Hormonal coil (IUS) vs Implant

I had 2 Mirena coils - first one for 4.5 years. I was advised to have it by an gynaecologist after having had removal of abnormal cells. Insertion for me was very painful but everyone is different (and possibly my cervix was inflamed still). I wish someone had advised me to take painkillers beforehand. First 3-4 months I had a lot of bleeding and painful cramps and some headaches but after this settled I only ever had spotting. No other side effects like change in mood/weight/sex drive etc so was brilliant! Unfortunately, after 4.5 years I started to get heavy and long periods so I got a new one fitted. Insertion second time round wasn’t comfortable but was better. I had some cramping but not as heavy bleeding like before and went back to spotting. After 2 years the heavy/long periods came back so I got it removed. Overall I’d say I was very happy on it and would definitely recommend. Everyone is different and even what suits you at some point can change over the years so sadly it’s a bit of trial and error.

Overall it's been a really positive experience (excluding the insertion). I've noticed my PMS get worse in the last 12-18months although not sure if this relates to the coil. It's had the least impact on my mental health of all contraception which is the biggest positive for sure!

Had the mirena then swapped to levosert on coil change as it was the first line, fittings are not pleasant however to have it every 5-6 years it's manageable and worth it for only occasional spotting and endometriosis symptom control. No more heavy and painful periods requiring strong pain relief. I would always recommend. Life changing.

While the implant did its job of preventing pregnancy, it negatively affected me physically and mentally. I got periods twice a month and my menstruation lasted longer. Before, my periods would last for up to five days, whereas with this contraception, my periods last seven days on average. Additionally, I had long periods of spotting and periods. At the time of my implant removal, I had been spotting and bleeding for over a month, with no break. The irregular bleeding didn't stop after 7 months, and the nurse informed me it is unlikely to improve. Furthermore, my mood worsened and I had more anxiety and suicidal thoughts. To best describe the increase in anxiety, I had more sensations where I felt like I was having a psychotic relapse when I wasn't. Regarding the suicidal thoughts, they were more intense and I couldn't self manage as well. When discussing the mental health effects with a nurse prior to the insertion, they said that it wouldn't be that bad because I'm already mentally ill. However, my mood was a lot lower after having the implant and stayed low most of the time. Finally, I noticed a weight gain after having the implant inserted and it was very hard to lose fat when having this implant.

The Implant has worked for me for a very long time, and other than a lower sex drive and very occasional spotting when I first started taking it, I would've recommended it to anyone. However, what I didn't know when I started using the progesterone-only implant is that your reaction to it can literally change over night. And that's what happened to me. After 6 months of non-stop incredibly heavy bleeding I had to get it out. I even took the mini pill to try and stop it and it didn't work. Also, getting the implant out (which I've now been through twice) is quite a traumatic ordeal. The tissue in my arm both times had covered the implant rod which meant that when the nurse tried to take it out it was incredibly painful (despite local anaesthetic) and uncomfortable. If you understand and accept these downfalls, I generally got on well with the Implant and single-hormone contraception.

I had a Nexplanon inserted less than 6 months ago. I have tried other methods in the past (male condoms, birth control pills, Nuva ring), and I’ve decided that the side effects of Nexplanon are not so bad compared with other methods. Also, I feel very certain that I will not become pregnant with the implant, as it is more than 99% effective. That said, I experience bad side effects, including frequent headaches, breast sensitivity, near-daily cramping, some vaginal dryness, and underwear-ruining spotting. I have also experienced an increase in dysorgasmia (when there is pain after or during an orgasm). I think the spotting and cramping will go away over the next two months, as my doctor says that many implant users have no period after 6 months’ use. I am trying other things for the cramping and dysorgasmia, too, like B complex vitamins, eating cruciferous vegetables, and relaxation techniques. Overall, I am pleased with this method because my symptoms on other methods were bad in other ways and I was still worried about pregnancy. Now I have peace of mind. Finally, it’s worth noting that because I have Müllerian duct anomaly (I have a septum in my uterus) I cannot or should not get an IUD/IUS. I feel I have found an effective method that I can actually keep in my body, without having to keep it in my uterus.

I had the impalnt after being on the progesterone pill - found it much better not having to think about taking a pill everyday. The insertion was fine and really quick but unfortunaely made it no difference to my irregular periods. I wasted so much time waiting for it to settle and putting up with symptoms but it just wasn't the right contraception for me in the end.

Having tried the pill and hated it, I was keen to try the implant as it was something I didn't have to worry about or take everyday. I am now on to my second implant so have been using the implant overall for 4-5 years. Pro's are its super quick to get put in once you get an appointment that is and you don't have to worry about it for 3 years. It has stopped my period altogether which is great, it has improved my skin slightly but as someone who has always had acne before using contraception it doesn't bother me. I don't get any period symptoms including cramping, spotting or pain which is another positive. Con's are the low moods, slight weight gain that you can't shift and I've experienced an increase in headaches. The only period symptom I do get consistently are the low moods every month I can pinpoint a week where I feel down and blue. But overall I am happy with my implant, its being 100% effective in preventing pregnancy as well in the years I've been on it, which is a massive weight off my mind as someone who does not want children anytime soon. I would definitely recommend the implant.

i took the implant for 7 years, i had more or less every side effect you could possibly get. i never knew if i was coming or going, my mental health took a huge hit but 0 pregnancy scares and the side effects were less severe than when i took the pill.

Pros: Don’t have to remember to take a pill every day Lasts for 3-5 years Cons Gained 2 stone Continuous bleeding for 6 months then no bleeding at all for 12 months Can feel it in arm Worsens mood/made me feel numb

Having done little research on the implant before getting it, i panicked after reading the reviews here. I am now 3 months in and have nothing adverse to report. No mood swings, no skin issues, no pains and so far no periods either. Very happy with it for now.

I got the implant back in march, and since then I have gained more than 10kg. I have eaten and excercised the same for multiple years, and not gained excesss weight, only natural puberty weight. the weight I have gained is JUST cellulite, there's cellulite all over my body and im full of stretch marks, both of which were not there 6 months ago. although my periods have stopped which is a good thing (for me) I have been getting more migraines and headaches than usual. not getting periods is the only plus from the implant, the weight gain and stretch marks over my breast, thighs, hips and stomach, and cellulite ALL over my body, on my arms, legs, bum, stomach, legs make me feel extremely insecure and im finding it very difficult to lose weight.

I had the implant a few years back and it went really well.. My periods stopped, no weight gain and I took it out about 2 1/2 years in due to spotting and wanted to give my body a break. Went into the second thinking it would be the same experience... it was not! Bleeding for 2 weeks straight away (ruined all my underwear and bedsheets because I never knew when it had stopped!) Lower back pain pretty much constantly, ive put on weight super fast and feel awful in all my clothes due to what I think is severe water retention. Boobs have grown (not necessarily a bad thing) but are very tender. Headaches a lot more than usual. No energy. The worst side effect I have noticed is my anxiety, I haven't been anxious for a long time until I had my implant in, constantly feel on edge and mood is so up and down, a lot more emotional and body dysmorphia is at an all time high.