Hormonal coil (IUS) vs Combined pill

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Hormonal coil (IUS)

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Combined pill

£From £0.16/day

Overview

Rated 3.6

747 reviews

Every 3-8 years

Frequency

Over 99%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Rated 2.8

2398 reviews

Daily

Frequency

91% - 99+%

Effectiveness

Increased

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Hormonal coil (IUS) ingredients

Main hormones in Hormonal coil (IUS)

progestogen


Combined pill ingredients

Main hormones in Combined pill

progestogen

oestrogen

What Lowdown reviewers say

Benefits: What this contraceptive can help with

Adenomyosis

Endometriosis

Heavy periods

Menopause

Period pain

Acne or bad skin

Heavy periods

PMS and PMDD

PCOS symptoms

Period pain

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£From £0.16/day

Check out our latest reviews

Real life reviews from people like you

Hormonal coil (IUS) reviews

747 reviews

Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
44 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 day ago

  •  Still using

I’m 44 with recently diagnosed PCOS and endometriosis which is why my specialist told me to try the Mirena to lighten the lining of my uterus and help with my awful periods. I had to go off of the pill at 40 and suffered for 2 years while debating what to do. I got the mirena in at 42 and have had it 2.5 years now. I do get pelvic pain and cramping twice a month for a few days randomly and feel like I can tell which ovary is active but it is still better than dealing with the bleeding and irregular periods I had previously. My periods are non existant apart from spotting for a few days but not enough to even merit wearing a liner! Sex drive is definitely lower and dryness comes and goes as well but breasts have grown which I’m not upset about! I’m leaving it for another 2 years then will decide if I should opt for a hysterectomy.

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Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 12 - 18 mo
27 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 days ago

  •  Still using

Wish I'd got the Mirena coil sooner it's been great for me! I have no side effects, my periods have almost stopped except for a little spotting once a month. Insertion for me was a little painful and I had immediate cramps but by the end of the day they had passed (I had an anaesthetic injection which probably helped with the pain). My first period after insertion was heavier and more painful than usual and I had some spotting throughout the month for about 6 months, but now my periods have almost stopped.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 3 - 5 yr
28 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 days ago

  •  Stopped using

I had an awful time getting it in and out. I have never given birth, which can make it worse. The cramping pain was so bad, I vomited when getting it in and they had to use arterial forceps to remove it as the strings got lost (ouch). My skin was better and my moods were more stable. My period also stopped which saved a lot of money. I gained a lot of weight, though and the amount and intensity of my migraines increased a lot. I also had terrible cramping pain despite no periods, which was linked to PCOS. I haven’t had any symptoms since getting it removed 2 years ago.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
44 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 day ago

  •  Still using

I’m 44 with recently diagnosed PCOS and endometriosis which is why my specialist told me to try the Mirena to lighten the lining of my uterus and help with my awful periods. I had to go off of the pill at 40 and suffered for 2 years while debating what to do. I got the mirena in at 42 and have had it 2.5 years now. I do get pelvic pain and cramping twice a month for a few days randomly and feel like I can tell which ovary is active but it is still better than dealing with the bleeding and irregular periods I had previously. My periods are non existant apart from spotting for a few days but not enough to even merit wearing a liner! Sex drive is definitely lower and dryness comes and goes as well but breasts have grown which I’m not upset about! I’m leaving it for another 2 years then will decide if I should opt for a hysterectomy.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 12 - 18 mo
27 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 days ago

  •  Still using

Wish I'd got the Mirena coil sooner it's been great for me! I have no side effects, my periods have almost stopped except for a little spotting once a month. Insertion for me was a little painful and I had immediate cramps but by the end of the day they had passed (I had an anaesthetic injection which probably helped with the pain). My first period after insertion was heavier and more painful than usual and I had some spotting throughout the month for about 6 months, but now my periods have almost stopped.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 3 - 5 yr
28 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 days ago

  •  Stopped using

I had an awful time getting it in and out. I have never given birth, which can make it worse. The cramping pain was so bad, I vomited when getting it in and they had to use arterial forceps to remove it as the strings got lost (ouch). My skin was better and my moods were more stable. My period also stopped which saved a lot of money. I gained a lot of weight, though and the amount and intensity of my migraines increased a lot. I also had terrible cramping pain despite no periods, which was linked to PCOS. I haven’t had any symptoms since getting it removed 2 years ago.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments


Combined pill reviews

2398 reviews

Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  today

  •  Stopped using

i was on this pill for maybe 2 years or less, awful. i’ve came off it about a week ago and i’ve started a new one called lizinna. my sex drive decreased a lot , i was always agitated about everything that much it started affecting my relationship. i gained weight which was shocking as i have a fast metabolism and used to be skinny. i became very lazy and just wanted to rot in bed all the time . everything just annoyed me and i had terrible mood swings not recommended


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 day ago

  •  Stopped using

Rigevidon impacted my moods so negatively - my anxiety and depression were at an all time high and I was prescribed medication for this. I gained a lot of weight and was also so prone to thrush.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
23 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 day ago

  •  Still using

Been on this pill for a few years and absolutely loving it. I’ve previously been on a different pill and had the implant both of which I felt made me crazy. This one makes me feel the most myself I don’t have a fault to say about it at all!


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  today

  •  Stopped using

i was on this pill for maybe 2 years or less, awful. i’ve came off it about a week ago and i’ve started a new one called lizinna. my sex drive decreased a lot , i was always agitated about everything that much it started affecting my relationship. i gained weight which was shocking as i have a fast metabolism and used to be skinny. i became very lazy and just wanted to rot in bed all the time . everything just annoyed me and i had terrible mood swings not recommended


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 day ago

  •  Stopped using

Rigevidon impacted my moods so negatively - my anxiety and depression were at an all time high and I was prescribed medication for this. I gained a lot of weight and was also so prone to thrush.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
23 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 day ago

  •  Still using

Been on this pill for a few years and absolutely loving it. I’ve previously been on a different pill and had the implant both of which I felt made me crazy. This one makes me feel the most myself I don’t have a fault to say about it at all!


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 3 - 5 yr
24 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 day ago

  •  Still using

My main reason for taking the pill is for stopping my period and contraceptive second. I don't take the 7 day break. I have heavy periods and now I don't have to worry about it anymore. However, after 3 months or so I do experience breakthrough bleeding, so it doesn't stop me bleeding completely. This was better than my experience on Gederal 30/150 as I was more prone to spotting monthly compared to the quarterly bleeding I have using Millinette on a lower hormone dose.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 8+ yr
34 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 day ago

  •  Stopped using

On this for about 14 years, taking a few short 6 months breaks. Only in hindsight can I connect the dots on some side effects including eczema (many people go on the pill for acne, it has a drying effect so you can imagine for someone with dry skin it makes it worse) and recurrent UTIs. These symptoms became pronounced when going on and off the pill in my 30s. Dryness and loss of libido when trying to go back on it again recently was unmanageable. Sex drive and sensitivity completely disappeared. 6 weeks later I am working it out of my system and sensitivity and libido is slowly coming back. I would also question the role the pill has played in depression and anxiety over the years. I have no evidence for this but can only say that coming off it I have never felt more peaceful or like myself. Since I have fairly light periods and no other menstrual or health issues except eczema I would say going on the pill was the wrong choice for me in hindsight and have since educated myself on my hormones and am using natural cycles.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 3 - 5 yr
43 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 days ago

  •  Still using

Noriimin has not effected me in a negative way and the only side effect I have is bloating. It keeps my have a very light bleed when on the 7 day break each month.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 6 - 12 mo
24 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 days ago

  •  Still using

Overall I’m very pleased with Drovelis. No weight changes or mood swings. Periods are regular and not painful at all.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 5 - 8 yr
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 days ago

  •  Still using

I've been on Rigevidon for years now. It took some time at first for my body to adjust to the hormones – I felt some mood swings and whatnot – but after a few months, everything levelled out. Now, it's been a really convenient way to stay protected


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 8+ yr
27 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 days ago

  •  Stopped using

As someone who experienced heavy and long periods, this pill helped to shorten the amount of days (from 7+ down to 5) and helped ensure regular periods to plan around. As I took this pill for 12+ years, I have recently decided to take a break


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 3 - 6 mo
19 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 days ago

  •  Stopped using

Very very similiar to millientte 30/75 or Femodene, it was a really good contraception for me, my skin really improved, I didn't gain weight unlike other pills and also my mood wasn't affected either


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Contraceptive alternatives and comparisons

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