copper coil contraception

[vanillacinnamon]

I know this has been done before and sorry - I cannot see any very recent threads so please forgive me if this is an oft repeated topic. Trying to decide between copper coil and mirena - am having one of them fitted on 10 august and need to decide before then.
Apart from heavy periods and cramps etc are there any other disadvantages of the copper coil? Lack of extra hormones introduced into my body seems attractive feature of copper coil but cannot decide between the two. Any thoughts very gratefully received

i have moved this thread from parenting section so sorry for repeat

I've had no problems with mine in the last 3 years.
I've found that the heaviness starts to decrease after about 6 months. Still got a bit of the cramping but nothing like it was at the beginning.

I chose the copper one for the same reason - didn't want any more hormones inside me after 10 years on the pill. My periods have always been heavy and aren't any worse since having the coil. If anything, the cramps have been a lot less bothersome since having it fitted too - no idea why, but I never have to take pain killers any more.

I love it - easy to get fitted (and remove if you want to ttc again), and you just forget it's there.

I've got the copper coil, I have to say having it fitted was a nightmare - not the actual fitting that was fine (although they gave me a maternity pad after so be prepared for some bleeding) but I got a UTI and uterine infection the week after. It was very painful and I bled constantly for about 4 weeks (no more than a heavy period but not ideal as couldn't wear tampons and felt horrible as it was all self inflicted and I couldn't have sex anyway!)

Since some strong antibiotics it has been brilliant, I don't notice it. My periods are quite heavy for first couple of days and then normal. Definitely best contraception I've used even if first bit wasn't great.

thanks spider
your post is helpful, i am looking after an 18 month old and a 10 week old so I hope I dont get an infection as not sure what will happen if i am "out of service" to any extent as a result of a UTI. Was it cephalexin they gave you I wonder (I have suffered from these quite badly in the past)
anyway thanks for your post

Spider - your experience sounds horrific - did you have any swabs taken before the coil was fitted? When I had mine fitted the 2nd time (after ds was born) I had to go for a swab to be taken the week before which they use to check there are no infections lurking at the neck of the uterus which may get transferred upon insertion of the coil.

I didn't have this done when I had it fitted the first time (about 3 years previously) so I'm wondering if it's a new procedure designed to avoid the chances of infections like yours?

vanilla - worth asking if your surgery does this pre-fitting check

spider and detoxdiva thanks - detox I am going to ask about the swab test it is a good point
what about weight gain with the copper coil I wonder... not my biggest concern, would be happy if it works and does not disrupt too much in the long term (if my periods settle down that is) although if I am going to put on a lot of weight I would like to know as I will have to buy a new wardrobe with some money I dont have.....!

vanilla - my weight hasn't been affected by the coil but the post baby chocolate and lack of exercise has had an effect

I have had a mirena coil for 3 years and it is wonderful!!!! For the first time in my life, I have no heavy bleeding (just spotting once a month). No bloating, no weight gain. The hormones are minimal because they are applied purely where needed, in the uterus, rather than systemically like the pill. Everyone should have one. Oh, with the possible exception of men

detoxdiva snap, i like to think that exclusive breastfeeding somehow actually prevents your body from losing weight but 2 months after the birth of my second baby, my "attempts" to lose a pound or two are not going too well (certainly not as well as they did with baby number 1) but maybe it is something to do with the cake and the chocolate cancelling out (and some) the exercise I am doing.... booo hooo
but good to know that on a general leve the copper coil does not cause weight gain.
now just to stop being a chicken about the possible pain involved in having the thing put in....
goldenlife thanks for your thoughts on the mirena. I have an aversion to hormones / chemicals which is totally illogical as I have never been on the pill and so I dont know how my body might react to this anyway, I am just put off by some scare stories about doctors refusing to take them out even if they are a nightmare for at least 3 months. but if they don't affect you that is great and I have heard other people say the same thing and that the mirena is fantastic

vanilla - honestly, it was no problem having it fitted. If you've had a baby then you can have a coil put in

It's undignified in the same way that having a smear is, but as long as you stay relaxed and calm, you'll be fine. Take a couple of paracetamol before if you're worried. Afterwards I had a tiny bit of spotting but that's all.

detox - I didn't have any swabs taken at all, I had coil fitted at FPC as it was open in evening and I had 3 under 3 at the time so it was best time. I did have swabs taken a couple of days after to confirm infection, I think I was just unlucky and actually like I say it hasn't put me off recommending it, that horrible first bit is worth the ease and reassurance of the long term.

I did take pain killers before having it put in and the lady doing it was brilliant, the fitting itself was fine it was the complicated bit after that was a bit tricky

vanilla
I'm really wanting my mirena removed for the horrible amount of side effects I've been having since insertion last sept. I'm going to docs tomorrow to discuss copper coil. Sick of the hormones messing up my body

I've had the implant and had all of it's side effects too!

Nevermind, let see what happens tomorrow!!!

I had tests taken before my coil fitting (IIRC it involved going a fortnight before the fitting for the swabs).

Have had two copper coils - no side effects, periods no heavier than before, all fine.

But IMO having them fitted is grim (of course that would be the same for the mirena) - I would take some painkillers just beforehand and if poss have someone else to drive you home.

Hi everyone, Had a "quiet word" with one of the GP's I work with, she agrees that copper coils cause heavier periods but coz there's no hormones it's wether I can cope with heavier periods. we'll have to see!

Got appt for thurs to have MC removed, gonna discuss where to go from there

I'll keep you posted!