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The hormonal coil is the best contraception that I have used and helps me feel empowered over the decisions that I make about my own reproductive system.

My fitting didn't quite go to plan, but it wasn't at the fault of the kind doctor and nurse who fitted it. I had an adverse reaction to the procedure where my blood pressure dropped significantly. Apparently this is a known side effect to the process and can cause some women to need the coil removed. After about an hour, my blood pressures went back to normal.

I found that the hormone level in the Kyleena coil was better for me as the pill was made my mental health worse.

My periods are very light and manageable and happen around every 8 weeks. 

My cramps for the first year of the coil were really bad and would cause me to double over and have to spend days in bed. However I am pleased that I stuck with it because that stopped eventually and now the pain is manageable with over the counter pain killers.

Kyleena coil-review-id-e5f8543a-4626-44a2-bbfc-e1a666f0c99d

I didn't expirience the "crash" so coming off it was absolutely fine for me
Also having it out was a breeze

The worst part about this was having it put it! I found it so painful. But after having it removed I did feel like my body relaxed as it was always in my mind that I has something inside me and if it moved etc
I prefer methods that's aren't physical or can be easily seen

Mirena coil-review-id-20ac64c3-9a06-41c6-8014-fdae61e55b51

I am on my second coil. For me, it is so much better than taking the pill because I don’t have to think about it at all. I had a much better experience having my second coil fitted because I had a GP who was very familiar with the process and sympathetic. She gave me local anaesthetic and she and the nurse calmly talked me through everything and made sure I was ok. It still hurt during the procedure and I had several hours of cramping afterwards, but it was just about bearable and I’ve had no problems since, and it’s been 18 months since I had it fitted. No periods is great!
I found out I have a tilted womb and apparently that can make insertion more painful. About 1 in 4 women have this.

Mirena coil-review-id-3a13ef79-cc0b-4116-a807-d425b36f1966

I have had the kyleena coil for just over a year and really like it. The insertion was absolutely fine with painkillers and I was very bloated but not in any pain after insertion. My periods returned (I was on the combined pill before this) after three months and are much lighter than before. My skin initially was quite bad but has cleared up now and my hair did start to shed but stopped after five months. My skin is perhaps a little greasier than before and I’ve got slightly darker body hair but otherwise no bad side effects really. 

Kyleena coil-review-id-6d4b5180-0c3b-4317-ab81-1fc8a98fe8d1

I had a pretty bad storey few months with the coil. I got an infection post insertion and can pelvic pain on and off for a few months. Nothing major more annoying than painful. Periods very very light. Then I  had another infection and it was more painful this time. Turned out the strings were left too long and that was was causing the discomfort and infections. I’ve had them trimmed and I’ve not had any issues since. I get some slight cramping around ovulation and period but hardly any bleeding more discharge. I found my moods have improved and I’m not so crazy with PMT each month. Overall I’m happy with it but it was a bit difficult for the first 6 months but I’m glad I stuck with it. 

Mirena coil-review-id-3532b749-39ee-4d06-8ccc-b500eef8f6cb

I have used the mirena for many years . The removal and insertion process was ok. I took 2 x paracetamol and 2x nurofen before . It did hurt a bit but with a great healthcare professional inserting it who talked me through each different part it felt a lot less scary . Sometimes after I would have a few hours of period style cramps. But with the last one , nothing !! Result !! 

Mirena coil-review-id-b40a2335-bbd5-411e-ac6c-a140ae15742a

I *really* wanted an IUS, but during getting it fitted I was in so much pain, even with an aesthetic gel that the doctor made me stop. 

I was crying and a nurse was holding my hand throughout. Because of my concave cervix, it was so painful. I share this because I don't think people know that sometimes even if you want this option, it doesn't work out and there's no way of really knowing beforehand. 

Mirena coil-review-id-f2f5bcbd-95f6-4599-a257-50a87aacb55a

I got the Jaydess IUD two and a half months ago. It was inserted without painkillers/anesthesia so I found insertion painful (but the procedure is short). Cramping lasted a few days and then intermittently for the first few weeks. Constant spot bleeding lasted little over two months but since then this has faded. I have noticed my periods getting lighter since insertion, and I'm holding out hope they'll stop altogether. I chose Jaydess over Mirena as I was worried about the hormonal imbalance the Mirena may cause, however now I feel more confident and will likely select the Mirena the next time I update my IUD in order to stop periods altogether. 

Jaydess coil-review-id-cb90c73c-e950-4e5f-981c-6a81dbe18328

My second coil. Insertion was easy and quick. Fewer stomach cramps after than when my first coil was inserted. Happy with this version, plus its 5 years so less to think about. Had little/no periods, partner is happy and comfortable with this method. 

I was nervous when I went to get it replaced, but it was easy, and only a slight pinch when it was placed. Since I have had it, I often forget I have it which I think is a good sign. Overall positive experience and I would recommend to a friend.

Kyleena coil-review-id-8d5a0b12-cc32-4135-bb0e-e228a2b5fd6e

I was nervous to start the coil. I wanted to go on a much lower hormonal contraceptive and the coil sounded ideal for me and my partner. Having the coil placed felt tense at first but I calmed myself down (lots of deep breaths) and was pleasantly surprised by how easy and quick this was. For me, it was a quick pinch and it was done. I did have quite uncomfortable stomach cramps after it was inserted but that was gone by the next day.

I felt fine to go to the gym that evening but do not recommend it as I felt unwell after doing this. Since then I do exercise before the appointment and then have a very chill rest of my day. When friends ask, I suggest to not plan anything for the rest of the day and just focus on resting up.

I have been very happy that I started the coil and have since moved on to another longer-term version. I have only had a few issues with the coil. The first is that the strings could be felt by my partner - he told me they poked him and obviously that isn't very nice when having sex. I had it cut down twice as it still continued to poke him. But this was fairly easy to sort.

Jaydess coil-review-id-9267a65b-edb9-4f42-a5e4-bfabb08cf5d1

Started the mini-pill after the combined pill worsened my migraines, caused low mood and weight gain. I am on Desogestrel and I have found it a million times better! The only side effect I have experienced so far is slightly more painful cramps during my period (I still experience a regular period), however they used to be quite painful anyway so this may be unrelated. I have personally experienced no low mood, and feel much more 'level' in comparison to the combined pill. The only thing to note is that it is important not to miss a pill, and take it at the same time each day- I am on the 12 hour window brand though some must be taken within the same 3 hour window each day, to ensure they remain effective. 

Desogestrel pill-review-id-4cb20cf5-5506-49fb-ae60-e7a308814876

I stopped taking the mini pill in June 2022. I weighed 17 and a half stone. In 6 months I managed to successfully diet and lose almost 6 stone with virtually no effort. I had more energy, I didn’t crave junk food, I felt more positive. I started tracking my cycle using an app on my phone and then in February, I met someone and started to worry about cycle tracking as a form of contraception. In April I started the mini pill again. Almost immediately, I lost my sex drive again, started to really struggle with my diet and lost all my energy. I’ve stopped taking it again and can already feel the difference. Whilst the mini pill protected me from unwanted pregnancy, the side effects for me are not worth it. It’s very clear that synthetic contraception is not good for me and would suggest taking it is considered very carefully.

I have been on the pill since I was 14 (now 35), i didn’t suffer from problematic periods, I wanted it for contraception only. I got put on the mini pill from combined three years ago (roughly). I didn’t want to go on the mini pill but was given no other options, I was told it was this or nothing.

Desogestrel pill-review-id-e90ee7ec-83b6-4369-97cd-aacf284225a2

I have been on Cerezette since 17, Its been perfect for me, no periods or pain. Only symptom really is tender breasts sometimes, but that’s bearable. I came off the pill at 25 for a break. It was then when my periods came back I was diagnosed with pre menstrual dysphoric disorder. The first port of call was to put me back on my pill to stop my periods and it worked - my mental health was back on track and I could enjoy my life again. Worth trying if you’re going through a similar situation. 

Cerazette pill-review-id-5de1f403-5af4-42e0-93fc-39721da63f86

Was recommended this form of contraception by GP and started it on 1st day of period and bled for 18 days but have not had anything since but only been on it for 2 months. Skin feels drier but that could be age, but worth mentioning just in case. 

Lovima pill-review-id-04c6c524-3193-4227-aaae-2184aa2b54ee

I very briefly stopped before getting the Nexplanon implant. So not a lot of time to observe any changes. Period came back very quickly but I was really regular before starting the pill.

Overall using Cerelle I had very very few side effects. I was also grateful for the slight window for taking it (a few hours) so less panic. It did totally stop my periods, and the majority of my period symptoms (previously really sore back and nausea). Would definitely recommend.

Cerelle pill-review-id-7973077e-1e74-425f-8adc-8f66a2ff4ab9

After being off this pill for 6 months I have seen an enormous improvement in my mood, weight and overall well-being. I gained 9kg on this pill! I’ve been the same weight for a very long time, so to gain 9kg in a few months seemed odd but it was shrugged off as an ‘age thing’ as I’m approaching 30. Yet as soon as I came off this pill I lost the weight. I in part put this down to the extreme bloating I experienced on this pill. Insane levels of water retention stopped me from being able to wear any of my clothes. Not to mention the constipation! This had a serious impact on my well-being, self image and consequently my sex drive. Retrospect is a wonderful thing. Just wish I’d tried coming off it sooner! 

Norgeston pill-review-id-f084d740-7555-4cdc-b480-9fee39d2c86b

Was always on my period when taking this pill, bled non stop for 3 months. Was horrible and gave mood swings. Stopped taking in the end as could barely have sex as constant bleeding, so wasn't even worth it.

Cerazette pill-review-id-e1a38a06-c32d-47c4-9248-e14122752f35

For nearly three years I was taking no contraception so the changes I’ve noticed since taking this pill are noticeable. This is the first time I’ve been in this pill, previously I was always on the combined pill.

My periods have become much longer than before, going from 5days to nearly 8/9days. I’ve read online that this is normal so I’m going to give it a bit longer. My period pains have improved though which is a positive.

My boobs have defiantly increased in size and I have gained weight. Again I am going to see how it goes and if things change. 

My libido has pretty much gone which again I am going to monitor, if it doesn’t come back, I have trouble maintaining my weight and my skin does not improved I will be going back and asking for something different.

Progestogen-only / Mini pill-review-id-1b440cb5-671c-4ed5-be25-9e0b06fef7b6

I got married in summer 2019 and came off the pill straight away - thinking it would take a while for my reproductive system to readjust before I could conceive. 

My mood was almost instantly lifted and my libido came back with a vengeance. I ended up pregnant following my first cycle! 

I’ve been using Natural Cycles ever since because I don’t ever want to go back to feeling the way I did. 

It took me a while to realise that how I felt and what I was experiencing was due to the pill. I had been on the combined pill since the age of 15, but was moved to cerazette to see if it would help my migraines - it didn’t but I continued taking it anyway. 

I knew my constant moodiness and lack of libido wasn’t normal but I was too ashamed to speak to my GP because of bad experiences before. In hindsight, I wish I had because I feel my low mood really held me back. 

Cerazette pill-review-id-7cacb012-a891-4d53-90e3-659bbb0afa6e

I switched to this pill from rigevidon which gave me crippling anxiety and low mood. As soon as i went on this pill it all went away so that was nice. I would have stayed on this pill if not for the fact i had a period of 7 days breakthrough bleeding when switching and then a 4 day break and i started bleeding again which i thought was going to go away but it didnt and i bled every day for over a month until i switched pills. I also realised id get slight moments of nausea for a few minutes throughout the day but if this was my only symptom it would be manageable. The second dealbreaker for me though was my complete loss of sex drive. It was non existent and the thought of anything remotely sexual or intimate would be uninteresting or id even feel slightly uncomfortable about the thought of it. Felt like it definitely affected me mentally because i felt it was my fault I didnt feel aroused when my boyfriend made a move. So yeah, don’t recommend this pill.

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