Hormonal coil (IUS) vs Combined pill

Need help choosing? Speak to a doctor
Hormonal coil (IUS)

Add your Hormonal coil (IUS) review

Combined pill

£From £0.16/day

Overview

Rated 3.5

858 reviews

Every 3-8 years

Frequency

Over 99%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Rated 2.8

2657 reviews

Daily

Frequency

91% - 99+%

Effectiveness

Increased

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Hormonal coil (IUS) ingredients

Main hormones in Hormonal coil (IUS)

progestogen


Combined pill ingredients

Main hormones in Combined pill

progestogen

oestrogen

What Lowdown reviewers say

43% no impact on mood

47% stopped periods

47% no impact

59% no impact

52% no impact on skin

Cycle return

32% don’t know impact

31% somewhat negative

47% lighter periods

46% lost sex drive

48% no impact

43% improved skin

Cycle return

36% don’t know impact

Benefits: What this contraceptive can help with

Adenomyosis

Endometriosis

Heavy periods

Menopause

Period pain

Acne or bad skin

Heavy periods

PMS and PMDD

PCOS symptoms

Period pain

Try it now

Add your Hormonal coil (IUS) review

Try it now

£From £0.16/day

Check out our latest reviews

Real life reviews from people like you

Hormonal coil (IUS) reviews

858 reviews

Hormonal coil (IUS)  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
40 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 week ago

Mirena coil  

From coil insertion I had issues, it was very painful having it inserted and I had cramps for a weeks. I also got a post coil infection. I would get horrible period pain at that time of the month and my periods would also last longer than before coil. Often had spotting and could always feel there was something there like a pressure (difficult to explain). I also didn’t feel like myself, I didn’t have energy for a long time after the coil insertion. I got thrush and then got a UTI in August which I had for 6 & half weeks and took 5 courses of antibiotics. I finally saw a nurse who said stop the meds and agreed with my decision to have coil removed and said we would monitor it. I had coil removed 29/09 and am still getting the discomfort down there and regularly have a hot bean bag on my lower abdomen. Some days are better than others and this week I have had headaches so I’m not sure if it is linked to coil removal. The nurse will call me for follow up next week and if still getting it she needs to see if it could be pelvic inflammatory disease

Read more

Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Hormonal coil (IUS)  
Used for 5 - 8 yr
31 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Mirena coil  

I liked that it was minimal effort once inserted. My periods were far lighter and less frequently occurring. Because of the thickening of vaginal fluids being part of the mechanism; I found I because much more prone to UTIs after sex and also had lower sexual drive. I came off the Mirena because I wanted to track my cycle accurately to see if my hormones and cycle were affecting/triggering my seizures (I have drug resistant epilepsy). When I came off the Mirena I found I was less anxious over the months following swapping to the copper coil I.e. non hormonal. This had not been a concern of mine when on it.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Hormonal coil (IUS)  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
23 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 month ago

Levosert coil  

While I had my Levosert, I liked it. I had mood changes, and cried a lot more than usual, but mostly just leading up to my period so it was manageable. I had recurrent thrush with it, and actually ended up having a prescription for monthly fluconazole tablets. In the end, after around 2 years, my coil slipped into my cervix, and it was incredibly stressful. I had no symptoms that it had slipped down, except my strings were a bit longer than usual. A doctor mistakenly told me it was fine to keep using, but when I later had it checked at a different clinic with ultrasound, they were alarmed that I'd had no symptoms as it was pretty much almost out of my body. I'd essentially been unprotected for about 8 months, and this led to a big pregnancy scare.


Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

1 helpful

0 comments

Hormonal coil (IUS)  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
40 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 week ago

Mirena coil  

From coil insertion I had issues, it was very painful having it inserted and I had cramps for a weeks. I also got a post coil infection. I would get horrible period pain at that time of the month and my periods would also last longer than before coil. Often had spotting and could always feel there was something there like a pressure (difficult to explain). I also didn’t feel like myself, I didn’t have energy for a long time after the coil insertion. I got thrush and then got a UTI in August which I had for 6 & half weeks and took 5 courses of antibiotics. I finally saw a nurse who said stop the meds and agreed with my decision to have coil removed and said we would monitor it. I had coil removed 29/09 and am still getting the discomfort down there and regularly have a hot bean bag on my lower abdomen. Some days are better than others and this week I have had headaches so I’m not sure if it is linked to coil removal. The nurse will call me for follow up next week and if still getting it she needs to see if it could be pelvic inflammatory disease


Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Hormonal coil (IUS)  
Used for 5 - 8 yr
31 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Mirena coil  

I liked that it was minimal effort once inserted. My periods were far lighter and less frequently occurring. Because of the thickening of vaginal fluids being part of the mechanism; I found I because much more prone to UTIs after sex and also had lower sexual drive. I came off the Mirena because I wanted to track my cycle accurately to see if my hormones and cycle were affecting/triggering my seizures (I have drug resistant epilepsy). When I came off the Mirena I found I was less anxious over the months following swapping to the copper coil I.e. non hormonal. This had not been a concern of mine when on it.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Hormonal coil (IUS)  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
23 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 month ago

Levosert coil  

While I had my Levosert, I liked it. I had mood changes, and cried a lot more than usual, but mostly just leading up to my period so it was manageable. I had recurrent thrush with it, and actually ended up having a prescription for monthly fluconazole tablets. In the end, after around 2 years, my coil slipped into my cervix, and it was incredibly stressful. I had no symptoms that it had slipped down, except my strings were a bit longer than usual. A doctor mistakenly told me it was fine to keep using, but when I later had it checked at a different clinic with ultrasound, they were alarmed that I'd had no symptoms as it was pretty much almost out of my body. I'd essentially been unprotected for about 8 months, and this led to a big pregnancy scare.


Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

1 helpful

0 comments


Combined pill reviews

2657 reviews

Combined pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
40 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 days ago

Millinette 20/75 pill  

I'd take microgynon over this pill any day. I'm surprised that a lower dose pill has more unpleasant side effects. Bloating, fluid retention, extreme sickness the first couple of days followed by an insatiable appetite on day 3 plus mood swings and just feeling horrendous.


Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 days ago

Lucette pill  

Helped treat my painful cystic acne, good contraceptive. I take continuously and have a break every 3 months if I dont get a period in between. Cramps are worse but lighter periods. Increased sweating (like, drenched), night and day (after minimal activity)


Improved skin

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
28 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  6 days ago

Dianette pill  

I have been put on Dianette to assist with hirsutism, endometriosis and acne. It has helped with acne. I unfortunately have seen no change in endometriosis symptoms or hirsutism. I have experienced a massive increase in weight, particularly face, arms, stomach which has really impacted my confidence.


Somewhat negative mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
40 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 days ago

Millinette 20/75 pill  

I'd take microgynon over this pill any day. I'm surprised that a lower dose pill has more unpleasant side effects. Bloating, fluid retention, extreme sickness the first couple of days followed by an insatiable appetite on day 3 plus mood swings and just feeling horrendous.


Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 days ago

Lucette pill  

Helped treat my painful cystic acne, good contraceptive. I take continuously and have a break every 3 months if I dont get a period in between. Cramps are worse but lighter periods. Increased sweating (like, drenched), night and day (after minimal activity)


Improved skin

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
28 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  6 days ago

Dianette pill  

I have been put on Dianette to assist with hirsutism, endometriosis and acne. It has helped with acne. I unfortunately have seen no change in endometriosis symptoms or hirsutism. I have experienced a massive increase in weight, particularly face, arms, stomach which has really impacted my confidence.


Somewhat negative mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
17 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Rigevidon  

The first month WILL be hard, I had intense mood swings and nausea, but by month 3 I promise you it will settle down. Personally, I wanted to switch to yasmin due to the fact the cramps and the bad mood coming on/off after a break etc were too intense for me. No weight gain, only loss. My sex drive has not been affected whatsoever. There is a lot of fear-mongering surrounding the pill, but I think some of it comes from placebo, so don't over worry yourself.


Somewhat negative mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
18 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Rigevidon  

My completely lost my sex drive and was always upset and in a really bad mood.I was on this pill consistently for 1 year and about 6 months and I had to stop for awhile and when I went back on it for 1 month and the side effects were horrible my skin was breaking out I was constantly bloated I started having 2 /3 periods A MONTH iam currently trying to change the pill iam on but iam nervous in it’s worse .


Somewhat negative mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
31 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Levest pill  

When I first started levest It gave me bad acne around my chin and enlarged breasts and a slight change in mood but after three months I have literally no side effects and my skin is starting to clear, in fact I’ve actually lost weight on it. This pill suits me more than others I have been on.


Somewhat positive mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Yasmin pill  

I have PCOS and had been told this would be my best option after having tried between 6-8 other pills and patches over the last 5 years. The main concern was facial acne, body acne and lack of periods all of which this pill is incredible for. My skin has completely cleared despite taking around 2-3 months to do so, particularly stubborn back acne and periods are as they should be. However in the short time I’ve been taking this I’ve gained 4-5kg. My job is physical and I work out often so there’s not much I can put it to but the pill. Additionally I have had extreme hair loss, zero sex drive and very flatlined emotions. All in all a great pill for clearing skin though when it comes to other side effects I do think I will be stopping this once I run out.


Somewhat negative mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
23 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Brevinor pill  

I went on it for PMDD symptoms, and they completely went away! Also made me gain a cup size which I liked. First year I loved it, but after taking it long term with no breaks it kinda tanked my libido :/ overall though, pretty positive experience for birth control


Somewhat positive mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

1 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
22 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

Millinette 20/75 pill  

I’ve had a pretty good experience with this pill. I went on my first pill at age 19 (Rigevidon) and I experienced quite a lot of nausea with it so got given Millinette 30/75. The nausea persisted and I felt sick almost every time I ate with no particular pattern, so they put me on Millinette 20/75 which has slightly less oestrogen. I have had a pretty good experience but at almost the 2 year mark of taking it, I have started to experience a lot of brain fog and almost feeling like a shell of myself! Sex drive is very low too as well as vaginal dryness and my first ever case of thrush. These however are the only side effects I’ve experienced now apart from some headaches when I have a pill break. I’m open to trying something new but don’t want to rock the boat as I haven’t had the worst experience. But that being said I do feel like it is affecting mine and my partner’s sex life. Could anyone advise me of another option that may help get my libido back on track?


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
19 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

Combined pill  

Ever since I started using Ovreena I started feeling this thrush-like sensation down there. It was unbearable itchiness that came usually after showers/sexual intercourse and no I didn't have any visible changes to my skin other than mild swelling weirdly only the left side of my labia and clitoral area. I've taken all sorts of tests from STD's, vaginal infections to going to multiple gynaecologists and dermatologists. Nothing they diagnosed me with was adding up until I stopped the pill. One dermatologist that thought I might have Lichen Sclerosis (Though I had no visible changes to my skin or any of those symptoms other than the itching), she recommended to use Aqueous cream as a form of vaginal wash and a steroid topical cream on top of a thin layer of vaseline to the affected area with a higher dose of antihistamines for prescription. This helped me get rid of the symptoms to help me sleep and function during the night and throughout the day but when it wore off it came back. After I stopped taking Ovreena it took about a month for the itching to stop completely so long story short it started when I started taking the pill I had this issue and then after I stopped it went away. I hope this helps for anyone with similar symptoms.


Decreased sex drive

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Contraceptive alternatives and comparisons

Compare the Hormonal coil (IUS) with other contraceptives

Order online

Order online now

Use our online prescription in under 5 mins

  • No GP appointment needed

  • Free standard delivery

Speak to a doctor

Not sure yet? Speak to a doctor

Schedule an appointment now

87% of women are happier with their contraceptive choice after speaking with one of The Lowdown's doctors

The Lowdown Footer

Women's health, reviewed.

Get the best women’s health info in your inbox

You are signing up to receive The Lowdown's latest findings and news in women's health. Your data will be used in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie policy

Built by doctors and experts

Our tools are made by medical professionals for your peace of mind

Our website uses affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click on them