Hormonal coil (IUS) vs Progestogen-only / Mini pill

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Hormonal coil (IUS)

Add your Hormonal coil (IUS) review

Progestogen-only / Mini pill

£From £0.22/day

Overview

Rated 3.5

878 reviews

Every 3-8 years

Frequency

Over 99%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Rated 2.7

1465 reviews

Daily

Frequency

91% - 99+%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Hormonal coil (IUS) ingredients

Main hormones in Hormonal coil (IUS)

progestogen


Progestogen-only / Mini pill ingredients

Main hormones in Progestogen-only / Mini pill

progestogen

What Lowdown reviewers say

43% no impact on mood

46% stopped periods

47% no impact

59% no impact

54% no impact on skin

Cycle return

33% don’t know impact

32% somewhat negative

43% stopped periods

49% lost sex drive

44% no impact

45% no impact on skin

Cycle return

39% don’t know impact

Benefits: What this contraceptive can help with

Adenomyosis

Endometriosis

Heavy periods

Menopause

Period pain

Period pain

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Add your Hormonal coil (IUS) review

Try it now

£From £0.22/day

Check out our latest reviews

Real life reviews from people like you

Hormonal coil (IUS) reviews

878 reviews

Hormonal coil (IUS)  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
42 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  today

Mirena coil  

I'm hypermobile, and over time it has made my symptoms a lot worse despite my levels of exercise to strengthen. I'm now in pain regularly and sometimes struggle to sleep because of it. I've also started having migraines with aura and frequent headaches. Getting it taken out next week. It did however reduce my heavy bleeding to infrequent spotting, but I bled for 9 months straight after having it inserted.

Read more

Decreased sex drive

0 helpful

0 comments

Hormonal coil (IUS)  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
33 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  today

Kyleena coil  

Had kyleena fitted on recommendation from my doctor due to severe painful heavy periods, I have adenomyosis and suspected endo. Insertion was uncomfortable but not excruciating, the cramp lasted a couple of seconds and I was fine. Bleeding started within hours and didn't stop for the duration of use, I was having excruciating pain every day to the point I couldn't walk, feel my legs and awful tail bone pain. I booked an appointment a month later and my doctor said I didn't look well and removed it without me even having to ask. I wish it had worked for me but it just didn't. The removal was fine and gave instant relief.


Very negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Hormonal coil (IUS)  
Used for 8+ yr
50 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  15th Jan 26

Jaydess coil  

I had used the Mirena coil back to back post partum for 9 years very happily but my LEA meant I was only having withdrawal bleeds. After restoring bodyweight and menstruating naturally, I went back for Mirena but was given Jaydess. The insertion was more problematic and that she how I ended up with Jaydess over Mirena. I had irregular and more bleeding for the first 3 months but read the reviews on here to help me persevere. I was “angry” as on Mirena it was always so easy but then I wasn’t actually properly menstruating due to low energy availability (eating disorder) so I drew perhaps FALSE causation on Jaydess being wrong. I have very light but regular periods and my PME is definitely reduced. I’ve had it in a year and am very happy with it and my threads have stayed in place despite roughhousing which wasn’t always the case with the Mirena. I’m in no rush to have to it out even though I turn 50 this year.


Top side effects not reported

1 helpful

0 comments

Hormonal coil (IUS)  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
42 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  today

Mirena coil  

I'm hypermobile, and over time it has made my symptoms a lot worse despite my levels of exercise to strengthen. I'm now in pain regularly and sometimes struggle to sleep because of it. I've also started having migraines with aura and frequent headaches. Getting it taken out next week. It did however reduce my heavy bleeding to infrequent spotting, but I bled for 9 months straight after having it inserted.


Decreased sex drive

0 helpful

0 comments

Hormonal coil (IUS)  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
33 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  today

Kyleena coil  

Had kyleena fitted on recommendation from my doctor due to severe painful heavy periods, I have adenomyosis and suspected endo. Insertion was uncomfortable but not excruciating, the cramp lasted a couple of seconds and I was fine. Bleeding started within hours and didn't stop for the duration of use, I was having excruciating pain every day to the point I couldn't walk, feel my legs and awful tail bone pain. I booked an appointment a month later and my doctor said I didn't look well and removed it without me even having to ask. I wish it had worked for me but it just didn't. The removal was fine and gave instant relief.


Very negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Hormonal coil (IUS)  
Used for 8+ yr
50 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  15th Jan 26

Jaydess coil  

I had used the Mirena coil back to back post partum for 9 years very happily but my LEA meant I was only having withdrawal bleeds. After restoring bodyweight and menstruating naturally, I went back for Mirena but was given Jaydess. The insertion was more problematic and that she how I ended up with Jaydess over Mirena. I had irregular and more bleeding for the first 3 months but read the reviews on here to help me persevere. I was “angry” as on Mirena it was always so easy but then I wasn’t actually properly menstruating due to low energy availability (eating disorder) so I drew perhaps FALSE causation on Jaydess being wrong. I have very light but regular periods and my PME is definitely reduced. I’ve had it in a year and am very happy with it and my threads have stayed in place despite roughhousing which wasn’t always the case with the Mirena. I’m in no rush to have to it out even though I turn 50 this year.


Top side effects not reported

1 helpful

0 comments


Progestogen-only / Mini pill reviews

1465 reviews

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
19 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 days ago

Zelleta pill  

gradually feel more down and down and my periods never stop i can bleed for 30 days then have a 3 day break and it’s back


Worse skin

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  5 days ago

Noriday pill  

Gave me extreme depression. I was on this pill so long that I didn’t even realise it was the pill giving me the depression, when coming off it I felt a weight lift off my shoulder. My thinning hair went away and my mood improved so drastically. It did make my boobs bigger which was the only good side effect but I’d rather be happy. Would recommend cerazette as an alternative to anyone who has mood issues and frequent bleeding on noriday


Very negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Desogestrel pill  

I’ve been using Desogestrel for over 6 months now it’s the first pill I tried as I didn’t like the fact that the combined pill affected your blood pressure. I struggled with heavy periods, cramping and always hated when my period came around as I had to use heavy flow tampons/towels continuously for 5-6 days. Since going on the pill I haven’t noticed any unusual side effects I take it in the evening at about 9pm I wouldn’t recommend it if you have spot prone skin as I didn’t originally I haven’t noticed a difference other than small breakouts before my period is due however I know it can make others worse if you already have spots. It hasn’t changed my weight at all however it does increase your appetite so as long as you keep on top of it stay active and eat healthy it shouldn’t affect you either. I’m very sexually active with my partner and so far we have had no pregnancy scares and we don’t use condoms. Overall the pill has made my periods much lighter I tend to either not bleed or bleed very little and I no longer have any cramping. It does cause breakthrough bleeding occasionally so if you want to stay regular I wouldn’t recommend this pill. I’m really happy with my decision to go on this form of contraception,


Very positive mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
19 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 days ago

Zelleta pill  

gradually feel more down and down and my periods never stop i can bleed for 30 days then have a 3 day break and it’s back


Worse skin

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  5 days ago

Noriday pill  

Gave me extreme depression. I was on this pill so long that I didn’t even realise it was the pill giving me the depression, when coming off it I felt a weight lift off my shoulder. My thinning hair went away and my mood improved so drastically. It did make my boobs bigger which was the only good side effect but I’d rather be happy. Would recommend cerazette as an alternative to anyone who has mood issues and frequent bleeding on noriday


Very negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Desogestrel pill  

I’ve been using Desogestrel for over 6 months now it’s the first pill I tried as I didn’t like the fact that the combined pill affected your blood pressure. I struggled with heavy periods, cramping and always hated when my period came around as I had to use heavy flow tampons/towels continuously for 5-6 days. Since going on the pill I haven’t noticed any unusual side effects I take it in the evening at about 9pm I wouldn’t recommend it if you have spot prone skin as I didn’t originally I haven’t noticed a difference other than small breakouts before my period is due however I know it can make others worse if you already have spots. It hasn’t changed my weight at all however it does increase your appetite so as long as you keep on top of it stay active and eat healthy it shouldn’t affect you either. I’m very sexually active with my partner and so far we have had no pregnancy scares and we don’t use condoms. Overall the pill has made my periods much lighter I tend to either not bleed or bleed very little and I no longer have any cramping. It does cause breakthrough bleeding occasionally so if you want to stay regular I wouldn’t recommend this pill. I’m really happy with my decision to go on this form of contraception,


Very positive mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
28 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Zelleta pill  

The side effects I experienced on this pill were awful. I can’t take estrogen so have limited options. My mood dipped, and I had the worst breakouts of my life. Giant painful spots all over my chin which tanked my confidence, and I was bleeding almost constantly. Changed to Slynd after 3 months and can’t recommend that pill enough!


Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
28 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Slynd pill  

This pill has been a game changer! I can’t tolerate estrogen, and I had previously been taking Zelleta which was causing near constant bleeding and my skin looked horrendous. I started taking Slynd in April 2025 and my periods are lighter than without contraception, and my skin has almost completely cleared up. I still get some spots around my period, but that was normal for me before contraception. I haven’t noticed any other side effects 9 months into taking it. My periods were irregular the first 3 months, but now are normal every 4-5 weeks.


Improved skin

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
18 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

Zelleta pill  

I used zelleta for 2 months within a few days of starting the pill my period started it lasted for 3 weeks with heavy bleeding then it stopped for 5 days the started again for 3 weeks and stopped for 3 days then started again for 3 weeks when I phoned the doctor they said it was normal when I told them I was using 1 to 2 pads in an 1 and a half they said it was normal I then stopped the pill in December my period started lasted 5 days and stopped now my next period is due to start. I would not recommend to anyone.


Very negative mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
18 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

Desogestrel pill  

Completely ruined my skin and gave me awful acne after already suffering with it for years. Also gave me horrible headaches and migraines. Would never recommend this to anyone.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
43 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

Desogestrel pill  

Been on Desogestrel for just over 3 months now, started October. Had a good run with no side effects until 6th Jan and have been spotting ever since with no sign of it stopping. Told by nurse it can take 3+ months for body to get used to it. Also have a big increase in spots on face, majority chin and neck but can be all over which is really annoying. Lower back pain and some cramps experienced also. Unsure how long I’ll leave it before asking GP to change as spotting everyday is a little annoying.


Worse skin

1 more effect

0 helpful

1 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
34 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

Zelleta pill  

Was put on zeletta 5 weeks ago had one normal period 2 weeks later, then 2 weeks ago I started heavily bleeding a week later it became even heavier especially at night where i get intense cramping and fill a pad or tampon every 1-2hrs losing significantly large blood clots, several phone calls to doctors who claimed "its normal" on zelleta then prescribed me tranexamic acid 4 days ago which has not helped at all the large blood clots, cramping and heavy bleeding still continues so today 2 weeks later my doctor has asked me to stop and up dosage of tranexamic acid. I also noticed a breakout with large spots on face that ive never had! Very low mood and loss of motivation crying over the most smallest of things! This pill has ruined me this past 2 weeks and wreaked havoc on my body hoping now ive stopped the bleeding and cramping will ease, I honestly wish id looked into this more before started but was told it was the same as the last brand cerelle (which I had no issues with) so started to take. I have never experienced anything like this and its really taken a toll on me.


Very negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Progestogen-only / Mini pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
35 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 month ago

Desogestrel pill  

Hi everyone, I’ve been on Cerazette since October. Before that I had a Mirena coil, but I was bleeding constantly and had it removed after 10 months. First month on Cerazette was great period on time, only 4 days. Since then it’s been a mess: weeks of spotting short breaks a few days of bleeding then spotting again now spotting again with very sore breasts, which feels like another period starting My GP says to wait 6 months for things to settle, but I was told the same with Mirena and it never improved. I can’t use other hormonal methods and coils don’t suit me, so I’m really stuck. This constant bleeding/spotting is physically and mentally exhausting, and it’s affecting my relationship too. Did anyone actually see improvement on Cerazette? If yes, how long did it take? Or did you eventually have to stop? Thanks for any honest experiences.


Increased sex drive

1 more effect

2 helpful

1 comments

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