Implant vs Copper coil (IUD)

I had 3 implants over 9 years. On the surface I thought I had minimal side effects, with the exception on loss of periods (approx. 2 per year). However I decided to take a break having spent a decade on continuous hormonal birth control. I now realise that there where several effects on my mood. Mostly flat lining of my emotions, I never felt things intensely and left me a bit closed off. My libido was very suppressed and took 3/4 months to come back, in line with my periods returning semi- regularly. I also no longer feel constantly bloated or have regular stomach aches. However I didn't get pregnant or experience bad side effects, so I can't say it was a wholly 'negative' experience. I won't however go back to hormonal birth control anytime soon!

I had the implant fitted as I wanted reliable contraception that I didn't need to think about constantly. I had some slight spotting for a couple of months after getting it fitted, but apart from that, the first three years were all fine. When I came to have it changed, the nurse could not locate the implant, so it couldn't be removed during my appointment. I then had to wait six moths to see a specialist at the 'deep implant clinic' who was able to find it and remove it, few, however this whole experience was pretty worrying during those few months. I was not going to have a new one put into my arm but during this appointment I suddenly changed my mind and decided to have another one put in. This second implant I had for two years, then after my 6 year relationship broke down, I recently had it removed a couple of months ago to see how I felt not being on hormonal contraception. Amazing is the answer.

For two years I had good and bad experiences with the Implant. I would definitely say the negative side effects definitely fall under mental health (depression and mood swings), sometimes I would get nausea to the point of wanting to vomit everywhere, migraines, lower back pain. My libido is below low levels. I think I lost myself over this 2 years, I don't feel like the same person mentally. However, this is the best contraception in terms of insertion and daily practicality. I wanted to start having contraception but I didn't want the pill (because I am very forgetful), I didn't want the diaphragm (too complicated) but this one was just perfect and painless procedure. Also, my body changed a little bit over the years but it was because I started being careless with my eating habits, so it is easy for your weight to change with the implant. And in terms of hair and skin, for me it didn't change much, I would get a pimple every now and then but it would go away by itself. If it wasn't for the mental health for sure I wouldn't take it out.

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.

I had side effects with the pill and was put on the copper coil. I had no side effects and no pregnancy so it was a winner for me. Insertion is not much fun but over quickly.

The biggest change going from the pill to the copper coil for me is that period cramps became more painful and my period now lasts longer. However, after three months the pain settled down and now only occurs the first few days of my period, is less frequent and is easily controlled with paracetamol. The biggest advantage with this contraception is my boost in mood. No more mood swings, feeling low and my sex drive has improved. Great for anyone sensitive to hormones. I was worried about the insertion and nearly didn't go because of what others had told me but I had nothing to worry about. I was told to take paracetamol before the appointment, was given the anesthetic and was surprised by how quickly the process was. I asked the nurse, is that it? I wish I hadn't listened to others and got it done years ago.

My periods are definitely a little longer but I’m regular as anything so am able to be very responsive to abnormal changes in my cycle. Definitely insertion is uncomfortable but worth it for me for a decade not having to think about pregnancy and no pain or feeling of it day to day. top tip: if you notice your cycles getting increasingly long then your coil might have slipped slightly! This happened to a friend of mine who went from 30-40days and was worried it was perimenopause!

For the first 3 months of Mirena coil, at ovulation time and period time I suffered massively with lower back pain on one side which spread into sever bloating which lasted for over a week at a time. I got so frightened there was something wrong that I ended up in A&e where they gave me scans, all clear, bloods, all clear. My husband noted the only change had been the coil. Even my doctor said she hadn’t heard that type of reaction but that it can take 3 months to settle. That was the third month and since then I have had no issues. Periods stopped immediately. It is working for me now but wanted to let people know this can happen as I googled so much to see if anyone else had had those issues. The coil is tricky.

I have used the copper coil for nearly 5 years and it hasn't caused any issues except for slightly heavier/more painful periods for the first 4-6 months after insertion. However, after using it for around 3 and a half years, it did fall out during one particularly heavy period (which I believe was brought on by stress). I had a new coil inserted on the same day and have since had no issues.

More research is needed! I had no issues with my first coil, following my second baby I had one re fitted and first few years were fine, for the 7 years I had it I have bled constantly for 4 years my fallopian tubes are full of fluid and the pain was horrific. A private consultant took the coil out 4 weeks ago and literally stopped bleeding the day after, I have had my first recognisable period in 4 years and it lasted for 4 days. Don’t wait to have it removed if you are having issues.

Had copper coil fitted only 2 weeks ago by a lady at the family planning clinic who fits a lot of these, i was so nervous from reading online reviews i would say smears are more uncomfortable, it was so quick and painless,was told to expect possible cramping/bleeding but i didn't until day 7 when i was ovulating then started bleeding im still unsure whether this is my real period yet i would say its slightly lighter than usual

I always suffered with hormonal contraception. Couldn’t take pill due to migraine with aura and the mini-pill caused near constant spotting so the copper coil was my last option except the FAM method. For the coil, insertion for me was painless but I had cramping for a while after (2 days) and some bleeding. My strings were very long so I had them trimmed right down a week after insertion. First few months I had very heavy long winded (9 days) periods but this calmed down after month 7 and now my periods are closer to 5 days but my flow is much heavier. I’ve been able to keep using my menstrual cup but just have to be careful to break the seal when removing. I get cramps leading up to and during my period which I hadn’t suffered since teenage years but they are manageable - just annoying. I believe I’ve put on weight since having the coil inserted but this could also be due to my age. Overall this has been the best contraceptive for me and the first time I’ve been synthetic hormone free since 19 years old.

Best contraceptive I’ve used! Fitting was painful - but manageable and was over quick. Periods are regular and only very slightly heavier and painful. Also you feel amazing during ovulation 😄