Copper coil experiences?

[SaltAndPepperGyoza]

I don't get on with any kind of hormonal contraception, but I do want a proper long term method.

I have heavy periods already, so I have previously dismissed the copper coil. I'm just wondering if I should try it after all?

I had a hormonal coil and it was sooooo painful, and made me bleed constantly (which is what hormonal methods always do to me).

Anyone had any experiences - good or bad - they'd be willing to share?

It’s worth trying. It did make my periods very heavy, and for that reason, I only had it about 2 years and gave up. That said, even without the coil now, my periods are heavy (they have previously always been light), so I think that’s just perimenopause. 🤷🏻‍♀️ I take the mini pill now and that works well. If you don’t get on with it, you can have it removed. I didn’t find that having it in or out was a big deal.

Latterly probably due to perimenopause I had very heavy periods with the copper coil and have had none with mirena. I got on well with it for the first five years, no other side effects.

I have heavy periods and endo (diagnosed after the copper coil)
On my third one and it's fine. It basically doesn't make any difference to how heavy or painful my periods are so I'm fine with it
Think they might last a day longer than without

I have had 2 both in for over 10 years. I always had heavy periods and they continued to be heavy. Once I tried the mirena coil but it just made me emotional and depressed for some reason so had it taken out. I have found the copper coil each time to be useful and it has a ‘long life’.

I had a copper coil and it was horrendous for me - hideously painful to have inserted, and caused very long, very heavy periods when I'd had fairly average ones pre coil. Had it removed within 6 months (mercifully getting it out wasn't as bad as getting it in!). Would rather use any other method. GP who removed it recommended trying mirena, saying that while it is hormonal, because it's targeted to the specific area, if the pill is like a bucket full of hormones, the mirena is like a teaspoon so am considering that for next time.

I’ve had 3 copper coils. Tried several pills which didn’t suit and hormonal coil which made me want to kill every one. At least copper coil is easily out and you are back to normal. Took weeks to regain stability after the others for me. It’s uncomfortable going in and out, but once in (or out) there was no discomfort for me. I find periods are heavier, but are over quicker. If hormonal means aren’t working for you, it’s worth a go. Just find what works for you!

I have tried several hormonal contraceptions, the mini pill, depo, combined etc but seemed to suffer constant spotting and bleeding as well as bad skin and bloating.

I didn't want the coil never liked the thought of it but after suffering with almost continuous bleeding on the mini pill for over 6 months I took the plunge and had the copper coil fitted.

Best thing I have done in terms of a reliable contraception and to suit my body. Yes my periods are definitely heavier now, and sometimes longer, but it's worth it to not have constant bleeding and the other side effects of hormonal contraception.

I got the copper coil a month ago and so far I'm happy with it. A little uncomfortable getting it in and some cramping for a week or so afterwards, but absolutely fine now.

Had to come off the pill due to migraines. And it took trying several types in the first place to find the right one.

I’ll be honest, having it put in wasn’t exactly pleasant.
I had it fitted in January, no pain and only light spotting straight after.
My periods are slightly longer than they used to be (4 or 5 days instead 2 or 3)
They are heavier but they seem to be getting lighter each month.
They are just settling down into a cycle, they have been anything from 3-6/7 weeks apart (I was bang on 4 weeks before)

But all this is worth it to me to have a reliable form of contraception and none of the side effects of hormones.

I had a copper coil about 8 years ago. A bit ouchy going in, unpleasant cramps for the rest of the day and I can't remember if there was bleeding for long after (I assume not as there are no hormones to settle). It was fine for the first 6 months. Periods before the coil were normal, not excessively heavy and lasted 5-7 days. After the coil period were heavier though not terrible, a bit clotty and lasted about 10 days. Day 2 was the heaviest bleeding for some reason. I had to get it removed after 18 months as I was bleeding between periods. Referred to gynae who thought the coil might be the cause, so had it out and switched to mirena coil instead.

I got cooper coil for years now. best thing ever for me. No side effect. No heavy period. All normal

Thank you for all the insight. Maybe I should try it. I'm terrified of having it in though. I have some trauma around such things and haven't been for a smear for years because of that.

I'm on my second one. It hasn't changed my periods, I've never been particularly heavy and nothing has changed. Much happier on it than I have been with hormonal contraceptives.

I've had 2. Dd (age 18) on her first.

(We're both factor V Leiden so can't take the combination hormone pill. The mini pill made me want to kill somebody and DD isn't organised enough to remember to take it at the same time each day so this was our best option.

Putting it in- horrendous. Dd being 18 at the time went to a special clinic. She has the smallest one on the market (3/5 years instead of 8 I think) and got numbing injections and good meds.

We both have pretty heavy periods already and it's not made them any worse.

Definitely worked for us.

I had the non hormonal IUD for 10 years. Bloody painful to get it fitted.

I did feel like it made my periods heavier at first but they got shorter. And less painful.

Take headphones and have a vodka beforehand.

I got mine a little under two months ago. The experience itself was unpleasant, but the pain went away quite quickly and I haven't had any issues since.

I had the hormonal implant before and definitely notice that I'm more 'myself' again without it. So for me, it was the right decision (so far) to get rid of hormonal birth control.

I've had a copper coil for about a year. No pain having it inserted, but I never find things like smears painful. I went from 3 day periods to 5 day periods, but they aren't sny heavier. I'm 45 and I was told I can keep the same coil until the menopause, so I shouldn't need another one.

Hormonal contraception of any kind gave me terrible moods (terrible for everyone around me, haha). I won't take anything hormonal again.

I’ve had one for about a year. Best thing I ever did. I read horror stories about having it put in but I honestly barely even felt it. My periods have always been heavy and long but they actually immediately got significantly lighter and shorter since having it! It might be a peri menopause thing and just happens to coincide with having the coil but it’s been great for me. Give it a try. You can always have it removed if you don’t get on with it

Unfortunately actually acquiring one is rare at the moment, my daughter had a prescription for one for the last 5 months no pharmacy in our locality has been able to get one to date.

@kwetu I’ve never had to get the coil on prescription -I just book an appointment for a coil fitting with GP or Sexual Health clinic. They supply the coil and fit it.

Our doctors stocks the minerva hormonal type coils, but not the copper, so gave her a prescription to get one and then set an appointment for fitting.