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

The copper IUD was great, I had it fitted and then didn't have to worry about contraception. However, the initial insertion was painful and it did make my periods more heavy and painful. I had the coil replaced after 5 years but this coil came out on its own. I do use a menstrual cup and the coil came out in the cup, so this could have been down to user error on my part.

the inserction was painful and invasive, it had me feeling faint that day but come sugary drink helped. i enjoyed my time with it, but my period was much heavier and it led me to iron deficiency. i decided to take it out recently as i wanted to know how it was without anything and i was concered as to whether it was a healthy option for my uterus. when i got it removed i did feel a very positive feeling from not having it, but that could be that it was a concern on my mind for a while. but now im reconsidering having it inserted again since having no birth contol isnt a great option and i think i prefer iron deficiency than hormonal mood swings with a hormonal option.

My experience of the copper IUD is mixed, even if overall positive. I first got it as emergency contraception after my first sexual experience, and was not properly offered any pain relief. The pain was excruciating and slightly traumatic, but also as I wasn't used to things going inside my vagina either. However it served me perfectly for 5 years, and no hormones and side effects from those. When it was time for renewal I was prepared emotionally and knew what pain relief to ask for. The procedure itself was quick and felt very empowering. They offered me the 10 year one which was slightly bigger and I thought it was no big deal. I was in constant low level pain and discomfort with it, and periods became excruciating. I got it switched back to a 5 year one and this cleared up. Again. the procedure was fairly quick as I knew my body and had good pain relief. My last one suited me fine up until around 2020, when the combination of the stress from the pandemic and using an expired lube gave me recurring yeast infections that lasted at least a year. I then discovered that it had slipped and so got it removed, deciding to switch to Fertility Awareness Method. After that, the recurring yeast infections stopped.

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

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

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.

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.

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

Compared to other mini pills ive tried, this one has the least side effects by far. The side effects I do get include slightly reduced sex drive, very sore breasts and I cry more easily. All of them are managable though.

Ive been on this pill for a few years..Mood okay most of month but then after my period it seems to drop quite alot to low levels..which concerned me when im not depressed.. sore breasts at times .bleeding very little .no spotting.. but that could be my age. Sex drive okay. Skin seems okay- normal acne. I'm might try cerazette see if it helps mood issue.

i’m not sure if it is normal but i have been on this pill for 3 months. a week into the taking the pill my period finally came back after around 100 days. since then ive had very irregular periods often bleeding for extended periods of time and also spotting more often with the periods being closer together. i have also experienced much more mood changes as i have felt somewhat more depressed on this pill. this might just be my experience and might also be influenced by the fact i am still going through pubity as i’m 16 yet i still can’t stop thinking that something is wrong .

I’m was happy with the mini pill as I took it while breastfeeding my son, however as soon as I weaned him my periods came back but they were all over the place. I bled for nearly 2 weeks straight then it finally stopped, but only for 3 days then it started again. If it wasn’t for this issue I’d have kept using the mini pill but I couldn’t deal with it anymore as it was preventing me from living my life normally

Started this purely to help my skin after experiencing constant hormonal breakouts, which it did clear up and meant I could eat however I wanted basically with no consequences on my skin (sugar and fatty foods). However I feel as thought the pill has really dampened my mood making me low level depressed all the time. Also experienced a decreased sex drive and lots of hair loss - but still unsure whether these are directly related.