Copper coil (IUD) vs Injection

My experience of the copper IUD is mixed, even if overall positive. I first got it as emergency contraception after my first sexual experience, and was not properly offered any pain relief. The pain was excruciating and slightly traumatic, but also as I wasn't used to things going inside my vagina either. However it served me perfectly for 5 years, and no hormones and side effects from those. When it was time for renewal I was prepared emotionally and knew what pain relief to ask for. The procedure itself was quick and felt very empowering. They offered me the 10 year one which was slightly bigger and I thought it was no big deal. I was in constant low level pain and discomfort with it, and periods became excruciating. I got it switched back to a 5 year one and this cleared up. Again. the procedure was fairly quick as I knew my body and had good pain relief. My last one suited me fine up until around 2020, when the combination of the stress from the pandemic and using an expired lube gave me recurring yeast infections that lasted at least a year. I then discovered that it had slipped and so got it removed, deciding to switch to Fertility Awareness Method. After that, the recurring yeast infections stopped.

Personally, I would never get another coil again. The reason for 2 stars is I actually had the copper coil inserted in 2018 and it was okay but I had it removed in 2021 after asking for it to be removed for over a year. My periods were heavier as expected, but I also had thrush every month, BV multiple times and it just became so uncomfortable dealing with this constantly. I had the copper coil again this year (march 2025) and it was awful. The insertion this time took an hour compared to the 10 minutes last time. I was in so much pain I was heaving, I have had three babies and this was worse than birthing a child. They finally got it in and I ended up with a mild infection probably due to how long and how many attempts it took. A week later it started to settle down 🤞🏼 however almost three months later and I'm having it removed next week. I don't know if it's misplaced (they will be checking this first) but I feel it 'stabbing' me randomly every day. I will be walking and suddenly stop and feel like it's stabbing me or trying to come out, but I can still feel the strings. On two occasions it's hurts me during sex which is a red flag. My periods are 10-12 days long and I'm getting through a pack of pads every 1-2 days, plus the thrush is back again. I was offered a replacement however I have declined and I am currently trying to decide which combined pill may be best for me, tho I am nervous about going on the pill now!

I was having heavier periods

started using it on April but so far my body is still the same & haven’t experienced breast enlargement yet

Used for over 10 years, completely stopped my periods which was fantastic. The devices became harder and harder to use, needing a lot of force to inject so I ended up turning myself into a pin cushion & wasting a few, which made reordering a faff. Don’t think I gained weight and if anything my skin improved (but that could just be normal from teenage to late 20s). The only negative I noticed was decreased sex drive - but it didn’t totally go so not a massive issue for me.

I was on this injection for 2 years, the whole process put me off . when i started the injection i had a period of 16 days (over two weeks) and it was so heavy, months went on and my periods stopped all together, i didn’t have a period for minus 2 years , i’m now on the combined pill but i did receive higher anxiety and depression towards taking it for ages, the doctor offered me antidepressants but i didn’t want to be taking them as i am a quite smily happy person but i literally lost all my energy and motivation to do anything.

With the contraception I experience a lot of abdominal pains frequently

Worst decision I’ve ever made Gained a lot of weight Depressed Anxious Moods all over the place

I like the injection as no periods at all but gained over 2 stone in weight and no amount of dieting, eating less or exercising helps loose any weight at all I just gain even more.

I didn't notice any changes at first. I got my period for the first month or two, then the bleeding was irregular and lighter and eventually it stopped completely. I gained weight quickly. I would get hungry even after eating. I would get severe vaginal itching a few days after the shot.

It is effective and it's convenient but unfortunately the side effects are really bad but it depends on different body types

This is pretty good for preventing pregnancy and my periods are thankfully gone, but now I have acne after having years of clear skin. It’s hormonal acne too due to the progesterone in the injection, so a nightmare to get rid of. I was prewarned about this issue but still hate it. I feel like my mood has gone lower too and I am more irritable than usual. Unsure whether I’ll get it again I will probably go back to the Lucette pill as that completely cleared my skin.

Caused me horrendous hunger such that i couldn't feel satisfied with any amount of food. It was terrible for me. And the side effects continue even after stopping. It was my first time in 11 years to back to hormonal contraception and l will never ever do it again. I only go non hormonal. I honestly can't take the risk.