Copper coil (IUD) vs Patch

My 3rd coil now. 1st lasted years. Second one fell out and I didn’t realise so accidentally got pregnant. 3rd has extra long strings so hopefully that won’t happen again. Never had much pain during insertion or removal or any added pain any other time just slightly heavier periods. Overall have always been happy with the copper coil just need to be better at checking the strings after each period. Feel happier and have a higher sex drive while it’s in.

I switched to the copper IUD after 8 years with implants and always irregular bleeding with the implant. The fitting was a little uncomfortable as expected but definitely bearable with a paracetamol taken beforehand. My first two proper periods were heavy-ish but not unmanageable (I don't remember having particularly heavy or painful periods before using implants); I felt some lower back ache and cramping for a couple of days at the beginning of each period but again this wasn't too bad, and it was nice to recognise a normal cycle after losing this when using the implant. Over the next four periods my bleeding has got a bit lighter than the first two, and I only feel occasional cramps or back ache so I'm very happy with the IUD and would definitely recommend it.

I've had copper coil since february 2024 and I feel so good that my body can have a normal cycle again after years on a pill. The insertion itself wasn't nearly as bad as people say. Yes it was a sharp cramp but it only lasted around 30 seconds and I could still talk through it so it wasn't anything traumatising. I took 800 mg of ibuprofen beforehand and that's what the doctor advised as well, it definitely helped. On the day I had it done I felt a bit weak and my lower abdomen felt as if I did a great deal of ab exercise. Nothing a couple painkillers and hot water bottle couldn't solve. My periods did become much heavier and more painful but before I had a coil they were very light and I had no pain at all so it is probably just about the same as most women experience every month. For this reason I wouldn't recommend it to people who already have heavy and painful periods but for someone like me it is manageable. I definitely feel so much better with it than a pill, sex became way more enjoyable and I'm more in tune with my body. I had the procedure done at sexual health clinic so I would recommend it over a GP. Overall very good experience and If I don't get any side effects from it over the next 5 years I will definitely do it again.

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.