To want a copper coil rather than a mirena?

[coffeeforone]

I have an appointment next week to get a coil fitted, my first ever form of contraception (aside from condoms/withdrawal), at the age of 33.

I spoke to GP about wanting the copper coil at my 6 week postnatal check and she convinced me that the mirena was much better, no side effects as only local hormone release and no periods. Sent me away to think about it.

Now I'm not saying she was lying, but reading online, the mirena apparently can come with side effects because of the hormones. The copper one will probably make periods heavier but other than that I can't see any downsides.

I'm in 2 minds to try the mirena, albeit with the risk of side effects, but the one thing that puts me off is the possibility of increased appetite and weight gain. I'm currently working hard to shed the 3 stone I have gained over my past 2 pregnancies and am very motivated at the moment. I don't want this to derail me or reduce my limited willpower. Am I overthinking this and are the chances of side effects very low, or should I stick to my original choice of the copper?

I've never had a coil, so no personal experience. But, when reading up on them when considering options for myself, I read enough about negative side effects of the Mirena to make me stay well clear.

Personally I am very happy with the Mirena. It changed my life for the better as I had started having horribly heavy periods. I didn’t put on any weight or have any other side effects. I think they are great. I know not everyone feels the same but it’s worth a try in my view.

I’ve also read enough anecdotal to persuade me to have the copper rather than mirena. I can’t really see any downsides to copper but I’ve not had a period on it yet! Had one fitted a couple weeks ago and so far very happy. I didnt even feel it being fitted (apart from the speculum obviously). Also trying the shift baby weight so didn’t want antyrhing to hinder that, even if it does mean lighter/less/ no periods.

I had a copper coil for about 4 years. I chose it as did not want to use hormonal contraception anymore.
First periods were bit more painful as on pill and for first few months I had more cramps - but nothing unbearable. After few months periods were exactly the same as on pill - no difference and no side effects.
Unfortunately had to remove after 4 years as it had slipped down.

I have copper. It made my first few periods heavier after having it but they calmed down and are same as before now.
Wouldn’t go near Mirena personally, have heard too many bad experiences.

Copper coil has been fine for me, periods heavy but only for a day or two per month.
I find the effects of hormonal contraception too much to cope with.

I have copper as the TTC boards seemed to be filled with people who had trouble with their cycles when coming off Mirena.

I'd get the copper, that's what I had as any hormone BC fucks me up.

Might not be suitable for those who react to other hormonal contraceptives, but which you won't know because you haven't tried yet.

Women with a history of having issues with a history of reacting badly to hormonal treatments are usually recommended copper only.

I've been on the pill before and tried a few brands before I found one where I stopped being a crying, raging nutcase. Then after my 2dc I tried the implant. That was a bad idea. I felt like absolute dog shit and bled/spotted for 4 months before I complained.

I was offered the coil and they recommended copper only because of my 'sensitivity' to the hormones.

I went with copper - i struggle with depression from time to time and wanted to steer clear of hormonal contraception.
My first couple of periods were really heavy but then they have settled down to normal and I have had no problems, it's been in a few years now and I'm pleased with it
Ask for the anaesthetic injection when having it fitted.

I've got copper, and it's been fine. Only change is that I now spot for 2-3 days before full flow. Overall not especially heavier. Cramping the first few months, but that's gone.

Same as others, had previous terrible reactions to depo provera and other pills, eventually got copper coil and now on my third one! (Removals for babies). Literally never think about it.

copper coil here. first 6 months heavier periods for 2 days or so but all calmed down now. no problems at all.

Copper here. Periods heavier, but otherwise absolutely fine.

My GP tried to get me to do mittens but not only will my copper coil be effective twice as long (10 years), I don’t want more hormones and I wasn’t convinced when she tried to say the hormones ‘stay in the uterus’.

I had really heavy periods and used the marina coil for years, i had no problems with it, didn't gain weight and never had a period once it was fitted..

I had a copper coil, no way would I have touched the mirena. I've never met a woman who hasn't had awful tales of weight gain and mood swings on it!

I like copper. I like my natural cycle, I like having a regular period, and I like the way my hormones are without being messed with.

I had the speculum in me and They were still trying to push the mirena on me. Don't tell me there's no agenda.
The thing I love most about copper is that I still get that wonderful ovulation horniness.
My hair is thick, my skin is great and I'm not suffering the awful mood swings and misery I got on hormonal contraception.
I will never touch hormones again.

I've had both. The mirena was in for 5 years and was pretty awful. I got acne, weight gain. My emotional state was a mess. Had it removed and all that cleared up. I realised it had been the coil. I had the copper coil without any issues. My periods were perfectly normal. Is now avoid the mirena (especially after researching them after my experience).

Copper was horrendous for me. Awful periods, loads of pain.

I've had the mirena coil for a long time and been using one for years. From my part it's amazing, I've had no side effects and no periods so it's a winner for me 👍🏻

I have the copper coil at the minute after having the implant, I didn't stop bleeding while on the implant and wanted a break from hormones so I had to more or less argue with the doctor to give me the copper as she wanted me to have the mirena. It has been fine with me no bleeding outside of my period. My period is a bit heavier and more painful and I have been feeling quite bloated the week before my period is due but nothing compared to bleeding non stop.

Had merina before baby - I have a background of anxiety and depression but made me severely depressed/suicidal, awful mood swings, could not lose weight at all, and felt rough constantly. I removed myself and it all went away

Thinking of asking for the copper coil at postnatal check up, especially after reading lots of positive comments here

I had the mirena a few years ago and in the end had to beg my GP to take it out, I had constant bleeding, I got depressed, I put on weight, had suicidal thoughts, I was a shadow of myself.
I now have the copper coil after having DS and it’s been fab. I do have spotting a couple of days before my period is due but other than that it’s been fine and I fell great.

I would Always warn people to take the GP’s advice with a pinch of salt as they seem to really try push the mirena and they’re major selling point is “no periods” and that maybe true in some cases but certainly not all.

Just to add too, the implant, and injections both work the same as the mirena too, so if that doesn’t work for you they won’t either.