Implant vs Copper coil (IUD)

Due to a family history of thrombosis I was advised against the combined pill which at the time was still the most common option, so the implant seemed a good choice. Whilst it was convenient in that it was long lasting and easily fitted, with no horrendous side effects, with the conversation about choices becoming more open I realised that I had been putting up with side effects which were gradually getting me down - irregular bleeding and low libido (possibly connected!) made regular sex with my partner less easy and fun than it should be, and I found that the more I exercised the more I bled, and I wanted to exercise more. I decided to switch to the copper IUD to experience a normal cycle again without the hormones, and am very happy I changed.

Ever since using this form of contrception i get twice my period in one month and feels like stabing pains now and then in my stomach but not all the time. I was recommended the implant after i had my miscarriage Moody sometimes but other than that i guess its safe to have the implant in like its said everyones body is different

Worked well as a contraception, but in the year I had it in for I probably had about 30 days only without any bleeding or spotting. I also trialled taking the mini pill alongside the implant to try and reduce the bleeding but this had no effect. I had thrush multiple times throughout the year I had the implant, and had never had it before. My mood was the worst it had ever been, but there had been other life changes going on at the time which may have contributed.

My 3rd coil now. 1st lasted years. Second one fell out and I didn’t realise so accidentally got pregnant. 3rd has extra long strings so hopefully that won’t happen again. Never had much pain during insertion or removal or any added pain any other time just slightly heavier periods. Overall have always been happy with the copper coil just need to be better at checking the strings after each period. Feel happier and have a higher sex drive while it’s in.

I switched to the copper IUD after 8 years with implants and always irregular bleeding with the implant. The fitting was a little uncomfortable as expected but definitely bearable with a paracetamol taken beforehand. My first two proper periods were heavy-ish but not unmanageable (I don't remember having particularly heavy or painful periods before using implants); I felt some lower back ache and cramping for a couple of days at the beginning of each period but again this wasn't too bad, and it was nice to recognise a normal cycle after losing this when using the implant. Over the next four periods my bleeding has got a bit lighter than the first two, and I only feel occasional cramps or back ache so I'm very happy with the IUD and would definitely recommend it.

I've had copper coil since february 2024 and I feel so good that my body can have a normal cycle again after years on a pill. The insertion itself wasn't nearly as bad as people say. Yes it was a sharp cramp but it only lasted around 30 seconds and I could still talk through it so it wasn't anything traumatising. I took 800 mg of ibuprofen beforehand and that's what the doctor advised as well, it definitely helped. On the day I had it done I felt a bit weak and my lower abdomen felt as if I did a great deal of ab exercise. Nothing a couple painkillers and hot water bottle couldn't solve. My periods did become much heavier and more painful but before I had a coil they were very light and I had no pain at all so it is probably just about the same as most women experience every month. For this reason I wouldn't recommend it to people who already have heavy and painful periods but for someone like me it is manageable. I definitely feel so much better with it than a pill, sex became way more enjoyable and I'm more in tune with my body. I had the procedure done at sexual health clinic so I would recommend it over a GP. Overall very good experience and If I don't get any side effects from it over the next 5 years I will definitely do it again.

I originally came to the Lowdown in 2021 for advice on contraception. I trusted the reviews, albeit some weren’t positive, and went for the copper IUD. It’s been the best decision I’ve made re contraception. It allows me to have safe sex with my partner, without artificial hormones. I’m back in touch with my cycle which really helps, and my periods are really manageable. I have 3/4 day periods, with some cramps but mostly manageable. Whilst the procedure to get the coil is unpleasant, the pros definitely outweigh the cons.

Sadly the copper IUD didn’t work well for me. Felt like it made my PMS worse, also experience hair loss. So removed after a few months and swapped to mirena coil.

I had the copper coil put in a few months after my birth. I have tried to stick with it to settle down, but as time went on my period each month got heavier and more painful. I'm currently getting advice to get it removed and find a new contraceptive to lighten my period.

I’ve had the copper coil for 3 years, and at first I was really happy (having swapped from the combined pill after getting migraines with aura). I liked being hormonal free, and my periods have been regular, I’ve been much more aware of my cycle than when on the combined pill. However, over the last year my periods have been getting increasingly longer, more painful and heavier (with 3-5 days of very light bleeding followed by 2-3 heavy days with significant cramps) so I’m going to try and swap to the hormonal coil. Insertion was painful but quick - and I found a sexual health clinic offered pain relief whereas a GP appointment did not.

When getting the coil the pain wasn’t too bad. I had extreme cramping for 1 day about a week after getting the coil fitted. My periods were a lot heavier, the first period being the worst however these got better. Still very heavy. I also experienced a lot of cramping which I didn’t have before. The two worst side effects for me were that I constantly have Bacterial vaginosis which I’ve never had before. I’ve had it 6 times within the 3 months which resulted in me always being on antibiotics which also made me feel sick. The other bad side effect I’ve been experiencing is the low moods. 3/4 weeks of the month I feel so upset and angry. I know this method is non-hormonal but I didn’t experience these emotions before having the coil. I have PCOS so I’m uncertain if maybe this affects this too. I’m going to get it removed.

I had the coil for 18 months, and while it offered some positives, it was overall a challenging experience for me. The insertion was unpleasant, and I was left feeling emotional for the rest of the day, which wasn’t something I was fully prepared for. I experienced unexpected heavy bleeding on random days outside my regular menstrual cycle for about three months. My periods, although they became regular, were very heavy and painful. Some months were more manageable than others, but overall, my periods were awful. I also had a constant feeling of pressure and a dull ache in my lower abdomen, which turned into sharper pain two weeks before my period. Additionally, I experienced some weight gain and bad acne. I was glad to be on a non-hormonal method of contraception, as it gave me a better understanding of my natural cycle. This ultimately helped me receive diagnoses for both PMDD and endometriosis, so the copper coil was helpful in that regard. However, during the last five months of using it, I developed persistent thrush. I have since switched back to the combined pill, as the side effects from the pill are less severe than those I experienced with the coil.

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 ;)