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Original poster

Freaking out about copper coil

50 replies

CopperCoil1 · 09/03/2023 14:50

I had this fitted today. I was roughly considering it but my hand was forced as I needed emergency contraception post ovulation due to an unfortunate set of circumstances I won't get into!

I was vaguely aware of horror stories but have now read a lot more and am freaking out.

Stories of infection turning into sepsis needing hysterectomy and all sorts! As well as copper intolerance causing anxiety, insomnia and other MH issues.

Also really worried about flooding and much heavier periods. My next period is due on the day before a huge PR event I am hosting and I am imagining flooding incontrollably in front of colleagues and customers. I just won't know until then how I am reacting to it.

Being a woman sucks so much, and I'm deep down raging at DH. He needs to get the snip, I've done pregnancy and childbirth I just can't be dealing with this!

In the meantime, should I just get it removed before my event or stick it out and hope for the best?

OP posts:
Original poster
CopperCoil1 · 09/03/2023 19:40

Bumping this up just in case

OP posts:
TheEarlofButties · 09/03/2023 19:51

wow You’ve got yourself really worked up haven’t you?! The copper coil is brilliant for most women, most of the time, calm down, it’ll be fine!

TheEarlofButties · 09/03/2023 19:52

And stop googling!

justmyluck1234 · 09/03/2023 19:54

I know someone who has had the copper coil and has none of the side effects you've mentioned. They've been totally fine. Agree with PP try not to work yourself up and definitely don't google.

lmnabc · 09/03/2023 19:58

Copper coils can indeed make your periods heavier but not always.

Give it a chance. It's easy to remove if you don't like it.

EarthFireAirWater · 09/03/2023 20:01

True- periods can get heavier but they are still manageable. I used to wear the normal size pads, now i need to use the one size up and change a bit more often.

The first few days after I got one fitted my tummy was feeling a bit sore, so be aware of that.

Also stop reading things on the Internet as they will be special cases and exemptions, not the rule!

Original poster
CopperCoil1 · 09/03/2023 20:07

Thank you, that's the sort of thing I needed to hear! I do have form for going down a Google rabbit hole. I go looking for positive stories but only pay attention to the bad ones!

I feel a bit weirded out by having a foreign object inside my body for some reason and knowing I couldn't just remove it myself. Hopefully in a few days I won't think about it.

On the plus side I'd freaked myself out about the process of getting it fitted too and I didn't feel a thing at all. Also not feeling any pain now. Fingers crossed!

OP posts:
Cupofteaaa5 · 09/03/2023 20:08

I have a friend who swears by the copper coil, she's had it for years and has no problems. Good luck, I'm sure you'll be fine!

Justanotherdaytoday · 09/03/2023 20:16

Have a copper coil here which I also had to have as emergency contraception! Yes my periods are heavier but I take tranxaemic acid which can help. The relief about not having to worry about contraception is worth it though, no more worries and you wouldn't know it was there!

ResignationUpYourArse · 09/03/2023 20:16

I have the copper coil and I love it. My first 3 periods were heavier but nothing I couldn't deal with. Period pains slightly worse.

Calm down, seriously. You won't even think about it in a few weeks!

BadgerLovesMash · 09/03/2023 20:19

The copper coil is great for most people. Mine was great while I had it. Was such a relief not having to worry about contraception.

But if you need/want it removed and the doctors won't do it, sexual health clinics can too. I had an adverse reaction to the implant, the doctors told me to wait for it to settle (I had problems for over 9 months but kept getting palmed off), I rang the sexual health clinic and they removed it 2 days later.

Rainbowshit · 09/03/2023 20:20

I had a copper coil for a decade with zero issues.

Nursemumma92 · 09/03/2023 20:22

I had one for years and got on fine with it, no issues. If you're worried about heavy bleeding, invest in some period pants and wear them on the run up to when you are due on so that you aren't caught out and then you can wear them with a tampon and pad too really belt and brace. It hopefully won't be anywhere near that bad but at least you'll feel prepared. X

TheFormidableMrsC · 09/03/2023 20:28

The copper coil was amazing for me.

DilettanteMum · 09/03/2023 20:28

I did the exact same thingfive years ago when I got mine. Total Google meltdown.

It's fine. Literally.

Yea had heavier periods for a bit but nothing a nighttime pad couldn't handle.

NoSquirrels · 09/03/2023 20:30

Had one for years and years and absolutely zero side effects. It’s been the most stress-free contraception ever for me.

Stop freaking yourself out. Wait and see.

QueenAstrid · 09/03/2023 20:32

I’ve had mine for 11 years. It hasn’t affected my periods at all. Or anything else for that matter. Best contraception ever!

Swiftbushome · 09/03/2023 20:35

I have a copper coil.and it's bloody brilliant. No hormones and you don't have to remember anything.
My periods were a bit heavier and more painful but not massively and only for the first few months

moppa · 09/03/2023 20:50

I've had copper coils for the majority of my adult life - except when I got them removed to conceive my children.

I even had my coils refitted during my c-sections. Well they were obviously new ones but you know what I mean.

Massive fan here. The first day or two of my period isn't pleasant but I just wear a pad and a tampon - all good.

TheNestedIf · 09/03/2023 20:54

My personal experience is that it has been a trouble free form of contraception for me for over 20 years. My periods were already heavy, but the coil didn't make them any worse (time has helped with that problem anyway). The worst bit is the insertion, and you've breezed through that.

Serious side effects are rare. It sounds like the person who did the insertion was very experienced for it not to hurt. I reckon you'll be fine.

bunhead1979 · 09/03/2023 20:55

I just wanted to add that i had a bad time on a copper coil BUT it was manageable, like heavy bleeding just needed a bit more regular loo trips and paracetamol etc. So please don’t panic, even if its not a good experience you’ll still be able to do life etc. Don’t worry until you have something to worry about (and saying that as the biggest worrier i know its not that easy!!) x

wishuponastar1988 · 09/03/2023 20:57

Has the copper coil recently, it's been fine. Had a period (first period since having my baby 7 months ago) and it was abit heavy for a couple of days but certainly nothing major. The vast majority of people I've spoken to said positive things about it

Original poster
CopperCoil1 · 09/03/2023 22:20

Thank you I love hearing these positive stories and the anxiety is lifting.

I went to a sexual health clinic and got a same day appointment which is amazing, that wouldn't have happened at the local GP. And yes, she was great and very experienced which is probably why I felt nothing at all. So if I need it removed for any reason at least I know I can just go there and get an appointment quickly.

@Nursemumma92 great advice thank you! I was already planning to double up tampon/pad while at the event but tripling up with period pants is a genius idea! Just so I feel prepared!

OP posts:
Tatapie · 09/03/2023 22:26

Mine was fine, until I got pregnant. Think it was plus 5 years in and should have been replaced.

Kudja · 09/03/2023 22:31

I’ve got one and it’s great. Periods always been heavy - can’t say they’ve got worse but I now use a cup which is an absolute game changer. The one thing I did notice was a massive increase in mucus. This did settle down but it was astonishing at times .