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Family planning

copper coil 5 year vs 10 year...experiences?

10 replies

queenrollo · 12/07/2015 08:49

I have a consultation on the 20th to discuss having a coil fitted. Am certain I want the copper coil as hormones just don't agree with me.
I am aware there are 5 yr and 10yr coils...and as I will very soon turn 40 the 10yr one will be an option for me.
I just wondered if anyone had experience of the two types? For convenience sake it would suit me to have the 10 yr....but before I request that I want to see if peoples experience of it differed to the 5yr.

I have no gynae issues, currently have what i consider light periods (the odd heavy day some months).

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Angel1983 · 12/07/2015 20:08

I had my copper coil fitted about six weeks ago. I got the five year copper coil fitted in the end. The nurse tried to fit the ten year one first but it wouldn't fit apparently. Therefore, I think the main difference is that the ten year coil is a bit bigger than the five year one.

Other than my periods being a bit heavier and more crampy, I haven't really had any side effects.

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VoldemortsNipple · 12/07/2015 20:13

I've had the ten year one for ten years. It needs replacing now and I'm quite happy to get another one. My periods were a little heavier to begin with but not terribly so. Some months they are heavier than others anyway.

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WhoNickedMyName · 12/07/2015 20:16

I've had the 10 year one in for about 4 years now. not sure what the difference is so can't comment on the 5 year one. I love it, no hormones, no side effects, periods are slightly heavier but that's about it.

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PersonalClown · 12/07/2015 20:28

I had a 5 year and now I'm on 10 year.

Now I think of it, I have noticed some differences. Whether it is down to the coils or just coincidence, I don't know.

I have more pain with the 10 year, leg cramps, sharp pains in abdomen when cramping, it's taken longer for my periods to settle, the breast pain is awful.

But I wouldn't give it up.
Less migraines is a big pro for me. I was getting 1-2 a week on hormonal contraception. I'm down to 1-2 a month. BIG Improvement.
And no worries over having to get it right.

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Fannyfannakerpants · 12/07/2015 20:57

I've had both. Again, it may be coincidence, But I had longer more painful periods with the 10 year one. Although it is meant to be more reliable.

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MiniJellyBeans · 14/07/2015 22:29

Hi queenrollo, you may already know this but any copper IUD fitted at or above the age of 40 can be retained until contraception is no longer required, regardless of it's licensed duration. This is from Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare guidelines, I haven't just made it up!

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queenrollo · 16/07/2015 12:04

mini i didn't know that actually, it never came up in any of my research into the topic so thank you for bringing it to my attention :)

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CurbsideProphet · 17/07/2015 12:22

I had a 5 year copper coil put in this morning. Like angel they tried a 10 year first, but had to go for a smaller one.

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queenrollo · 20/07/2015 16:37

the earliest they can fit me in is the end of August! There is no-one in any local GP surgery qualified to fit, so all referals go to the one clinic and they only do fittings on a Weds.

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queenrollo · 27/08/2015 14:24

Thought i'd update.

Had the 10 year coil fitted yesterday. It was ok, bit pinchy but nothing I couldn't handle by breathing through it and consciously relaxing my muscles.
Had a bit of spotting and one or two cramps but otherwise i'm fine.