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Original poster

Copper Vs. Mirena Coil, why did you choose one rather than the other.

16 replies

Mongolia · 04/12/2009 10:19

I'm starting a new thread on this as my previous one had a rather obscure title, here's the question:

Ok, I never thought that I would be asking this question considering how long and how much clomid it took me to conceive my child but, we are not in a position to bring another child into the world and can not trust our previous bad luck to keep the things the way they are.

I have been reviewing different contraception methods and I'm inclined to go for a IUS(mirena) or a IUD(copper). According to the NHS there are different advantages and disadvantages for both but, at the moment, the decision seems to be based in two options:

IUS(mirena): My terrible migraines may come back

IUD(copper): Having mood swings as a secondary effect may tip me over the edge (metaphorically speaking). I'm having a horrendously stressful time at the moment so I'm not sure is a good idea to add mood swing and heavier periods/menstrual pain to that.

There are many other methods, which I have reviewed but at the moment, given my circumstances and medical history, it seems to be between the 2 above.

From you experience, which one may you suggest and why?

OP posts:
Original poster
Mongolia · 04/12/2009 10:30

bump

OP posts:
Housemum · 04/12/2009 10:40

Never tried copper, my mum said it was awful, heavy periods. Have had Mirena over a year and it's fine, except my skin is a little more prone to spots - not bad, just annoying. Though could be my age - I read a mag the other day talking about peri-menopause, and skin problems can be part of that.

Had spotting for about 6 - 8 weeks after insertion of Mirena, but since then have had 2 or 3 periods, all v light (I used to be v heavy, change every 2 hours min on first day). Have still not got through whole jumbo box of Tampax I bought when DD3 born (had Mirena fitted when she was about 6 months old)

detoxdiva · 04/12/2009 10:52

Have the copper one - not had any side effects with it at all. My periods were always on the heavy side and I haven't noticed any change in them for the worse. I chose this over the Mirena as I didn't want any more hormones in my system ( was on the pill previously and it took 18 months for my periods to return)

Insertion is no more undignified than a smear, didn't hurt and it is the most hassle free contraceptive I've ever used.

BulletProofMum · 04/12/2009 10:55

I have had a Mirena twice. I liked the fact that I didn't have periods. I found insertion painful first time round but OK second time round.

Sadly I was the 1/10000 women that fell pregnant with the Mirena. As I didn't have periods and it was the last thing anyone expected it was missed until I was having emergency surgery for a burst ectopic...

but don't let that put you off!

Original poster
Mongolia · 04/12/2009 11:15

Did you experience any migraines or mood swings?

Shocked at mirena and Ectopic that should have been a shock! I suppose that I shouldn't leave that put me off but... well, it's something to consider....

It is a the moment not the right time for a baby but it may be in a couple of years time, however, I'm not getting any younger and the idea of my periods taking a long time to return may mean that I may not be a mother again...

OP posts:
BulletProofMum · 04/12/2009 11:40

I had neither - no headaches, ne mood swings (or at least no worse than normla cycling).

My periods returned straight away and I was pregnant first cycle after havnign the first one removed.

Unlike in depo Provera which I would never had - it took a whole year to menstruate following my last injection.

Risk of conception on Mirena is lower than after tube sterilisation! I really wouldn't worry about it. I did have a large ovarian cyst that was removed. these are also associated with the Mirena.

In fat it is pretty amazing that I am pregnant again given I am missing a tube on the left side and had a large cyst on the right. Became pg accidentily the first time we weren't careful. DH is still pissed off! Still I am happy to be having a third and if the Mirena hadn't failed than I would neve rhave been able to persuade him to have it removed (IYSWIM)

Highlander · 04/12/2009 12:23

I have copper; didn't want hormones.

Periods were heavy for about a year, but have totally settled down. it also took a while for the mid-cycle bleeding to settle as well.

I do get painful mid-cycle pain, but I'm not sure whether this is normal (I'm 41) or due to the coil.(with being pregnant and BFing, I only had 2 periods in 4 years).

inveteratenamechanger · 04/12/2009 12:31

Copper, as I didn't want hormones, and I wanted to be able to TTC as soon as it was taken out without waiting for periods to return.

I get migraines too and felt it wasn't worth the risk. Also I had a bad experience with a contraceptive implant years ago which gave me awful skin.

Original poster
Mongolia · 04/12/2009 13:45

Thank you for your comments.

I'm getting a clearer picture, thank you for your comments.

I am not keen in having more hormones, so perhaps I should go for the copper one. What I don't understand yet is why mood swing are listed as possible secondary effects of the copper one, when it is the mirena one that release hormones.

Perhaps I'm worrying to much about that and I shouldn't. should i?

OP posts:
detoxdiva · 05/12/2009 14:40

I have never heard of mood swings as a side effect of the copper coil either.

Trafficcone · 05/12/2009 14:52

It's funny but I've had Mirenas for 14 years, with 2 pgs in between and I've never had migranes until I had it removed in 2007 and started ttcing!! For me, migranes must be an oestrogen thing and the increased progesterone and lack of periods with the mirena prevents them.

BitOfFun · 05/12/2009 15:15

I put on weight and got spots with the mirena, but of course it's not definite that that was the reason. I also still got PMT despite no periods.

I'm on the copper one now and have been for a few weeks, and so far so good. Two periods, not too heavy, and the two stone has just melted away.

Well, ok, I lied about that last thing

FreeGeorgeJackson · 05/12/2009 15:17

i didnt know tehre were two
that is how much thought i put into it

Highlander · 05/12/2009 15:52

never heard of mood swings with copper

mumof2000 · 05/12/2009 16:11

i had copper for 4 years no problems at all except towards the end, periods seem to get very heavy so had it taken out . have considered marina but heard many bad stories , side efffects , etc ..so waiting till new year to decide ..

i would go for the copper again if my periods were lighter but as there not doc doesnt think they will get lighter so advised marina .

purplepeony · 05/12/2009 16:24

Where have you read that the copper one has mood swings as a side effect? Can you post the link?
Sorry to sound sceptical- I did have a coil once but it fell out!

I am sorry but I think you are misinformed. The only way you could have mood swings with a copper coil is through your own hormones as part of PMS.

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