Contraceptive EVRA patch and IUD

[relentlessissue]

I started using the patch almost two months ago and have suffered a couple of symptoms which I'm hoping are temporary

Debilitating fatigue
Vaginal atrophy at some points during the cycle

The fatigue is difficult to manage as I already suffer from fatigue and it's takes it it to another level

It does say that side effects can be temporary / don't last beyond 3 months so I'm wondering if I should stick to it for another month or just go ahead for a coil fitting - the appt for the complex iud clinic has come through for next week

I was planning to get the mirena coil first as I wasn't keen on anything hormonal but they couldn't get it in so I was referred to the specialist clinic

Please help me decide!

If you have the appointment I’d get a coil. Generally the Mirena is a brilliant contraception and you might end up with quite a wait for the specialist clinic if you change your mind but then are still unhappy a few weeks down the line.

If they can’t fit the coil or you do choose to stay on the patch as you said you’d expect the adjustment period to be 12 weeks or so so if you’re still struggling after that see your practice nurse or who you got the patch from.

Thank you for your input. Good to hear a positive experience about the mirena coil.

Part of me thinks that the fatigue won't really lift so I'm keen to hear from those who did suffer fatigue and whether it lifted for them or not after 3 months