Copper coil: negatives and non-hormonal alternatives?

[StarlightMcEggsie]

When this baby is born I am NOT getting pregnant again!

No idea what is out there though these days.

anyone?

I had the copper coil fitted after the surprise that was dd2. I found it painful ( very ) for about 2 weeks after and my periods where heavier and a little morepain full for a couple of months but then it all settled down and I have had no problems at all. I like it as I can pretty much forget it's there.

I used the copper coil after dd and had it put in again after ds was born.

Also wanted a non-hormonal method as they interfere with my cycle and wanted to keep things as natural as possible.

Have found the insertion and removal absolutely fine - not painful and only as undignified as a smear - if you've had a baby then it's like a walk in the park

Never had any issues with it, periods were always heavy so can't comment if this has changed, but they haven't got any heavier. Best contraception I've ever used - highly recommend.

Negatives for me were painful insertion but I had it put in pre children so i suspect its less painful when your cervix is used to 'traffic'

Also, used to feel cramps a bit more at first but that settled down like Pud1. It was fab after that (maybe 3 months) and then I felt quite sad having it removed as it was such low effort.

I cant have hormones either so my options were limited.

Good luck!

I don't like the idea of hormones roaming around my body, plus I plan to breastfeed forever.

Also experience of hormone contraceptive is that they are 100% effective in that I fall into depression and never want sex. They also make me fat and spotty.

I have one and am pleased enough with it.

I have had, in the past, reasonably heavy and occasionally quite painful periods so was a bit worried it would exacerbate this.
I had it inserted after DS (our second happy accident) and before my periods had returned so not sure if it's the coil entirely that have changed my periods.

I find that my periods are lighter but longer - oddly, the first few days are light now and then I get a few medium days in the middle and then tailing off
I have had very little cramping at all, haven't needed or wanted to take painkillers for period cramps and have had it for over a year now
I love that I can forget all about it for AGES
The insertion was a bit painful but EXTREMELY quick so not really worth mentioning in the scheme of a 5 year (or 7, I think it might be) solution to contraception
OH felt the threads once or twice but it was not dramatic or upsetting!

Thank you.

Is there any copper leakage, - and is this a bad thing?

Not sure about leakage. I've not heard of that at all regarding the copper coil...

Oh meant to say, not sure there are many other alternatives other than condom... or cap/diaphragm. I looked at the diaphragm but the need to insert in advance would have ruined the fun of GOFing for me...

Planning to probably use condom AS WELL!

Oooooh! Okay.

Is there any resistance to getting it? I mean instead of other things?

DH would never consider the snip and I don't feel it is my place to try and convince him.

I wouldn't go for sterelisation either unless medically necessary as I feel this also interferes with hormones.

I like my hormones they way they are

Much the same as others on here. Inserted after dd no pain, no fuss 5 years of happy shagging, highly recommend.

I've had copper coils fitted at my 6 weeks check after each DC. Insertion after DD1 (almost a natural delivery) was a bit sore, but given that what I'd been through 6 weeks earlier, nothing to write home about. After DD2 (ELC) it was pretty nippy, but over really fast and then after 24 hrs or so of period type pain it was fine.

I do have a problem with heavy periods and I'm pretty anaemic most of the time. Each time though it's settled after about a year and has been more manageable.

I just don't like the idea of hormones so on balance this works for me. I just don't have to think about it at all. Who can say fairer than that?

if you get it put in as soon as possible (8/9 weeks) after childbirth, it doesnt hurt a bit.

I never had any problems at all with the copper coil. Didnt change my periods at all

Another vote for having it inserted soon after childbirth - in my case it helped me figure out what was still numb after DC3 (turns out most of me ... didn't feel any pain, barely anything at all in fact!, 3 months after a 3rd degree tear and repair). I also went for it because hormonal contraceptives have caused unexpected side effects in me in the past (so didn't want to have the hassle of a Mirena insertion then removal, especially with a young baby) and I'm breast feeding.

My periods are much heavier now though, 3 months or so after insertion. I have always had heavy periods, these ones are worse, but getting lighter each month now. In fact this thread has reminded me up my iron intake, just in case. I don't get cramping or other period pain which I was concerned about beforehand.

It will last 10 years though, and I'm happy with it now.

Had mine fitted a few months after DC2 was born. DC3 was born 9 months after that practically clutching the damn thing!

On the plus side, no periods once it was fitted!