Whats a coil (iud) like? Been on pill too long!

[chocolatekimmy]

I would just like some opinions on the coil as a form of contraceptive please.

Particularly if you have had any problems having it fitted, or shortly afterwards and also if you have become pregnant whilst using it.

I have been on the pill since 1986 (apart from when I have been breeding!) and I am currently using femulen.

I just want to come off the pill, when I had about a year break in between children I lost weight and felt better in myself but I do want reliable contraception. I got fed up with using condoms.

the coil is ok, periods are longer and it hurts a bit after your af is gone but it brings back your sex drive!

I love my coil it's just a normal cheap one as we have to pay around $400 for the mirena here.

Fitting it was nothing if you have given birth, I went to family planning as they do them every day, I didn't want a fumbly Dr that does one a month.

I've had it for a year and a half and have not got pregnant. No change in periods.

I have Mirena wouldn't recommend it, there is a big thread on here with numerous complaints, I have had mine for four years and only now am i starting to realise just how many problems I have as a result. Huge weight gain, violent mood swings, generally feeling unwell and vacant to name a few. have had so mnay tests done to see what was the matter with me didn't even occur to me it was the coil until i did some research.

I have Mirena(my 2nd) and on balance the positives outweigh the negatives. If you can tolerate the pill then the hormonal effect should n't be so significant.

lots of quick responses, thanks

i have the non hormonal coil btw!

non hormonal coil and love it love it love it.

If you do a search there are loads of threads about this given really varied expereince.

To sum them all up it really depends on your body and you either love it or loathe it!!!

Non hormonal (t-safe) coil for me. The first 4-5 months I had horrendously heavy periods, so bad I considered having it taken out. I persevered though and now my periods are light, regular and no problem at all. I've had it for just over 2 years without any problems.

Fitting was much like having a smear, went back to make sure it was still in the right place 2 or 3 times, don't need to worry now about having it changed for another 6 years.

I thought coils were great too - until the day it suddenly occured to me that my period was over a week late. I did a PG test and it came out positive! Very bad news as DH and I most definitely didn't want any more DC - hence the coil!

Went to GP who was very sympathetic and referred me directly to EPAC (Early Preg Advice Clinic) who retested me and scanned me internally. Test was still positive but luckily no pregnancy sack was detected on the scan. They said it was likely coil had done its job - albeit late - and had not allowed the pregnancy to implant. Apparently even the smallest amount of PG hormone in the system will send a test positive and it can take weeks to leave the system even after a MC.

They explained that the coil is essentially a foreign body so the body's natural reaction is to try and expel it, which is why if you have one you should check regularly to see if you can still feel the strings.

Mine was taken out. There was no way you would catch me with one again. DH has since had a vasectomy - by far the best form of contraception IMHO

Having said that, I had no problems with mine for 4 years before this. But the coil is like all forms of contraception, it's not 100% safe.