Copper coil (IUD) vs Sterilisation (Female / tubal occlusion)

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.

Feel much better not having extra hormones circulating through my body and not worrying about contraception.

eryew4yhwesgs

This procedure saved my life! I was sterilised earlier this year aged 36, I suffer from Tokophobia (fear of pregnancy) and don’t want children so this surgery was the perfect solution. I opted to have both tubes removed completely to reduce any risk of recanalisation in the future. I feel so much happier in myself and no longer experience panic attacks related to sex/pregnancy scares so I’m actually able to relax and enjoy myself 😅 I had to go private because of my age and where I live but it was definitely worth the money. There is a Childfree friendly doctors list on Reddit, I found the link on a Childfree Facebook group. Definitely recommend sterilisation!

It maybe ok for some people and for some, like the other women here it may even be good, but for myself and a lot of other women this was and still is the worst thing that could have happened to me. My life has been irrevocably damaged by this procedure and is still being damaged. The complex migraines I have suffered since having the procedure caused me to have a stroke 3 days after my 39th birthday, I have never smoked, eat healthy, organic food and don’t abuse my body. Before this procedure I was extremely fit, quick minded, outgoing and energetic. It might not harm everyone but if you are one of the growing number of women that have been affected you will regret it for the rest of your life. Even a reversal may not completely fix things (as I found) depending on how badly the tubes have been damaged. Really do your research, join support groups for ptls and ask the women who are all suffering the same symptoms, as many questions as you can.

I chose sterilization several years ago to prevent pregnancy. It was the right decision for me and I have had no long-lasting effects.

Best decision ever. I never have to worry about a pregnancy scare. Note: only do this if you are sure you never want to become pregnant naturally.

I decided to get sterilised at age 25 after awful side effects from hormonal contraceptives (which doctors brushed off as nothing) including weight gain, depression, mood swings and complete loss of libido. I didn't want kids so I went to Marie Stopes and had my tubes tied privately (think it cost about £1000). Doctors on the NHS had more or less told me I was supposed to have kids and they only sterilised women who are older or who have already had kids...women's healthcare is shockingly bad. Anyway, other than temporary pain and discomfort after the surgery, which gradually tapered off after 2 weeks (I was in bad period-level pain immediately after, but by the next day I was just uncomfortable and this got better day by day), I feel completely myself and have done ever since...zero side effects! P.s. don't trust NHS doctors when it comes to women's health - they lie.