Copper coil (IUD) vs Male condom

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.

this is a test

me and my partner have always had problems with using condoms from durex, but now trying skyns condoms, i will never go back. They don’t have that weird smell and me nor my partner could even feel as if it was there! 100% recommend

I was recommended dretine and I've not looked back.

Potentially safe

You would need a lot of lube as it is not naturally liberated.

I have no problem apart from feeling friction more quicker then using without a condom.

I am happy using the male condom as it does not effect my hormones nor cause massive physical issues.

I like to use them because they don’t affect you / if you have had bad experiences with hormonal birth control in the past

My partner uses a male condom which comes with no symptoms as it is not harmonal. However, I struggle with intense ovulation symptoms that ranges from lower abdominal cramps to spotting in mucus. This started 3 years ago (age 25) and first occurred periodically but for the past year it has been almost every month. The mucosal spotting is not heavy and does not require pads. However, it use to last only 1-2 days but now it extends 3-4 days.

For me using condoms worked great and I had virtually no complaints during the years I used them.