Copper coil (IUD) vs Implant

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Copper coil (IUD)

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Implant

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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 2.8

615 reviews

Every 3 years

Frequency

Over 99%

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.

Implant ingredients

Main hormones in Implant

progestogen

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

37% somewhat negative

49% irregular periods

50% lost sex drive

40% gained weight

56% no impact on skin

Cycle return

31% 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

Heavy periods

Ovulation pain

Period pain

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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


Implant reviews

615 reviews

Implant  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 days ago

Nexplanon implant  

At first stopped my periods for 1 year but after periods came back much lighter but at random times. Now periods are more regular and still light rather than random spotting. Recently the doctor found a cyst in my ovary they think was caused by the implant.


Decreased sex drive

0 helpful

0 comments

Implant  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
22 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 month ago

Nexplanon implant  

I really didn’t like this. I felt I was always bleeding and the first 3 months are brutal emotionally.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Implant  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
20 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  20th Aug 25

Nexplanon implant  

To me, the implant feels like a very fair tradeoff, where inconsistent spotting and occasional sore boobs is a price I am willing to pay to ensure I have the best protection from pregnancy. That is why I have rated it 5 stars, despite mild side effects. I have had the implant for six months now, and I can honestly say that it has been immense. My copper IUD gave me heavy periods and back pain which would ruin my day, and caused me lots of stress when it randomly decided to dislodge itself after 3 months. The implant cannot dislodge, so this was a welcome improvement. My partner and I used condoms but were worried about the risk of "human error". I was hesitant to start hormonal birth control because I heard stories about people losing their libido or experiencing emotional/personality changes, but these changes have thankfully not occured for me! I may cry slightly more (at films and such) since getting the implant, but I don't actually feel any sadder if that makes sense. Prior to contraception I always had easy, regular periods. Since getting the implant, I have only experienced two physical side effects. One of these is irregular spotting for ~7 days at a time, once or twice a month. This spotting sometimes becomes period-like in terms of the bleeding, and occasionally comes with period-like cramps. I have found this to be easily manageable, but some people find it very frustrating and everyone will have a different experience. It's up to you which side effects you are and aren't willing to put up with. The second side effect for me is sore boobs, although I haven't experienced this for a while. I am hoping that this side effect has run its course now that I have had the implant for 6 months. In terms of the insertion process, it was a ridiculously easy procedure (although I only have an IUD insertion to compare it to). If you're scared of needles I would recommend taking a friend with you because they inject your arm to numb it (mild pain for under 10 seconds, then it's numb). As someone who isn't bothered by needles and had such a friendly doctor, getting the implant was nothing more than an excuse to be taken out for a celebratory dinner. Please don't let the insertion process put you off! Whilst the insertion may sound more inconvenient than picking up a box of condoms or a prescription, it is very straightforward and will only require a 10-minute doctors oppointment every 3 years. I had the implant in my dominant arm and I was able to do normal everyday things, although I had to be cautious about lifting things or raising my arm for the first few days. The bruise took about a month to fully fade, but the mild-moderate aching was gone within a week and a half. In summary, it is so easy to read these reviews and make asssumptions about the implant based on peoples stories of irregular bleeding, painful insertions and hormonal side effects. BUT it is not a negative experience for everyone, and I am so glad to have the implant!


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Implant  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 days ago

Nexplanon implant  

At first stopped my periods for 1 year but after periods came back much lighter but at random times. Now periods are more regular and still light rather than random spotting. Recently the doctor found a cyst in my ovary they think was caused by the implant.


Decreased sex drive

0 helpful

0 comments

Implant  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
22 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 month ago

Nexplanon implant  

I really didn’t like this. I felt I was always bleeding and the first 3 months are brutal emotionally.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Implant  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
20 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  20th Aug 25

Nexplanon implant  

To me, the implant feels like a very fair tradeoff, where inconsistent spotting and occasional sore boobs is a price I am willing to pay to ensure I have the best protection from pregnancy. That is why I have rated it 5 stars, despite mild side effects. I have had the implant for six months now, and I can honestly say that it has been immense. My copper IUD gave me heavy periods and back pain which would ruin my day, and caused me lots of stress when it randomly decided to dislodge itself after 3 months. The implant cannot dislodge, so this was a welcome improvement. My partner and I used condoms but were worried about the risk of "human error". I was hesitant to start hormonal birth control because I heard stories about people losing their libido or experiencing emotional/personality changes, but these changes have thankfully not occured for me! I may cry slightly more (at films and such) since getting the implant, but I don't actually feel any sadder if that makes sense. Prior to contraception I always had easy, regular periods. Since getting the implant, I have only experienced two physical side effects. One of these is irregular spotting for ~7 days at a time, once or twice a month. This spotting sometimes becomes period-like in terms of the bleeding, and occasionally comes with period-like cramps. I have found this to be easily manageable, but some people find it very frustrating and everyone will have a different experience. It's up to you which side effects you are and aren't willing to put up with. The second side effect for me is sore boobs, although I haven't experienced this for a while. I am hoping that this side effect has run its course now that I have had the implant for 6 months. In terms of the insertion process, it was a ridiculously easy procedure (although I only have an IUD insertion to compare it to). If you're scared of needles I would recommend taking a friend with you because they inject your arm to numb it (mild pain for under 10 seconds, then it's numb). As someone who isn't bothered by needles and had such a friendly doctor, getting the implant was nothing more than an excuse to be taken out for a celebratory dinner. Please don't let the insertion process put you off! Whilst the insertion may sound more inconvenient than picking up a box of condoms or a prescription, it is very straightforward and will only require a 10-minute doctors oppointment every 3 years. I had the implant in my dominant arm and I was able to do normal everyday things, although I had to be cautious about lifting things or raising my arm for the first few days. The bruise took about a month to fully fade, but the mild-moderate aching was gone within a week and a half. In summary, it is so easy to read these reviews and make asssumptions about the implant based on peoples stories of irregular bleeding, painful insertions and hormonal side effects. BUT it is not a negative experience for everyone, and I am so glad to have the implant!


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Implant  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
32 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  16th Aug 25

Implant  

All the great wetness I was feeling down there is all gone. I have painful sexual intercourse and I'm sad.


Very negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Implant  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
17 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  13th Aug 25

Nexplanon implant  

Poor experience. Great at preventing pregnancy however side effects on mental and physical health were not worth it. I chose to prioritise my health and swap to condoms.


Very negative mood

0 helpful

0 comments

Implant  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
24 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  23rd Jul 25

Nexplanon implant  

Bled constantly for months, then no period for ages, then bleeding again for weeks on end. Really heavy which is abnormal for me. No sex drive, I was really depressed for the nearly 3 years I was on this and I thought that was just me, funnily enough when i came off it I felt so much better and couldn’t believe most my problems were probably being caused by this implant


Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Implant  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  20th Jul 25

Nexplanon implant  

Extreme weight gain, despite always being a consistent weight and no changes in lifestyle/eating habits. Also I have become increasingly more self conscious and body conscious, so an affect on mental health


Very negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Implant  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
19 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  13th Jul 25

Nexplanon implant  

Great if you want to have sex and not worry about pregnancy’s however the change in my physical appearance and mood swings have been crazy and I will be getting it removed asap as I can’t go on like this


Very negative mood

1 more effect

1 helpful

0 comments

Implant  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
20 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  5th Jul 25

Nexplanon implant  

Some infrequent cramping and bleeding but in general a good experience. Despite a lot of fear and generally being very bad with needles, a very good fitting experience (thank you to the nurse for introducing me to glucose shots that reduced the delayed faint for me!), and very convenient to not have to think about it for a few years. Feeling for it has not been as bad as it sounded, and while you cannot avoid side effects as easily - unlike a pill or patch you can't just stop taking it or take a break - they have not been worse than a usual cycle, and happen less frequently so overall, happy!


Somewhat positive mood

0 helpful

0 comments

Implant  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  4th Jul 25

Nexplanon implant  

Great, less to worry about. But the cramps are brutal as well as the mood swings.


Somewhat negative mood

0 helpful

0 comments

Contraceptive alternatives and comparisons

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