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Original poster

Copper coil?

40 replies

Ulysees · 04/01/2007 13:29

Right, I'm having to think pretty hard about contraception now. I've already asked the court of mumsnet about sterilisation but am unsure.
I will carry on using condoms with my new partner but would rather use another form with it to be doubly safe.
I've heard mixed opinions about the copper coil? I can't use hormones as react badly to them. Or at least I did in the past.

Anyone got any views on the copper coil? TIA

OP posts:
nailpolish · 04/01/2007 13:50

hi ulysees

i have a copper coil as i dont like artificial hormones such as the pill or the mirena

i really like it

i have periods every 4 weeks, they are quite heavy and sudden, but only last 3-4 days

would thoroughly recommend it

having it inserted is quite sore, like v v sore period pain which lasts a couple of days, and the actual insertion bit is like a v sore 'nip'

np xx

nailpolish · 04/01/2007 13:51

you have to make sure you check the threads are still in place after each period because after one particular heavy period i lost my first coil!

ive had this one for about 18 mths now
ask them to leave the threads quite long

Original poster
Ulysees · 04/01/2007 13:54

cheers nailpolish. Are the threads soft or hard? Just worrying about them piercing the condom?

OP posts:
nailpolish · 04/01/2007 13:58

they are harder than cotton thread but not as rigid as plastic. very pliable.

hth

Original poster
Ulysees · 04/01/2007 14:00

thanks

OP posts:
Blandmum · 04/01/2007 14:01

I had one for a while and hated it. I was bleeding for 4 weeks out of 4.

But I know of a lot of people who think it is great,

It isn't as sucessful in preventing pregnancies as the hormonal coil, and also works by preventing inplantation rather than conception, which some people find a problem

Original poster
Ulysees · 04/01/2007 14:03

oh dear. My periods are light and regular at the moment, always have been.
suppose I can try it though. I'm thinking with condoms too I'm pretty safe but even if I did get pg it wouldn't be the end of the world. That's why sterilisation lost it's appeal really, so final. Plus the horror stories.

OP posts:
Blandmum · 04/01/2007 14:04

if getting pg wouldn't be the end of the world, have you thought about a diaphragm? I used one very sucessfully for 2 years. You don't even know that it is there....I much prefered it to a condom

You might well be fine with a copper coil tho, I wasn't, but not everyone is like me!

Blandmum · 04/01/2007 14:05

sorry 3 weeks out of 4!

Jelley · 04/01/2007 14:05

I have one and love it. I didn't find having it put in too painful(I took 2 paracetamol before I went for the fitting appt) and I've had no problems.

I actually had to have the threads shortened on my first, as I could feel them, but it is better that wy round than losing it!

Apparently it can make your periods heavier, but it didn't for me (although difficult to say this time as I've only had one since I had ds)

Jelley · 04/01/2007 14:05

I have one and love it. I didn't find having it put in too painful(I took 2 paracetamol before I went for the fitting appt) and I've had no problems.

I actually had to have the threads shortened on my first, as I could feel them, but it is better that wy round than losing it!

Apparently it can make your periods heavier, but it didn't for me (although difficult to say this time as I've only had one since I had ds)

nailpolish · 04/01/2007 14:06

yes, i agree it can be problematic for some people, but as you say you can try it. if it doesnt work having it removed takes seconds

good luck

frogs · 04/01/2007 14:06

I had a copper coil for 4 years between ds and dd2, and again for 3 years after dd2. I've just had it removed because my bleeding was getting a bit out of hand as I've got older, and the first course of action a GP will recommend in that situation is to remove the coil. Unlike np I found that the coil also prolonged my periods to about 7 days rather than 5.

But if you don't already have bothersomely heavy periods, then it's def. worth a go. I miss my coil, though it has improved the bleeding. I never checked the threads myself -- apparently the risk of it coming out is greatest for the first couple of cycles, after that is much lower.

I didn't find the insertion that bad, and I'm very wussy about gynae procedures. You need someone who does them all the time, though, not a nurse who's been on a training course and done a couple since then. Specialist family planning clinic might be a good port of call, or a GP who does a lot of coil insertions.

hth

Original poster
Ulysees · 04/01/2007 14:07

oh good jelley,glad you find it ok

I did use the cap years ago but I didn't like the messing. Takes me or him a second to put a condom on.

OP posts:
nailpolish · 04/01/2007 14:07

er, mb, can i ask....

with the diaphargm do you find it messy? i had one and the cream stuff i was told to use make a huge mess

maybe i was doing something wrong?...

Jelley · 04/01/2007 14:08

I would definitely second getting it fitted at FPC or by someone you are sure is fairly experienced.

Original poster
Ulysees · 04/01/2007 14:09

cheers frogs. Yes I'd wondered about who would be putting it in. My gp is ringing me on Monday so I'll ask her about this.

OP posts:
Blandmum · 04/01/2007 14:10

well, I'm so old {fed up emoticon needed) that I used c-film. I don't even know if it is still available. It used to be advertised in Girls Mags in the 70s. It is a strip of spermacide impregnanted 'stuff' that beomes jelly like when inserted into your fanjo!

I used to put in on the surface of the diaphragm in conract with the cervix....no mess no fuss.

Probably not made any more....I'm off to google!

Original poster
Ulysees · 04/01/2007 14:11

I found the spermicide messy, maybe I was being too liberal as usual

OP posts:
expatinscotland · 04/01/2007 14:13

I use a diaphragm.

I haven't found the spermicidal film here, like MB describes, but I do get it from the US in regular shipments .

Thanks, sis!

Her husband had the snip.

Blandmum · 04/01/2007 14:14

I used to be able to get it in the UK, but this would be over 10 years ago. It is a very non messy way of applying a spermicide.

expatinscotland · 04/01/2007 14:15

I agree!

That cream is pants!

Hard to find, too.

bootsmonkey · 04/01/2007 14:17

I don't do hormones either and had the copper coil put in before Christmas. Am on day 7 of my first (heavy) period and no sign of letting up! Usually only 4-5 days, and although they aren't more painful, I am on a 21 day cycle, so if it continues for much longer it will be 10 days on, 10 days off, which ain't much fun! I echo taking a paracetamol before you have it fitted, I didn't and felt very shaky and sick after and had to lie down. Mind you, I did have two put in on the same day as the doctor accidentally pulled the first one out when cutting the threads!! Periods should settle down after the first 3-6 months, so I shall wait and see before deciding whether it is for me....

Tried the diaphragm before this one and didn't like it as the spermicide made me itch! Ditto condoms.

Hope you find what works for you.

bootsmonkey · 04/01/2007 14:19

Echo the cream spermicide being pants I used to get it EVERYwhere & it stinks! Thought it was me doing something wrong...

Original poster
Ulysees · 04/01/2007 14:25

oh no, I'm going away for a romantic holiday in May with my boyfriend. We go on 1st which is usually middle of my period. If I have a coil fitted then I could be bleeding for most of my holiday He's away so it'll be our only time together for a few months so may wait for coil.

OP posts:
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