Copper coil (IUD) vs Progestogen-only / Mini pill

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Copper coil (IUD)

Add your Copper coil (IUD) review

Progestogen-only / Mini pill

£From £0.22/day

Overview

Rated 3.5

608 reviews

5 - 10 years

Frequency

Over 99%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Rated 2.7

1427 reviews

Daily

Frequency

91% - 99+%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Copper coil (IUD) ingredients

Most copper coils are made of a T-shaped frame of polyethylene (plastic) and barium sulphate. Copper wire is wound around the vertical arm.

Progestogen-only / Mini pill ingredients

Main hormones in Progestogen-only / Mini pill

progestogen

What Lowdown reviewers say

54% no impact on mood

68% heavier periods

63% no impact

75% no impact

75% no impact on skin

Cycle return

44% in 1 month

32% somewhat negative

44% stopped periods

49% lost sex drive

44% no impact

46% no impact on skin

Cycle return

38% don’t know impact

Benefits: What this contraceptive can help with

There are no benefits that are recognised in scientific research or guidelines for this contraceptive

Period pain

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£From £0.22/day

Check out our latest reviews

Real life reviews from people like you

Copper coil (IUD) reviews

608 reviews

Copper coil (IUD)  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
23 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Copper coil (IUD)  

As the copper IUD gets so much negative press I wanted to post my genuine positive experience. Initially I was apprehensive to get the coil after hearing so much fear mongering, and so many users saying they had major cramping (perhaps some did), but this wasn't the case for me. I experienced the worst period cramps that I have ever had within the first 7-10 days post-insertion, but it was manageable with ibuprofen + heating pad. Once I got through those initial days it practically subsided (apart from the slight numbness around my cervix from the procedure which healed around the month marker so I recommend taking any kind of sex slowly to avoid worsening it). Between days 10 and my first period I had occasional mild cramps here and there, but after that first period the cramps completely subsided. Fast forward to month 6 I can confidently say that the cramps only occur at normal times of the month (just before or the first days of your period) just slightly more painful but not unbearable. When it came to bleeding side-effects in the first 3 months I never got any spotting between periods and my period came on time but was heavier than usual (more bleeding but the same number of days as without an IUD). However after that 3 month marker I remember the bleeding becoming lighter, to the point now where it is similar if not the same as the amount pre-IUD. In conclusion the IUD has worked great for me, and I barely even notice it now. If you can do visit a sexual health clinic over a GP surgery, as they seem to be more experienced. Please don't let peoples bad experiences put you off, I strongly believe that for 99% of IUD users the bad experiences are based upon people noticing the fine details with their body that perhaps was there before but now that they have the IUD they become a 'worrier'. That every little cramp means something bad. I say that if you have an issue, go and see a professional who's qualified and not ask the internet.

Read more

Very positive mood

0 helpful

1 comments

Copper coil (IUD)  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Copper coil (IUD)  

I’ve had no issues since having it put in January 2022. Having it placed was uncomfortable but not painful (I was 22 and not had any children). I was done with the side effects of hormonal contraception and I’m glad I made the switch.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Copper coil (IUD)  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

Copper coil (IUD)  

I experienced cramps after having the copper coil fitted, which was to be expected. I was told it could take three months to calm down. After three months I was still experiencing cramps which were much worse than usual so I decided to have it removed.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Copper coil (IUD)  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
23 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Copper coil (IUD)  

As the copper IUD gets so much negative press I wanted to post my genuine positive experience. Initially I was apprehensive to get the coil after hearing so much fear mongering, and so many users saying they had major cramping (perhaps some did), but this wasn't the case for me. I experienced the worst period cramps that I have ever had within the first 7-10 days post-insertion, but it was manageable with ibuprofen + heating pad. Once I got through those initial days it practically subsided (apart from the slight numbness around my cervix from the procedure which healed around the month marker so I recommend taking any kind of sex slowly to avoid worsening it). Between days 10 and my first period I had occasional mild cramps here and there, but after that first period the cramps completely subsided. Fast forward to month 6 I can confidently say that the cramps only occur at normal times of the month (just before or the first days of your period) just slightly more painful but not unbearable. When it came to bleeding side-effects in the first 3 months I never got any spotting between periods and my period came on time but was heavier than usual (more bleeding but the same number of days as without an IUD). However after that 3 month marker I remember the bleeding becoming lighter, to the point now where it is similar if not the same as the amount pre-IUD. In conclusion the IUD has worked great for me, and I barely even notice it now. If you can do visit a sexual health clinic over a GP surgery, as they seem to be more experienced. Please don't let peoples bad experiences put you off, I strongly believe that for 99% of IUD users the bad experiences are based upon people noticing the fine details with their body that perhaps was there before but now that they have the IUD they become a 'worrier'. That every little cramp means something bad. I say that if you have an issue, go and see a professional who's qualified and not ask the internet.


Very positive mood

0 helpful

1 comments

Copper coil (IUD)  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Copper coil (IUD)  

I’ve had no issues since having it put in January 2022. Having it placed was uncomfortable but not painful (I was 22 and not had any children). I was done with the side effects of hormonal contraception and I’m glad I made the switch.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Copper coil (IUD)  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

Copper coil (IUD)  

I experienced cramps after having the copper coil fitted, which was to be expected. I was told it could take three months to calm down. After three months I was still experiencing cramps which were much worse than usual so I decided to have it removed.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments


Progestogen-only / Mini pill reviews

1427 reviews

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 day ago

Slynd pill  

Overall is ok but still have a lot of sid effects


Decreased sex drive

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
28 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 days ago

Cerazette pill  

I have been on this pill just over a month and the side effects have been horrendous. I have felt suicidal and utterly depressed everyday, I feel as though I am completely not myself. I have insomnia and wake in the night with intense anxiety and my hands are shaking. I have had bleeding for the past week, extreme hunger, weight gain and feeling so angry I could punch someone. Would NOT recommend this at all, it's dangerous for women. Going to stop taking today as I can't keep feeling like this.


Very negative mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Cerelle pill  

I have been using the pill for around 6 months and I keep getting irregular bleeding whilst taking the pill. I take my pill everyday but somehow seem to bleed anyway it’s not spotting as people say it’s heavier like a normal period. It changed my mood within seconds and keeps giving me my Period every 2-3 weeks.


Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 day ago

Slynd pill  

Overall is ok but still have a lot of sid effects


Decreased sex drive

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
28 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 days ago

Cerazette pill  

I have been on this pill just over a month and the side effects have been horrendous. I have felt suicidal and utterly depressed everyday, I feel as though I am completely not myself. I have insomnia and wake in the night with intense anxiety and my hands are shaking. I have had bleeding for the past week, extreme hunger, weight gain and feeling so angry I could punch someone. Would NOT recommend this at all, it's dangerous for women. Going to stop taking today as I can't keep feeling like this.


Very negative mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Cerelle pill  

I have been using the pill for around 6 months and I keep getting irregular bleeding whilst taking the pill. I take my pill everyday but somehow seem to bleed anyway it’s not spotting as people say it’s heavier like a normal period. It changed my mood within seconds and keeps giving me my Period every 2-3 weeks.


Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
29 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Lovima pill  

After years of being on no contraception I decided to give the Mini Pill another go. It worked for me several years ago but began impacting my mental health so I stopped. This time round I have been more in tune with my body. The first 3-5 days I had itchy nipples. I’ve gained 4kg in a month and my diet hasn’t changed. I have had a headache and neck pain since day one, if I didn’t keep on top of pain relief it would come back. I already have acne prone skin which has took years to get under control and within the first week I developed cystic acne. I’ve felt myself snapping at others in my house over silly things and also felt unable to make decisions. They say to give it 3 months to settle into your system but it’s a no go for me. I cannot deal with the daily head and neck pain, acne and mood issues - so back to condoms we go.


Somewhat negative mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
30 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Cerazette pill  

Everything seems ok only issue is that period has fully stopped. Unsure if i should be concerned.


Improved skin

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
28 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Zelleta pill  

It's great to stop your period but after being on it for a long time losing weight is almost impossible.


Somewhat negative mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
39 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Slynd pill  

Started taking Slynd to help with heavy periods and cramping. First month was fine, felt a little extra emotional. Second month I got my period two weeks before I was supposed to and I am still bleeding after two weeks. Crazy cramping, clotting, heavy bleeding. Had a day or two in there that was light or medium. Poking around on Reddit this seems quite common. Most people stop, not a lot of folks talking about continuing and it levelling out. Waiting to see.


Somewhat negative mood

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
34 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Slynd pill  

Constant low mood, lack of energy and motivation, brain fog, bloating, cramping most of the month, breakthrough bleeding data 10 - 22 of pills for 3 months.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
28 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

Desogestrel pill  

I was put on this pill to manage endometriosis. I had clear skin for years, and after around a month of desogetrel I experienced a massive flare up in cystic acne on chin and cheeks. I also gained 6 kilos in 3 months. I would not recommend.


Worse skin

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
30 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 month ago

Cerelle pill  

I had break through bleeding most weeks for my first 6 months of this pill, then everything was great, however for my final 5 months of the pill I bled again every single day. I decided to come off as it was negatively effecting my mood from the bleeding and also felt zero emotions towards sex or excitement - just felt generally 'meh'.


Decreased sex drive

1 more effect

2 helpful

0 comments

Contraceptive alternatives and comparisons

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