Copper coil (IUD) vs Injection
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Overview
Rated 3.5
564 reviews
5 - 10 years
Frequency
Over 99%
Effectiveness
None
Blood clot risk
None
Effect on fertility
Rated 2.9
269 reviews
Every 2-3 months
Frequency
97% - 99+%
Effectiveness
None
Blood clot risk
Short term
Effect on fertility
Copper coil (IUD) ingredients
Injection ingredients
Main hormones in Injection
progestogen
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
Endometriosis
Heavy periods
Period pain
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Real life reviews from people like you
Copper coil (IUD) reviews
564 reviews
Used for 1 - 3 mo
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 days ago
When getting the coil the pain wasn’t too bad. I had extreme cramping for 1 day about a week after getting the coil fitted. My periods were a lot heavier, the first period being the worst however these got better. Still very heavy. I also experienced a lot of cramping which I didn’t have before. The two worst side effects for me were that I constantly have Bacterial vaginosis which I’ve never had before. I’ve had it 6 times within the 3 months which resulted in me always being on antibiotics which also made me feel sick. The other bad side effect I’ve been experiencing is the low moods. 3/4 weeks of the month I feel so upset and angry. I know this method is non-hormonal but I didn’t experience these emotions before having the coil. I have PCOS so I’m uncertain if maybe this affects this too. I’m going to get it removed.
Very negative mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
27 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 days ago
I had the coil for 18 months, and while it offered some positives, it was overall a challenging experience for me. The insertion was unpleasant, and I was left feeling emotional for the rest of the day, which wasn’t something I was fully prepared for. I experienced unexpected heavy bleeding on random days outside my regular menstrual cycle for about three months. My periods, although they became regular, were very heavy and painful. Some months were more manageable than others, but overall, my periods were awful. I also had a constant feeling of pressure and a dull ache in my lower abdomen, which turned into sharper pain two weeks before my period. Additionally, I experienced some weight gain and bad acne. I was glad to be on a non-hormonal method of contraception, as it gave me a better understanding of my natural cycle. This ultimately helped me receive diagnoses for both PMDD and endometriosis, so the copper coil was helpful in that regard. However, during the last five months of using it, I developed persistent thrush. I have since switched back to the combined pill, as the side effects from the pill are less severe than those I experienced with the coil.
Very negative mood
3 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 6 mo
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 6 days ago
Although it has only been a few months, I have had a very positive experience with the copper iud. Insertion (with local anesthesia) was painful but not unbearable and the cramps for the first two periods after were really bad. Once I was in the third month things have calmed down. I’ve had heavier periods, spotting, and worse (but not terrible) cramps in the first days of my periods. Overall it has been really great for me. I also have had success using a menstrual cup with the iud in ;)
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 days ago
When getting the coil the pain wasn’t too bad. I had extreme cramping for 1 day about a week after getting the coil fitted. My periods were a lot heavier, the first period being the worst however these got better. Still very heavy. I also experienced a lot of cramping which I didn’t have before. The two worst side effects for me were that I constantly have Bacterial vaginosis which I’ve never had before. I’ve had it 6 times within the 3 months which resulted in me always being on antibiotics which also made me feel sick. The other bad side effect I’ve been experiencing is the low moods. 3/4 weeks of the month I feel so upset and angry. I know this method is non-hormonal but I didn’t experience these emotions before having the coil. I have PCOS so I’m uncertain if maybe this affects this too. I’m going to get it removed.
Very negative mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
27 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 days ago
I had the coil for 18 months, and while it offered some positives, it was overall a challenging experience for me. The insertion was unpleasant, and I was left feeling emotional for the rest of the day, which wasn’t something I was fully prepared for. I experienced unexpected heavy bleeding on random days outside my regular menstrual cycle for about three months. My periods, although they became regular, were very heavy and painful. Some months were more manageable than others, but overall, my periods were awful. I also had a constant feeling of pressure and a dull ache in my lower abdomen, which turned into sharper pain two weeks before my period. Additionally, I experienced some weight gain and bad acne. I was glad to be on a non-hormonal method of contraception, as it gave me a better understanding of my natural cycle. This ultimately helped me receive diagnoses for both PMDD and endometriosis, so the copper coil was helpful in that regard. However, during the last five months of using it, I developed persistent thrush. I have since switched back to the combined pill, as the side effects from the pill are less severe than those I experienced with the coil.
Very negative mood
3 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 6 mo
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 6 days ago
Although it has only been a few months, I have had a very positive experience with the copper iud. Insertion (with local anesthesia) was painful but not unbearable and the cramps for the first two periods after were really bad. Once I was in the third month things have calmed down. I’ve had heavier periods, spotting, and worse (but not terrible) cramps in the first days of my periods. Overall it has been really great for me. I also have had success using a menstrual cup with the iud in ;)
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Injection reviews
269 reviews
Used for 3 - 6 mo
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 weeks ago
the side effects makes it feel like its not worth it. i cant eat the things i like as much because im gaining weight and dont want to be unhealthy. i feel way more fatigued
Very negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 6 mo
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 weeks ago
the side effects makes it feel like its not worth it. i cant eat the things i like as much because im gaining weight and dont want to be unhealthy. i feel way more fatigued
Very negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
18 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 weeks ago
I went on thsi injection due to my terrible experience with rigevidon, at first everything was fine as my skin cleared up, i only get the odd spot which is supported by acne medication- which was great considering i am acne prone. However it was beginning clear that i was gaining weight, I started off as a size 8 (very slim and petite) to currently being a size 14, leading to a size 16. My hips have also widened, this has led to an increase of SO many stretch marks, it has had an affect on my confidence due to this durastic change, while having the same diet the whole time. Yet this may be because i began at 16 now 18, coming into adulthood maybe?? At the minute my moods are terrible, i am very irritable, riddled with anxiety and more sensitive; so if youre looking into this as someone who has suffers with mental health I would not recommend. The pain of the injection is not bad however I am attempting to come off of this contracpetive as soon as possible yet just struggling which pill to choose due to my fear of weight gain, poor skin and loosing my sex drive. Just remember eveyones experience is different this is just mine :)
Somewhat negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 6 mo
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 weeks ago
the side effects makes it feel like its not worth it. i cant eat the things i like as much because im gaining weight and dont want to be unhealthy. i feel way more fatigued
Very negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 6 mo
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 weeks ago
the side effects makes it feel like its not worth it. i cant eat the things i like as much because im gaining weight and dont want to be unhealthy. i feel way more fatigued
Very negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
18 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 weeks ago
I went on thsi injection due to my terrible experience with rigevidon, at first everything was fine as my skin cleared up, i only get the odd spot which is supported by acne medication- which was great considering i am acne prone. However it was beginning clear that i was gaining weight, I started off as a size 8 (very slim and petite) to currently being a size 14, leading to a size 16. My hips have also widened, this has led to an increase of SO many stretch marks, it has had an affect on my confidence due to this durastic change, while having the same diet the whole time. Yet this may be because i began at 16 now 18, coming into adulthood maybe?? At the minute my moods are terrible, i am very irritable, riddled with anxiety and more sensitive; so if youre looking into this as someone who has suffers with mental health I would not recommend. The pain of the injection is not bad however I am attempting to come off of this contracpetive as soon as possible yet just struggling which pill to choose due to my fear of weight gain, poor skin and loosing my sex drive. Just remember eveyones experience is different this is just mine :)
Somewhat negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
32 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 month ago
I would absolutely never recommend this to anyone. As someone who has previously struggled with mental health issues but has been well for about 10 years, my mood has been incredibly low and my anxiety through the roof. This is not something I’ve experienced for years (actually last time I was on hormonal contraception). I feel very lucky to be in touch with my moods and still having therapy so I’ve been able to quickly be aware this is likely to be the Depo as nothing else has changed to bring this on. I will not be using this again and would really recommend others proceed with caution.
Very negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
22 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 month ago
I went on the depo injection after having my little boy as I thought it was an easy form of contraceptive as I didn’t have to remember to take it everyday. Fast forward a week post injection I started with the most horrific nausea, stomach pains, back pain and anxiety. I thought I maybe have a bug so went to the doctor who ran some bloods (all came back clean) never felt anxious or sick prior to having the injection so the only thing I can think of that is new is the depo. I have now been nauseas well over a month every single day to the point I am on anti - sickness tablets. I will not be having it again as it changes your body and emotions so much and the other downside there is no reversal so once it’s in if you suffer from the side effects you have to basically put up with it until it’s up for renewal. Wish I had done my research before as I have read on numerous sites that the hormone levels they give are so high and this is what causes all the adverse effects.
Very negative mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 8+ yr
29 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 month ago
Completely stopped my periods which has been amazing. Very convenient only have to think about 4 times a year and GP now very good at supplying in comparison to when this brand was new on the market. Have struggled to use the devices recently as have to apply a lot of pressure to inject the suspension and have therefore had to discard a few injections on occasion which isn’t ideal. Having using it for so long I can’t tell if my weight or mood have been negatively or positively impacted, but will be keen to see what happens when I stop using.
Improved skin
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 6 mo
18 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 11th Aug 24
Being on the injection has changed my life. After years of misery I finally feel like myself again. My mood has almost completely stabilised and my mental health has never been better. Physically my body has found it great too, I no longer find myself exhausted from heavy periods and my boobs have even gotten abit bigger which has been a big plus. I feel like a person again after going on the injection, After years of my hormones controlling my life I no longer feel crazy, I have control of my life again.
Very positive mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 6 mo
37 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 8th Aug 24
Probably the worst method of hormonal contraception I’ve used. In terms of side effects (which the doctors did not discuss with me) there were Night sweats, loss of sex drive, terrible mood swings and Vaginal dryness to name just a few. Yes it did the job it was meant to, but the side effects were enough for me to make the decision to move off hormonal contraceptives altogether now.
Very negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 5 - 8 yr
34 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 15th Jul 24
Stopped my periods completely which was great, but was depressed the entire time I was on it (and didn't realise why until I came off) also had zero sex drive until I came off it.
Very negative mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
31 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 22nd May 24
I was not offered an alternative injection and was adbised against it as i already was dinosed with depression.its been very difficult trying to feel normal and have a great s** life. I am already a mother and would like to wait a while before or IF i do have any more children. This contraception is extemly strong, i noticed many changes to my body. From the frist day i took the injection. It is brilliant at stopping me from getting pregnnt again though.
Somewhat negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
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