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Original poster

Copper coil (not Mirena)- your experiences?

15 replies

dizietsma · 29/09/2006 17:56

Hi everyone, after reading the Mirena thread with dismay I've been considering getting a plain copper coil and I'm hoping I can hear your positive and negative experiences with it.

OP posts:
nailpolish · 29/09/2006 18:04

i have a copper coil

i dont like the idea of all these artificial hormones (in the mirena, the pill etc) so thats why i opted for the copper coil. me and these hormones just do not get on

having it inserted was fine, just a little nip and that was it. i check the threads after every period, no bother

my periods ARE heavier, i will admit, but they dont last too long, 4 days mostly, 5 occasionally. and i do have period pain, but i dont know if thats since having the dd's or to do with the coil

i take paracetamol and its fine (i get period pain for a day before period starts, once period starts pain goes)

no other side effects at all

i am very happy with my coil

poppiesmum · 29/09/2006 18:49

I had the copper coil fitted 12 weeks after dd was born as I didn't want to mess about with hormone contraceptives again. Fitting was quick and easy (felt a little sharp scratch-like feeling and that was it)and I've had no problems since. You're supposed to check the threads but I don't. My periods were always heavy, so as far as I can see, the coil hasn't made them any heavier or more painful. If you want no-fuss contraception - go for it!

southeastastra · 29/09/2006 18:49

yep i agree with np had coil about 3 years now

NomDePlume · 29/09/2006 18:51

I've got all the info on this and I'm waiting for GP practice to get their arses into gear and actually arrange a 'coil clinic' (it is actually called that ) that coincides with the right part of my cycle.

rosysslave · 29/09/2006 18:58

I have a coil, a little uncomfortable having it fitted and a definite odd feeling for a few weeks, my periods don't seem too much heavier than before though slightly more discharge (sorry) in the day or so before my period, the odd sharp pain that I don't think I used to have but other than that I think it is fabulous. I did not like the pill at all (and had high bp which the pill does not help) and we have 3 children on my dh using condoms so that was obviously not going to be a suitable long term method of contraception! I don't have it checked as often as I should though.

NotSoUselessMum · 29/09/2006 19:01

same here. had it fitted 3 momnths after dd was born, not earlier only because I could not get round to make an apt.

GP said I would have heavier and more painful periods for the first 6 months approx.
true. normally I had a 3 day one suddenly I had a 7 days one very heavy and quite painful at first - shocking as never had before. also because of great amount of blood lost and pain I felt very very drained and tired. I should have taken some supplemment and eat better but always rushed.

now, 8 months down the line it's all back to normal.

I did not feel anything when fitted and never check the threads (lazy).

I am very happy with it as I don't have anything to think about or worry.

recommended.

Olihan · 29/09/2006 19:03

I had it between ds and dd and found it was the best contraception I've tried. It did make the first day and night of each period heavier but the rest was as normal. I had no pain having it put in - my gp said your cervix can be quite numb if you had a baby recently.

Original poster
dizietsma · 29/09/2006 19:13

All reassuringly positive so far, nobody had any problems?

OP posts:
Original poster
dizietsma · 30/09/2006 17:43

bump

OP posts:
zazas · 30/09/2006 17:57

OK here is my negative story! I had the copper coil fitted about 10 months after my second child. It took two attempts to fit it but wasn't that painful thank goodness. However I bled excessively. My periods were up to 10 days long and extremely heavy - totally drained me and really interfered with normal life as I could hardly leave the house on the worse days as I passed such large clots.

Anyway persisted for about 6 months and then swapped to the mirena which was in comparrison fantastic. I had no problems with the hormones and did not suffer what so many have. Even when I removed it to become pregnant I didn't notice any difference so I guess I was lucky. Would definitely use it again over the copper.

nulnulcat · 30/09/2006 18:16

i have endometriosis so have always had very heavy painful periods the pill didnt even make them much better now have the copper coil skin is much better havent had a spot since before i was pregnant pmt isnt as bad, yes periods are still heavy and very painful and i dont have the advantage of knowing exactly when im due on but i prefer it, no hormones messing with my body

Breezie · 02/10/2006 11:42

I had the mirena coil, which gave me problems with cysts on my ovary (only have one so a bit precious!!). I recently had the copper one fitted and am just launching into my second heavy period (the first of which lasted 17 days), with only a week in between - so much for being a goddess for my DP!!!

mumblechum · 02/10/2006 12:13

About 4 months after I had the coil fitted I had an ectopic pregnancy and had to have an ovary and fallopian tube removed. Only after that did I discover that ectopics are not uncommon with the coil, so obviously you need to do a pregnancy test early on if you miss your period.

FatThighs · 03/10/2006 19:28

have a copper coil - put in 3yrs ago. Periods heavier but over quicker.

If you don't like hormones or condoms (who does ) it is a good option for many people.

dreamchocolate · 03/10/2006 21:47

Had an IUD fitted 3 months ago. Periods been 14 days long since and much more painful. I am sticking with it for now in the hope that things will settle down.

Good luck with your decision

p.s. the fitting of it was fine, not painful at all

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