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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:

Blandmum · 04/01/2007 14:26

There also used to be a gel spemicide available. as oppesed to a creme

CocoLoco · 04/01/2007 14:26

I had a copper coil for 6 months last year. I could cope with the slightly heavier periods, not a problem, but I finally had it taken out because I couldn't bear knowing it was there - I could feel it all the time, just a mild sensation, but it was there. As soon as it was out it was such a relief.

MrsOhHu · 04/01/2007 16:20

I'm on my 2nd coil, and so far so good. So much easier than taking the pill, and no probs at all.

frogs · 04/01/2007 16:57

Like mb I also used the diaphragm successfully for years before dd1 and between dd1 and ds. I think the gel is much less messy than the cream, though you do need to be reasonably liberal with it. And stick to the letter about leaving it in for 6 hours, esp. mid-cycle. I didn't, and dd2 was 3 last week. Oh, and the diaphragm also doesn't work if you leave it in the drawer at the crucial moment. Dd1 is 11 now. Double

Blandmum · 04/01/2007 17:06

frogs at the drawer comment. It doesn't work if you forget to take it on your honeymoon with you either. Dh is now 44!!!

nearlymybeetrootday · 04/01/2007 17:09

I have a copper T. I do have 10 day periods though (tedious emoticon) Apart form that perfect - had it for 7years.

I had a diaphragm but it pinged across the room when I was trying to insert it -

Blandmum · 04/01/2007 17:25

that happened to a mate of mine's sister. It shot out through an open window and shocked the postman!

Blu · 04/01/2007 17:26

snort!

hotrodwidow · 04/01/2007 17:39

i am on my 2nd coil and its great i only have a spot every now and then.

Blandmum · 04/01/2007 17:48

I used to work for a company that made the Ortho Gyne Copper T. For the people it suits, it is an excellent choice of contraceptive, but like all contraceptives, it doesn't suit everyone.

We also made diaphragms, spermicides and all manner of contraceptive pills.

I can bore for Britain on the subject of contraception.

Oh, and HRT

PoppiesMum · 04/01/2007 18:03

Hi. I've had mine since dd was born last Jan and think it's great - no probs and the most hassle free contraception I've ever used. I didn't find it painful getting it fitted (a slight scratch feeling) and only had a slight ache in the bottom of my stomach for a few hours after.

StayAtHomeMummy · 04/01/2007 19:29

Had one for 8 years - well, on the second one now, as you have to have them changed after 5 or so years, depending on the brand. Mine's a Nova-T, I think. Absolutely fine, no problems, and totally recommend - I don't fancy the hormone route either.

It's not the most comfortable procedure in the world, but not the worst either (you've given birth, n'est pas?!). Take a couple of ibuprofen before you go and it's fine, really, just a bit uncomfortable and you feel a bit of pushing, maybe a sharp pain or two, but really not that bad - for my first a nurse held my hand (her idea, not mine) and I lay there thinking, for goodness sake, what are you like?!

Once it's in, if you're like me you'll find that you have pretty much constant clear discharge for a few months, and heavier periods - Super Plus every 3 hours or so maybe. For me, it then settled, and whilst I'm a bit heavier than I was before, it's not that heavy really, perfectly manageable.

When my coil was changed 2 years ago, I was a bit heavier for a couple of months then it settled back.

I find it ideal - being a typical married woman sex happens not that often or regularly so you're not taking pills/hormones for nothing for 30 days out of 31 but you're ready to go when the moment arises!

My strings disappeared once, but came back down next period. They're not intrusive, don't cause a problem.

All in all, a postive thing in my opinion.

Right, off to start a thread about my own current issue...

helenlouisey · 05/01/2007 12:57

I had a gynaefix copper coil fitted 7 years ago. Was very painful being fitted and had few heavy bleads to start with, apart from that it has been fab. Best contraceptive I've ever used as you don't have hassle of remembering to take it and also no messing about with hormones. I'm having it removed next month, just hoping that's not as painful as having one fitted.

StayAtHomeMummy · 05/01/2007 14:35

Don't think you feel much when they take it out - don't remember anything in particular.

Forgot to say, Ulysees, you need to plan the timing of the insertion. You'll need some swabs, a week or so in advance, to check for any infection, and then I was told to go for the insertion on day 5 of my period.

ernest · 09/01/2007 09:35

sorry, quick crash in this convo, very timely for me, mb, can I ask, you mention copper coil works by preventing implantation. That unfortunatley rules it out for me. Is this the same for mirena do you know?

secongly, have been using combined pill, fine except for NO libido at all, which doesn't bother me, as I don't care, but dh not impressed. We def. don't want any more kids, but sterilisation not on the cards for either of us. The copper coil wouldn've been fine, except the way it works is no good for me. Am I likely to have the same problems with miren (progesterone only?) I heard that many side effects are caused by oestrogen?

This is a big headache for me. 2 days late this months for 1st time and was in serious panick. I do not want to get pg, but need to sort out libido pronto.

If you take a hormone-based thing that screws up libido, is there any way to fix this, other than to change? I'm running out of options fast.

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