Gynefix vs Hormonal coil (IUS)

Got one at mortimer market in 2023 and other than a slight increase in discharge (normal discharge), which to be honest I don't think is related to the gynefix, I have had an amazing experience with the gynefix, I just wish it lasted longer than 5 years! Insertion was very smooth; uncomfortable/painful for sure but nothing terrible and not the worst pain of my life, I was able to walk home after the procedure. Had spotting / light bleeding throughout my cycle for maybe a month or two, and I remember having spotting for a few months, but honestly nothing crazy or super annoying. My period was a bit heavier for a few months after insertion but now it is back to my normal (I had light, minimal pain periods before the gynefix for context!). I love it and wish it was more available in the UK, fear that when I need it out I wont be able to get it on the NHS and I can't see myself wanting any other contraception.

The insertion and week after insertion was incredibly painful, I had cramps running from my back to my uterus and down my thighs and I was bed bound. My periods became ridiculously heavy and the period cramps were incredibly intense. In the end, one day my period pain was so intense I pulled the IUD out myself at home. Pulling it out didn't hurt at all and the pain stopped immediately.

I really enjoy using this type of contraceptive method as it doesn’t involve me using medications and as my body has gone through and still going through a lot of physical changes with endo/pcos, I felt it was best to use this method (correctly) and use my Flo app to track my cycle which has been a easy and effective method for me personally. It can become scary at times as my period has changed a lot after birth and isn’t like clockwork anymore so sometimes I have been in positions where my period is late but this is due to hormonal levels changing. Really happy with this FAM as it’s natural and effective when used correctly.

I love this coil! I was keen to have a copper coil initially but as I already had quite painful periods I was advised against this and I love the Jaydess! Initially I had some spotting after insertion but my period / ovulation dates are the same (I was tracking my cycles before) the only difference now is that my periods are lighter and a bit longer than they were previously (before they were 3 days and now about 5-7 days but about 2 or 3 of those is just spotting). They are also generally less painful (although the pains feel different - more like the deep cramps you get when the coil is inserted rather than my old period pains). I really like this coil and it is very low hormone so haven't really noticed much in the way of hormonal side effects - my boobs get a bit more tender pre period and I think I might have had like one more spot than is usual for me but that also might be diet related! I haven't noticed any bloating or weight change! It's really really good and I reccomend it!

I had mirena fitted on 8/1/25. Insertion was absolutely fine, didn't feel anything at all. Since mirena fitted I was lightly bleeding for 3 weeks. Than stopped for 3 days and than I had my period(on time) so started again. Period is much lighter ( 1 pad a day) no cramps, or any other sides effects. Hopefully it will settle soon with my body if not and I will still bleeding or spotting I will go to remove it because I can compare a few days with periods then constantly bleeding or spotting. I feel absolutely fine.

Best one yet for me. I used to have mirena but thought hormones made me depressed. Especially when initially inserted. So opted for lower does coil as love it and I do feel better with it.

I really struggled to come to terms with removing the copper coil as it was the best option for me after having my first child and realising how much I’d changed with hormonal contraception however, after 18 months the copper coil just didn’t agree with me causing periods that were so heavy I’d soak through the biggest tampon you could get within an hour. My periods would also last 8-10 days and be so painful, it stopped me from being able to look after my little girl properly.

I have endometriosis and I tried so many different pills, the kyleena IUD too. All with very bad side effects. This is the first solution that is making my life a bit better than anything else. Overall, my daily life has improved versus no hormone solution , but I do struggle quite a bit with bad lower back pain and also bloating . But it’s still better than any other solution I’ve tried ..

Overall I am really happy with my Mirena coil. Only thing I really wanted to note was that my periods did initially stop completely but they have started coming back after about 2.5/3 years of having it. Although they are much lighter than before I have the coil it was something I wasnt expecting. I think its because the hormones from the coil are slightly weaker than when it first went in, so right now its enough against pregnancy but not enough against my periods (is my thinking). anyways other than that i love it. I dont think it affects my moods as much as the pill etc because the hormones are really localised to the uterus area rather than being all of my bloodstream, as such, i believe its a lot less hormones too than for the pill .

In the beginning for the first few months I had breakthrough bleeding. Then it’s settled and my periods became regular. I kept Kyleena in for the full 5 years and found this method of contraception easy as didn’t involve remembering to take anything. My periods were between 5-6 days long - I still had cramps which I managed with heat and painkillers. This method gives you the peace of mind that you are protected against falling pregnant. I would recommend.

Worsened eczema, dry skin, overly sensitive skin

minimal side affects comparted to my experience on the combined pill

I had such high hopes for the Mirena to help with my heavy periods but sadly I'm nearing the six month mark and there has been no improvement in the long term, if anything my periods are worse and I can't find any reason online as to why. I couldn't put up with the monthly flooding any longer and the NHS waiting list was at least 12 months, so I paid privately for the Mirena to be fitted. The insertion was uncomfortable but bearable (I haven't had children) and I didn't experience any discomfort immediately afterwards. The cramps during menstruation in the first two months following the fitting were intense, but the period was lighter so it still seemed like a win overall and I remained hopeful the cramps would ease as my body got used to the coil. That has happened and the cramps have eased to next to nothing now, but strangely my periods after the three month mark have been horrendous. I've been losing clots bigger than I have experienced before and I am back in incontinence pads to manage the amount of blood I lose. I can't continue to afford to access private care and I remain on the NHS waiting list, where I guess I will discuss ablation when I finally reach the top of the list. I so wish this had worked for me because it seemed an easy option and importantly it didn't end my fertility, but sadly it wasn't to be. I don't know why I'm surprised it didn't work for me, this is just my luck!! I wish it hadn't cost me hundreds of pounds to find this out, but for those it works for it seems life changing so it very much felt like an avenue worth exploring.