Had a copper coil inserted!

[itsallgravybaby]

Just had a copper coil put in so wanted to let anyone know what it's like in case they're wondering like I was!

It was quite painful at the time about 3 hours ago - about a 6/10 but over quickly. I've no DCs but apparently if you have had children then this can be less uncomfortable.

You lay down with feet together and knees apart just like a smear, and the Dr puts a speculum inside. You feel like a pinching sensation when it's inserted then period-like cramps (if you don't normally get period pain then the nearest feeling is when you need to have a poo really badly and you feel it in your lower stomach - sorry TMI!)

You also are told whether it's a 5 or 10 year coil and given some aftercare and a reminder to have it checked after 4 weeks.

Interestingly I've been told not to use a menstrual cup anymore as the vacuum effect can dislodge it!

Since then I've had a constant achey pain (4/10 but enough that I've retired to bed at 5pm!

Hopefully it will get less painful tonight and I'll continue to take paracetamol.

Any tips for pain relief?

[MrsMozart]

Thank you.

A friend is having one under anaesthetic (she has sensory issues), so won't know about the first bit.

Can you have Ibuprofen? If yes, alternate every two hours with paracetamol (so long as not allergic etc etc etc).

[itsallgravybaby]

@MrsMozart thank you yes I can, I'll take some now to take the edge off. Hope it goes well for your friend and not too uncomfortable!

[hugoagogo]

I hope it works out for you.
I had one and it settled down fairly quickly, but made my periods longer and much much heavier.

[Whistle73]

Ive had one and having it fitted was horrific at the time (and I've had kids!) but there were no after pains at all and I'm very happy with it overall. Planning on keeping it until I don't need it anymore

[QueenOlives]

Using a menstrual cup if you are careful when removing.

I reach up to break the seal before I pull it out.

[QueenOlives]

That should be, it's fine to use a cup.

[MrsMozart]

itsall Hope you're feeling much more comfortable.

[ChocAuVin]

I’m on my second copper coil so that’s more than a decade using with a menstrual cup, no problem

[itsallgravybaby]

An update:
Was sore going to bed but nothing that paracetamol and ibuprofen didn't fix!

The following day was absolutely fine. Did a workout at the gym no problem, and aside from a little bit of bleeding for a couple of days I've been fine, and by bleeding I mean just enough to warrant a pantyliner.

Now to see what my period will be like eeek!

If anyone's nervous about it, it was just a few hours of discomfort and back to normal the following day! :)

[BleakBetty]

Ah, well done OP!

I had one a couple of months ago and have had two or three periods since. They’re definitely heavier and I have more frequent cramping, but the cramping itself is actually less painful than when I’d have cramps before. More of a frequent niggle than the mega cramps I’ve had in the past!

Periods are definitely heavier, and were heavy before, but I’ve been managing them okay.

I found it pretty damn painful insertion-wise and it still makes me cringe checking the strings because it reminds me of the insertion!

Definitely worth it though, no hormones (I’ve never been on the pill or considered hormonal contraception so this was key for me) and mine lasts five years.

Totally recommend it and will get a new one after the five years unless DP and I decide to TTC, in which case I can have it removed and start straightaway.

Also, I find my periods are more regular, strangely, bang on 28 days instead of the 27-30 it could be before!

[Galwaygirl]

Thanks for sharing, I am going to my gynae to get mirena removed and she has suggested the copper coil, looking forward to seeing if side effects of mirena disappear, have come to conclusion after 2 years its not for me

[Galwaygirl]

Hi, had mirena out and copper coil in yesterday, uncomfortable procedure but so looking forward to no hormones in my body, thank you for your explanation of procedure, it was good to know!

[Thighofrelief]

Remember to check the threads! I didn't and got pg.

[itsallgravybaby]

Update:

Had cramping pains for the last week or so which was a short intense pain for about 30 seconds and then nothing for a couple of hours.

The painters and decorators finally arrived yesterday, and the cramping is the same - painful enough to stop me in my tracks whatever I'm doing, but mercifully only once every hour or so so far.

It's also heavier, as expected but I've gone from a cup to sanitary towels so maybe it looks worse than it is in terms of amount (sorry TMI)

Feeling pretty lethargic but that happens every period anyway! Send me to chocs and wine

[Galwaygirl]

Had mirena removed a week tomorrow and copper coil inserted, light bleeding for the week and nothing now, I cannot believe the difference in a week with no mirena, no sugar cravings and bloating, sorry it took me 2 years to realise, had put on 20lb in 2 years, far more energy also