Mirena coil vs Levosert coil
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Overview
Rated 3.5
558 reviews
Every 8 years
Frequency
Over 99%
Effectiveness
None
Blood clot risk
None
Effect on fertility
Rated 3.3
26 reviews
Every 8 years
Frequency
Over 99%
Effectiveness
None
Blood clot risk
None
Effect on fertility
What Lowdown reviewers say
Benefits: What this contraceptive can help with
Adenomyosis
Endometriosis
Heavy periods
Menopause
Period pain
Adenomyosis
Endometriosis
Heavy periods
Period pain
Menopause
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Real life reviews from people like you
Mirena coil reviews
558 reviews
Used for 6 - 12 mo
32 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 6 days ago
I had the worst time on Mirena. I had a bad experience from day one at insertion - I found the whole experience so much more painful than I imagined that it would be - no one really prepares you for this. From the first day I started experiencing cramps and everyone said that they would ease up within no time however they did not. Month after month I experienced endless painful cramps and times where I would be doubled over in two on dates with my boyfriend - never have I had anything like that. As a girl, we very much always shut up and put up and I always felt like I could just push through it but there were times when it was really bad and I almost got it out, but you’d forget about it the next day as it’s such a good feeling to not have to Take a pill etc and it is very convenient. But it’s also crazy I actually had it in for as long as I did. I have never really had that bad periods and my bleeding was longer, the cramping much more intense and honestly just a whole lot worse than it was when I was off it. I didn’t really notice anything kind of sexually or from a weight or ski. perspective but I know that the cramping and the bleeding was enough for me to never touch this thing again. The Doctors kept telling me to hold out and just wait to see if it would change and it just never did. I would really recommend if you are having these symptoms any time past two months they are not going to get better and you’ll just continue to suffer. At the eight month mark I went and got it out and honestly it was the best thing I ever did. As soon as it was out, I felt like I could actually breathe again and havent suffered another cramp like it ever since (thank god!). I have gone back onto the mini pill now which I’m much more happy with - it does have some side-effects but nothing like that cramping!
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
24 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 weeks ago
I feel like myself, which I cannot say for other forms of BC I’ve used. The weight gain may have more to do with some lifestyle changes, but I enjoy the way my body look regardless. I was able to collaborate with my doctor to find suppositories to help with the dryness during sex and that in turn has helped with my libido. I cannot imagine using another form of birth control.
Improved skin
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
40 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 3 weeks ago
I've not had any significant side effects...so far. But the one thing I don't like is that I struggle to track my period. I don't bleed it bleed very little. Some periods are just spotting. In theory this is great, but the rest of my body is still experiencing a cycle and without the bleeding it can be hard to track. I still try to, but I'm about ready to give up. If you are like me and spent 10 years on the pill, this can feel a bit jarring. I'm on a hormonal rollercoaster that is normal but I'm not really use to it. My cramping is normal compared to before I had coil. I've had acne rosacea crop up and after a year of it I strongly thing it's linked to hormones but not sure how much the coil plays a part (though I did NOT have this before coil, I am also 40 and may be perimenopauseal). Insertion recovery was totally fine. Very little discomfort. However I was undergoing a minor gyno procedure at the same time and as a result got a general! Highly recommend should it be available. Won't lie, not sure I would have the coil again after this one....I'm still not sold in all honesty. It just emotionally felt evasive as a method of BC.
Worse skin
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
32 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 6 days ago
I had the worst time on Mirena. I had a bad experience from day one at insertion - I found the whole experience so much more painful than I imagined that it would be - no one really prepares you for this. From the first day I started experiencing cramps and everyone said that they would ease up within no time however they did not. Month after month I experienced endless painful cramps and times where I would be doubled over in two on dates with my boyfriend - never have I had anything like that. As a girl, we very much always shut up and put up and I always felt like I could just push through it but there were times when it was really bad and I almost got it out, but you’d forget about it the next day as it’s such a good feeling to not have to Take a pill etc and it is very convenient. But it’s also crazy I actually had it in for as long as I did. I have never really had that bad periods and my bleeding was longer, the cramping much more intense and honestly just a whole lot worse than it was when I was off it. I didn’t really notice anything kind of sexually or from a weight or ski. perspective but I know that the cramping and the bleeding was enough for me to never touch this thing again. The Doctors kept telling me to hold out and just wait to see if it would change and it just never did. I would really recommend if you are having these symptoms any time past two months they are not going to get better and you’ll just continue to suffer. At the eight month mark I went and got it out and honestly it was the best thing I ever did. As soon as it was out, I felt like I could actually breathe again and havent suffered another cramp like it ever since (thank god!). I have gone back onto the mini pill now which I’m much more happy with - it does have some side-effects but nothing like that cramping!
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
24 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 weeks ago
I feel like myself, which I cannot say for other forms of BC I’ve used. The weight gain may have more to do with some lifestyle changes, but I enjoy the way my body look regardless. I was able to collaborate with my doctor to find suppositories to help with the dryness during sex and that in turn has helped with my libido. I cannot imagine using another form of birth control.
Improved skin
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
40 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 3 weeks ago
I've not had any significant side effects...so far. But the one thing I don't like is that I struggle to track my period. I don't bleed it bleed very little. Some periods are just spotting. In theory this is great, but the rest of my body is still experiencing a cycle and without the bleeding it can be hard to track. I still try to, but I'm about ready to give up. If you are like me and spent 10 years on the pill, this can feel a bit jarring. I'm on a hormonal rollercoaster that is normal but I'm not really use to it. My cramping is normal compared to before I had coil. I've had acne rosacea crop up and after a year of it I strongly thing it's linked to hormones but not sure how much the coil plays a part (though I did NOT have this before coil, I am also 40 and may be perimenopauseal). Insertion recovery was totally fine. Very little discomfort. However I was undergoing a minor gyno procedure at the same time and as a result got a general! Highly recommend should it be available. Won't lie, not sure I would have the coil again after this one....I'm still not sold in all honesty. It just emotionally felt evasive as a method of BC.
Worse skin
0 helpful
0 comments
Levosert coil reviews
26 reviews
Used for 1 - 3 mo
37 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 week ago
I had this inserted and I was the worst pain ive ever experienced i kept telling the doctor to stop immediately after I blacked out from the pain kept being sick and it just got worser as the day went on I end up in ane with the same day and had it emergency removed. Never again will I have this would not recommend at all .
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
24 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 24th Apr 25
I mean as a contraceptive it works because I haven’t gotten pregnant. A positive my periods are extremely light and irregular, but as a distant irregular. But my skin has never been so worse in my life, I constantly have big deep spots on my chin. I used to have quite dry skin but now on the oily side.
Worse skin
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
32 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 5th Mar 25
First few month I havent notice any side effects at all, but after like 4 months time it does get worst day by day with all the symptoms mentioned above, especially lower back pain. I always had a pain in there before coil but it was somehow managable but now not possible even rolling on bed to another side causing me a lot of pain. Plus the endo is still growing back and having full on period, I did agree to have this coil to stopthese 2 major symptoms of my endo but the the inflamaction in my body is still high with estrogen levels sky high so there is not reason for me to keep it in,the coil definetly didnt work on my stage 4 endo and adenomyosis and will be removed today after 9 months. Hope it will help to other people everyone body works differently It does seem synthetic hormones doesnt agree with me Had the same with birth control, had to come off due heavy period while on pills and pain was still present with huge side effects. Lasted on pills 3 years.
Very negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
37 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 week ago
I had this inserted and I was the worst pain ive ever experienced i kept telling the doctor to stop immediately after I blacked out from the pain kept being sick and it just got worser as the day went on I end up in ane with the same day and had it emergency removed. Never again will I have this would not recommend at all .
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
24 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 24th Apr 25
I mean as a contraceptive it works because I haven’t gotten pregnant. A positive my periods are extremely light and irregular, but as a distant irregular. But my skin has never been so worse in my life, I constantly have big deep spots on my chin. I used to have quite dry skin but now on the oily side.
Worse skin
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
32 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 5th Mar 25
First few month I havent notice any side effects at all, but after like 4 months time it does get worst day by day with all the symptoms mentioned above, especially lower back pain. I always had a pain in there before coil but it was somehow managable but now not possible even rolling on bed to another side causing me a lot of pain. Plus the endo is still growing back and having full on period, I did agree to have this coil to stopthese 2 major symptoms of my endo but the the inflamaction in my body is still high with estrogen levels sky high so there is not reason for me to keep it in,the coil definetly didnt work on my stage 4 endo and adenomyosis and will be removed today after 9 months. Hope it will help to other people everyone body works differently It does seem synthetic hormones doesnt agree with me Had the same with birth control, had to come off due heavy period while on pills and pain was still present with huge side effects. Lasted on pills 3 years.
Very negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 30th Jul 24
I recommend an IUS to anyone who asks me about contraception. It's been the best decision I've made in terms of contraception. The fit was a little bit painful, but this was a short sharp pain that only lasted for 30 seconds (and a bit of period like cramping for a couple of hours after). Since having it fitted, I have had no periods, and only get spotting very occasionally (once every 6 months ish). I haven't noticed any change to skin, weight gain or mood.
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 14th May 24
I have pmdd, I could not track my cycle with an iud fitted, it helped initially then made me so much worse. I seen 3 doctors who didn't help, I'm now treating holistically, tracking my cycle and tailoring my food, lifestyle, exercising to my cycle and Somatic healing.
Very negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 11th Feb 24
Insertion not too bad, just a small quick pain. Found to be a good contraceptive over 8-9 months - no weight change/mood change. A little uncomfortable during sex. Main issue was the dramatic hair loss. I lost around a quarter of my hair around hairline and in volume. Had removed for this reason.
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
1 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 27th Dec 23
Before Levosert I had been on and off the mini pill for around 7 years (and on the combined pill prior to that since the age of 18). While I didn’t hate the pill, I did have some unwanted side effects and wanted to try a more long term contraceptive. It is important to note that I didn’t have any bleeding on the pill. The main side effects that bothered me were vaginal dryness (never had discharge and had uncomfortable sex) and the inability to wear contact lenses as my eyes were so dry and I was sure this was down to the pill as I hadn’t had problems before the mini pill. I decided to ask for local anaesthetic for the fitting and so mentioned that on the phone when doing the initial consultation, I was told if I hadn’t mentioned wanting pain relief myself (I wasnt asked about it at all) I would have been booked in with a nurse who wasn’t trained in giving the anaesthetic so it’s important to mention that early on if you want it! For the day of fitting (a Friday), I took the day off work and knew I had the weekend to recover. I also made sure to eat and drink a little before, take ibruprofen and paracetamol and also put on a beyou patch. I had my partner drive me to and from the appointment and took in a bottle of water/emergency chocolate in my bag incase I felt faint. The actual fitting was fine for me! The nurses were amazing and knew I was really nervous, the local anaesthetic injection felt similar to the scratch you feel when you get numbed for dental work for example (obviously weird feeling due to it being in your cervix) in terms of pain. The numbing starts straight away so it only added a minute or two on to the process as she prepped the coil while the injection was kicking in. I couldn’t feel anything in my cervix area for the actual insertion and felt a couple of quite strong cramps which weren’t as bad as I was expecting, and it was over in seconds. They made sure I was feeling okay before I left which I was (no dizziness or pain) and went on my way just feeling relieved that it was in and a bit nervous for the cramps to come. About 5/10 mins after I did start getting bad cramps, a bit worse than my usual periods and did want to just get into my bed so would recommend getting a lift home! I had around 4 hours of really bad cramps which were manageable as I just stayed in bed then by the time I was able to have my next lot of painkillers, the pain dulled to a normal period then then slowly disappeared! I had on and off cramps for a few days but nothing bad at all and no bleeding. Since I have had regular very light periods (which seem to be getting lighter every month and I suspect they may stop) and I have had less dryness and been able to wear my contact lenses again! I have had absolutely no problems with the coil and would get another fitted in a heartbeat! This one lasts 6 years but the nurse told me that in Europe it has been licensed for longer so by the time I need a new one, I may be told it can stay in for a couple more years.
Somewhat positive mood
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 5 - 8 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 9th Dec 23
When I first got my coil in August 2018, I was bleeding very very lightly/spotting for about 9 months after - bare in mind my natural period is 3 weeks heavy flow. Then I gradually got more time in between periods but still similar heaviness but only for half the time. I got my coil changed/renewed Sept 2023 as my natural period patter was returning. Since having the new coil, my periods are basically nonexistent, less intense pain and my boobs have grown by at least a 1/3!!! Very happy compared to the experience I had on the pill for 8 years prior to getting the coil.
Somewhat positive mood
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 5 - 8 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 17th Sep 23
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.
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 12th Jul 23
Somewhat positive mood
1 more effect
2 helpful
0 comments

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