adenomyosis due to wrongly being given the copper coil before and bleeding for months on end. Kyleena had irregular periods to begin, the only sidr effect for the first 4 months were severe coldnesd/flu like symptoms the day before my period for all 4 months. As my periods stopped, my sex drive and mental health crashed. I'm on month 9 and awaiting removal.