Coil advice please - am sick of condoms!

[Holymoly321]

I used to have a coil way back before we had DS1. Have DS2 also now and have no plans to have any more. Ds2 is 2.3yrs and so far we have been using condoms. But we are both sick to death of them. Dh was thinking about a vasectomy but it seems very 'final' (even though we both know we don;t want more, it's a big step to take!). I refuse to go on the pill because it made me balloon! Looks like our only other option is the coil again but I can't remember what the pros and cons are - it was a loooong time ago that I had one. I think it was a 'copper balls'one if that makes any sense to anyone? Any advice gratefully received!

Hi...2 types of coil. The copper coil and the Mirena which also releases hormones.

I have the copper coil, because like you I don't like the pill. Have had no problems with it at all - the best contraceptive I've ever used! Easy and painfree to fit - just a little undignified, but hey, when you've had kids who cares. Have no side effects at all - in fact often forget I've got it. Advice is to 'check' each month to ensure you can feel the 'strings' but I often forget

I had the mirena coil, had it taken out to concieve ds2 and am now waiting to have another put in and I cant wait.

Despite being painful on insertion I had no periods, no PMT, no weight gain.

I loved it, cant recommend it highly enough

ooh, the insertion - that's one thing I do remember! Can you not have anasthetic?

I've had the coil fitted twice and didn't find it painful at all - a slight 'scratchy' feeling maybe, but nothing I'd describe as pain - perhaps my bits are numbed from the pain of 2 childbirths

The mirena- the hormonal one- suits some people and not others. If you react to the pill (weight gain, acne, greasy skin, hormonal swings etc) you may also react to the mirena the same way. It does have the advantage of stopping periods in a lot of women but some women bleed constantly on it. GPs not keen on removing them either as they're quite expensive and the medical profession seem to prefer that you have that than the copper.

Copper coil can cause heavier periods at first as your body is reacting to the foreign body but if you've had it before and were fine, then you know how you react to it.

I've had a copper coil for a month or so. Have had mid-cycle bleeding which is normal apparently for a couple of months and am having a period atm. It's a bit heavier maybe but not terrible.

The insertion can be sore I think (I had mine fitted under a general) but they can use local anaesthetic and it's over quickly.

I have had my coil in for a month now. It was fitted at the end of my last period.

I had my coil fitted with no anaesthetic! It was like having a smear test, maybe a slightly heavy-handed smear but i wouldnt say painful just uncomfortable. The next couple of days though I was very sore. I bled for a week afterwards (was only expecting "spotting")

I then had a week without bleeding and now I have been on my period for 9 days so far! and have been suffering with headaches & bloated stomach on & off since it was fitted but i have no idea if this is coil related or just coincidence.

So basically i have been bleeding for 3 out of the last 4 weeks - so fantastic contraceptive

Not sure how long i will leave things to settle down at the moment.

Hmmm, methinks we may have to stick to condoms then - don't see why I should go through all that and knowing my luck I would be one of the heavy bleeders who put on loads of weight! Condoms or the snip then (for Dh not me!)

Condoms are good; they collect them mess.