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

602 reviews

5 - 10 years

Frequency

Over 99%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Rated 2.7

1412 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

55% no impact on mood

69% heavier periods

63% no impact

75% no impact

74% no impact on skin

Cycle return

44% in 1 month

31% 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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Add your Copper coil (IUD) review

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£From £0.22/day

Check out our latest reviews

Real life reviews from people like you

Copper coil (IUD) reviews

602 reviews

Copper coil (IUD)  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
24 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  4 days ago

Copper coil (IUD)  

I really had high hopes that the copper coil would work for me, as in theory it sounds great! However, after a long wait and several appointments later. I finally got the copper coil inserted. However… two weeks later, the coil had to be removed, as it had moved down from my uterus into my cervical canal. Which can happen and is apparently rare! I was just unlucky. Due to me never being pregnant or giving birth (according to the GP) insertion procedure without anaesthetic was super difficult and quite uncomfortable for me. Luckily the GP didn’t push and force her way through my cervix and stopped the procedure after struggling for a while. The GP then referred me to my local sexual health clinic, to have the procedure done there instead. As apparently they have more facilities available and can apply anaesthetic to your cervix, in these types of situations. When I finally had the procedure done, it was a positive experience, thanks to the anaesthetic!!! It did hurt a little. The pain felt like a sharp period cramp that came and went! I wouldn’t recommend the coil personally, as in my experience it was a faff to get done and then only to have it removed two weeks later! Also, with how easily the coil moved! And the procedure being slightly painful, even with anaesthetic. All of the above is not ideal!

Read more

Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Copper coil (IUD)  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
27 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  6 days ago

Copper coil (IUD)  

Insertion was incredibly painful. Was like a really bad first day of period that I had to take off work sick and take lots of painkillers for. Lasted about 24 hours then settled. Unfortunately cramps continued as coil had not settled properly and one of the arms got stuck in uterus wall so I had to have it removed. due to pain of initial insertion I did not want another one back in. HOWEVER SINCE GIVING BIRTH I had another coil fitted at 10 weeks post partum and could not feel a thing! I have the progesterone coil now and have not experienced any negative side effects, other than light bleeding for about 2 weeks after insertion.


Worse skin

0 helpful

0 comments

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

Copper coil (IUD)  

I have previously been on the implant, the combined pill and the mini pill for many years and having to come off each for different reasons. I decided to go with the copper coil as coming off hormonal birth control it had felt so good to have my natural cycle back, but I’m not yet ready to have kids. Insertion: I went for a ten year one. The woman was lovely and talked me through the whole thing. It was painful - I won’t sugarcoat that - but it lasted only a few seconds. I had cramping and some bleeding for the next few days (had to use pads not tampons), but nothing too bad. After: I was really happy with my decision and most of the time forgot it was even there. It hasn’t affected sex at all. I will be really honest that my first period (and to a lesser extent my second) were really painful - much worse than normal and they do last a day or so longer. However now I’m 3/4 months in and they’ve returned back to normal on pain levels (just slightly longer as mentioned). I am back to ovulating normally (as I wasn’t when I was on hormonal contraception) and am feeling really happy with my decision to get the copper coil! It was very much worth the initial pain and a few painful periods for me. I like that I can now decide to just take it out if/when I want to have kids.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Copper coil (IUD)  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
24 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  4 days ago

Copper coil (IUD)  

I really had high hopes that the copper coil would work for me, as in theory it sounds great! However, after a long wait and several appointments later. I finally got the copper coil inserted. However… two weeks later, the coil had to be removed, as it had moved down from my uterus into my cervical canal. Which can happen and is apparently rare! I was just unlucky. Due to me never being pregnant or giving birth (according to the GP) insertion procedure without anaesthetic was super difficult and quite uncomfortable for me. Luckily the GP didn’t push and force her way through my cervix and stopped the procedure after struggling for a while. The GP then referred me to my local sexual health clinic, to have the procedure done there instead. As apparently they have more facilities available and can apply anaesthetic to your cervix, in these types of situations. When I finally had the procedure done, it was a positive experience, thanks to the anaesthetic!!! It did hurt a little. The pain felt like a sharp period cramp that came and went! I wouldn’t recommend the coil personally, as in my experience it was a faff to get done and then only to have it removed two weeks later! Also, with how easily the coil moved! And the procedure being slightly painful, even with anaesthetic. All of the above is not ideal!


Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Copper coil (IUD)  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
27 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  6 days ago

Copper coil (IUD)  

Insertion was incredibly painful. Was like a really bad first day of period that I had to take off work sick and take lots of painkillers for. Lasted about 24 hours then settled. Unfortunately cramps continued as coil had not settled properly and one of the arms got stuck in uterus wall so I had to have it removed. due to pain of initial insertion I did not want another one back in. HOWEVER SINCE GIVING BIRTH I had another coil fitted at 10 weeks post partum and could not feel a thing! I have the progesterone coil now and have not experienced any negative side effects, other than light bleeding for about 2 weeks after insertion.


Worse skin

0 helpful

0 comments

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

Copper coil (IUD)  

I have previously been on the implant, the combined pill and the mini pill for many years and having to come off each for different reasons. I decided to go with the copper coil as coming off hormonal birth control it had felt so good to have my natural cycle back, but I’m not yet ready to have kids. Insertion: I went for a ten year one. The woman was lovely and talked me through the whole thing. It was painful - I won’t sugarcoat that - but it lasted only a few seconds. I had cramping and some bleeding for the next few days (had to use pads not tampons), but nothing too bad. After: I was really happy with my decision and most of the time forgot it was even there. It hasn’t affected sex at all. I will be really honest that my first period (and to a lesser extent my second) were really painful - much worse than normal and they do last a day or so longer. However now I’m 3/4 months in and they’ve returned back to normal on pain levels (just slightly longer as mentioned). I am back to ovulating normally (as I wasn’t when I was on hormonal contraception) and am feeling really happy with my decision to get the copper coil! It was very much worth the initial pain and a few painful periods for me. I like that I can now decide to just take it out if/when I want to have kids.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments


Progestogen-only / Mini pill reviews

1412 reviews

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

Cerazette pill  

I used this for a month hoping it would help with period cramps. Do not recommend. I used it perfectly and felt nauseous everyday after taking it. I got a 9 day period (with cramps) during what was supposed to be my "ovulation" week.It had me feeling very anrgy, caused me period like pains and headaches daily.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

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

Slynd pill  

In general I had a good experience with Slynd. It helped my underlying endometriosis significantly and for the 4 months I was on it I had no period cramps or pain for the first time ever. Unfortunately I had to stop taking it because I was spotting everyday. I thought my body needed time to adjust but after 4 months I was still wearing a pantyliner every day. It was very minimal and I had no pain but I just didn't want to wear liners every day. Once I stopped Slynd I went back to 'normal' after about 3 days but sadly my periods are back to being painful. As an aside, I noticed a reduction in sweating whilst on Slynd and several days I would go without antiperspirant or deodorant.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
28 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

Cerelle pill  

Great pill been on and off twice for a few years, no side effects bar really really really tender and sore and sensitive breasts. I have such bad health anxiety and honestly this had my questioning if I needed to go to the doctors because of the scary big C that’s how sore and tender my breasts have been, can’t even lie on them.


Somewhat positive mood

0 helpful

0 comments

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

Cerazette pill  

I used this for a month hoping it would help with period cramps. Do not recommend. I used it perfectly and felt nauseous everyday after taking it. I got a 9 day period (with cramps) during what was supposed to be my "ovulation" week.It had me feeling very anrgy, caused me period like pains and headaches daily.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

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

Slynd pill  

In general I had a good experience with Slynd. It helped my underlying endometriosis significantly and for the 4 months I was on it I had no period cramps or pain for the first time ever. Unfortunately I had to stop taking it because I was spotting everyday. I thought my body needed time to adjust but after 4 months I was still wearing a pantyliner every day. It was very minimal and I had no pain but I just didn't want to wear liners every day. Once I stopped Slynd I went back to 'normal' after about 3 days but sadly my periods are back to being painful. As an aside, I noticed a reduction in sweating whilst on Slynd and several days I would go without antiperspirant or deodorant.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
28 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

Cerelle pill  

Great pill been on and off twice for a few years, no side effects bar really really really tender and sore and sensitive breasts. I have such bad health anxiety and honestly this had my questioning if I needed to go to the doctors because of the scary big C that’s how sore and tender my breasts have been, can’t even lie on them.


Somewhat positive mood

0 helpful

0 comments

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

Cerazette pill  

Went on this for fibroid heavy bleeding and period pain. Have daily bleeding and spotting since starting, and periods are now more irregular and as heavy as before. It didn't help with pain at all. Im going to finish out this month's pack and go off them. However, I got some acupuncture two weeks ago and the pain during my period this month has been greatly reduced. Would reccommend trying it!


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

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

Desogestrel pill  

Since i was 18 i tried 7 different contraception methods (pills and nuvaring). However i had diagnosed migraines, but none of the OBGYNs i was seeing though this was a concern. Now i am 24 and i finally found a competent OBGYN thanks to my friend. She was the only one who really looked through and studied my medical history and suggested taking desogestrel for my ovarian cysts and corpus luteum cyst, which were more rare occasion. I started my second pack today and i’m scared to jinx but the last two weeks were amazing. The first two weeks were a hell, i had bleeding for quite some time and then spotting for a week or more. Now i don’t have any spotting, my sex drive is the same, i am happy and i feel like i even started to lose weight. I am planning to update my story next month to see how my body would feel on these pills.


Somewhat positive mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
17 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 month ago

Cerelle pill  

I was taking the contraception to stop painful periods or although I wasn’t any physical pain, my mental health went in freefall.


Very negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
30 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  7th Aug 25

Desogestrel pill  

It feels nice not having a period. But I’ve noticed I’ve become more spotty , I sweat more also & get thrush


Somewhat positive mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
31 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  6th Aug 25

Slynd pill  

Has helped with PMDD symptoms, have not had a period since I’ve been using it. Complete loss of sex drive which I really don’t like.


Very positive mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2nd Aug 25

Desogestrel pill  

I spotted for 3 months straight, but then stopped periods all together. I felt a bit sick after taking it, so i should’ve probably taken it after food or at night but i took in the morning. I feel like it made me quite anxious, but i’ve been off it for two years and still have anxiety problems so i’m not 100% whether it’s related! The sickness feeling made me feel quite nervous i think. No other side effects.


Somewhat negative mood

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
20 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  30th Jul 25

Desogestrel pill  

Ok but not a fan of the hair loss and continuous spotting


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Contraceptive alternatives and comparisons

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