Implant vs Copper coil (IUD)

Whilst the second and third years on the implant mellowed me out a bit as a mentally unwell girly (struggle to regulate my emotions), the first year was pretty bad now I look back on it-i was quite depressed although unsure if this was due to the implant. I never had any periods, except for some rare light spotting for a couple of days every 6 months or so. No other symptoms really except for some weight gain and boob enlargement. My libido was a bit lower as well imo.

This was by far the best contraceptive method I've used. Discreet, reliable and gave me no issues. Had 2 of these over several years.

It was great for the first few years, I had no bleeding and didn’t notice any mood problems. After the first time I got it changed, I had constant problems with bleeding on and off. I ended up taking the mini pill on top to stop bleeding which caused horrible dryness, which was very uncomfortable. I didn’t notice my mood getting worse or my sex drive disappearing over the following 6 years, but a few days after I got it out I could feel this weighty sense of dread leaving my body. This contraception was effective insofar as it prevented pregnancy, but it’s hard to tell how much of that was just me never wanting to have sex.

Although it has only been a few months, I have had a very positive experience with the copper iud. Insertion (with local anesthesia) was painful but not unbearable and the cramps for the first two periods after were really bad. Once I was in the third month things have calmed down. I’ve had heavier periods, spotting, and worse (but not terrible) cramps in the first days of my periods. Overall it has been really great for me. I also have had success using a menstrual cup with the iud in ;)

I would advise to check the string length regularly or generally get it checked out regularly as mine became dislodged (had no symptoms) and I became pregnant. However I didnt experience any negative symptoms whilst using it and had a positive experience during the fitting of it - which I was worried about after reading reviews of the pain!

Gynaecologist attempted to insert IUD 3 times and was unable to due to my cervix being tough! Attempted insertion was fine, just felt like period cramps. Sad because I wanted this contraceptive method.

The insertion wasn’t as bad as i was expecting but still quite painful and i had cramps for the whole day however was fine the next day. I struggled with a lot of back pain with the weeks following the doctors said could be sign of my body either rejecting it or getting used to it but it did get better with time. My moods are overall a lot better, on the pill i felt quite numb compared to what i feel now, i never had periods on the pill so i get quite down and irritated on them as everyone does but overall it’s nice to experience a range of emotions of a cycle. My sex drive has also increased a lot. I noticed i gained some weight on it and my breast have gotten a lot bigger and i do get very bloated for most of my cycle. My periods didn’t get heavier but i do get very painful cramps on them and while i ovulate. As i have only been on it for 4 months I’m still trying to keep an open mind to see if this settles down by the 6 month mark otherwise I may consider removal but overall i definitely prefer having non hormonal birth control

...

I went with the copper coil as I didn’t want to use hormones. I’d previously used the depot injection and noticed a huge change when I stopped, hence sticking to none hormonal. The insertion wasn’t too bad, a quick ‘nip’ and it was over. The first 2-3 months my periods were pretty bad, massive cramps which I’m not used to and heavy bleeding. They quickly settled back to normal, no cramps etc. I’ve lived with this pretty much carefree up until the last month where I found out I was pregnant. My body had ‘rejected’ the coil and started to push it out of my body, hence the failure. It’s not ideal as the reason for the coil was to avoid this, but I suppose everything happens for a reason.

I wanted to write this review while it is fresh in my mind. I have decided to use the Copper IUD as I did not want to use hormonal contraceptives anymore. I had used the Yasmin pill most of my 20s and early 30s. I had managed to get a fitting earlier than anticipated (NHS waiting times seemed to be 3 months) and I was keen to get the procedure done ASAP. I was told to eat something before hand and take a pain killer. I know friends who have had this and they cited it was uncomfortable. Having had the procedure this morning, I was not prepared for the level of pain that I experienced. I nearly fainted twice and could not leave the room for about 40 minutes. I’m not someone that usually has any fainting episodes. The procedure itself was quite quick but my body had gone into vasovagal shock which is apparently “common”. I asked my nurse out of the 7 patients they would see a day, how often does this happen. They said it varies- some days there are no fainting issues and other days it might be everyone. I was asked to call someone to bring me home which I hadn’t anticipated being needed. I hope that the contraceptive method works out well for me given the level of pain. It just seems insurmountable to me that the levels of pain experienced by some people are not taken seriously when this procedure is done.

The copper coil has been really good for my periods, it has just affected my skin and my mental health

Just had my copper iud inserted . It’s been 20 days since. I’m bleeding since 13 days. Doctor said to wait and watch. If the bleeding doesn’t stop then I will have to remove it. I wish it will suit me. I don’t like hormonal contraceptions.

I really wanted a contraceptive method which was not hormonal so the copper IUD was perfect for me. I had very light periods before and cramps once or twice a year. The only downside of the copper IUD is that my periods are heavier but very manageable and I have cramps every month but not painful enough to require painkillers. I was terrified for my insertion but to my surprise, it was not bad at all! I would rate it a 6/10 in pain that only lasts a minute. The cramping afterwards only lasted a day and was also similar to period cramps.