Copper coil (IUD) vs Patch

I used the Lowdown to choose the coil and true to some of the reviews, my experience of insertion was painful. My periods for the first three months were much more painful and heavier than previously. Month one was so bad I thought to remove it but I persevered and it got easier with every passing period. Now it is settled and is a brilliant contraception method! I highly recommend. My periods are heavier and longer but I think it’s worth not having other side effects.

On the whole the coil has been a good method of contraception. It was a little painful when getting fitted but cramps only lasted a few hours after. Mine was meant to last 10 years but I had to get it removed early as I was in a lot of pain and my period had gotten a lot heavier. I managed to get an ultrasound which showed my coil had slipped down and was no longer a reliable method of contraception.

Getting the Gynefix fitted was surprisingly painful but probably could have been less painful if I took some painkillers before the appointment. My first couple of periods with the coil were bloodier than usual but they quickly normalised. I had absolutely no side effects or symptoms with the Gynefix for 5 years, it was simply brilliant. Although I did experience a few chemical pregnancies and ended up doubling up with condoms for the final 18 months of having the coil. I was particularly concerned about the removal process but surprisingly it didn’t hurt too much at all. In conclusion I would absolutely recommend the Gynefix as a fantastic pain-free, hormone free contraception method.

I mean, it did its job and I'm not pregnant. However, after 6 months of use, my periods started being irregular, I was starting them on the patch and stopping midway through patch free week, which was very annoying. The biggest issue was when I bled for a month constantly. They run all the tests, nothing was wrong with my body - it was the patch causing it and I was told to change the method. Now I'm on a Ring, let's see how it goes...

After switching from the combined pill due to depression, I was interested in the patch as I could change it weekly instead of remembering to take a pill everyday. I started the patch and my periods became regular and my mood increased greatly, I do experience bad PMS but It is much better compared to when I was on the pill. I do get cramps sometimes between periods but nothing too bad. You can also use the patch to skip periods but I enjoy having a regular “cycle” and when I did use it to skip a period for a holiday I ended up spotting for a month! Overall the patch is great for me and I don’t plan on changing as it has helped my mental health so much.

I had near constant breakthrough bleeding the entire time

It’s convenient to only change once a week. I’ve found when I’ve been on holiday if you are in the water it does loosen and sometimes come off in the water which is not helpful. I have experienced a lot of breakthrough bleeding very randomly but it has helped with my skin. My sex drive has basically gone it’s that low which I have struggled with but my mood and endometriosis pain during periods has helped

New boobs, same me. Generally a good experience- my periods are less painful which is a plus and my breasts went up a cup size or two (a plus for the boyfriend apparently). I became more emotionally sensitive to start with but that quickly settled down. I'm still trying to discover the best place to stick the patch as it does become unstuck in areas that often crease but I haven't got pregnant yet so it must be doing its job. So far, upper arm is the best. I recommend to anyone not wanting to take a pill every day.

This has been the best contraception I've ever used. I have had no side effects and would recommend this to anyone who struggles with the pill or with typically reacts poorly to oestrogen.

After years of fighting with GPs about my period concerns and being put on and off different contraceptions that my body reacted horribly to, I decided to go private and do my research into what could be a possible solution. The girls at The Lowdown have been so helpful throughout the year and a bit that i’ve been with them. The website is so easy and efficient in helping you choose what’s best for your body, and if you have any further questions the girls are quick to respond through emails and whatsapp. I decided a little over a year ago that I’d make the change to go on the Evra patch. After years of different pills not working with my body or making things worse, I was desperate for a solution that was easy but was still in my control (a non intrusive method). The patch has been a life saver and within 3/4 months my periods were at the same time every month, shorter, lighter and less painful. I’m sure it won’t work for everyone but it works great for me, and i’d much rather pay for the product and the service The Lowdown provides, than spend one more minute arguing with my GP.

I have noticed I am feeling a lot hotter than normal and my vigina has become dry. I was becoming worried

I felt that my mood was impacted and my partner at the time noticed I had become a lot more irritable. I also experienced a lot of headaches which I usually rarely suffer from.

I’ve tried sooo many contraceptions and this is the first one I’ve tried with very minimal side effects. My moods have been very stable, I have less PMS symptoms, my weight hasn’t changed and my sex drive hasn’t changed. When I want to hide the patch I just apply it to my lower belly where my undies would sit so that aspect is not a problem either.