Absolutely terrified of getting the copper coil next week.

[Mumabear123]

Hi all,
I am getting the copper coil fitted in a few days and to say that I’m slightly nervous is an understatement.
I can’t use hormonal options anymore and so this is a necessity for me now. However after (stupidly) looking into the procedure I’m getting very anxious about having it done.
I’ve heard stories of ladies passing out, in horrific pain, being sick, the most painful thing that they have ever endured etc.
Please could you tell me how it was for you? Was it really as terrible as I’ve seen/ heard?
I’m really hoping it’s not!
Any advice that you can offer on how to deal with the pain (if it’s really as bad as they say) would be very appreciated

from one very anxious mama!

Mine has been in for nearly 6 years. I was a nervous one with low threshold for pain but it was fine and well worth it. I took some paracetamol beforehand and had a lady doctor who explained the process calmly to me. I'll probably have it replaced for a 5year one when the time comes and then i'll be closed shop for good.

If it became too painful to bear I was told that I can tell them to stop the process, perhaps ask this. Its always good to know you're in control. Best of luck with it, hope it goes very well for you if and when you go ahead with it.

If a pregnancy could kill you ,why would the person you are with risk it? He should be taking every precaution and using some imagination.
I understood that the copper coil didn't prevent pregnancy, that it prevented implantation? That's one of the reasons I would never have a copper coil, conception sends me absolutely loopy, it calms down, but the first 2 weeks are awful. The secretion is I've seen how badly my skin reacts to cooper jewellery, I would never have that metal placed inside my body, it would not go well.
Why not try a Mirena or a Jaydess? A low dose of localised hormone.

I had nonissues having either of my coils fitted

I had mine (first one) last week

i made the mistake of googling stories/experiences/risks

so the night before I was very nervous

the actual procedure was less than a minute. Honestly it was so quick. There was a bit of discomfort, but nothing bad. And she was in and out like a ninja 😁 job done

i had slight cramping for 24th so after but nothing that stopped me leading my normal life.

good luck 🙂

I’m not going to lie to you my first one (pre baby) was pretty awful. The second one I was 12 weeks PP and the doc put local anaesthetic in my cervix and it was totally painless. This was at a sexual health centre/family planning clinic. Maybe ask if that’s an option, even if you have to go elsewhere?

You can still get pregnant with copper coil btw! Mine hurt so much I didn't even want to have sex anyway

It's not sore. If it is then tell the person and ask them to stop. FYI you will get very heavy periods for up to 6 months but after that it's brilliant. I'm on my second one after DC2 and wouldn't have another option!

Ps I would have it fitted at a family planning clinic rather than your GP. They do it all the time and will be much more experienced!

I found it quite painful and felt it was the same pain as contractions in labour. It was however very quick.

I'll preface this by saying I've never given birth, so potentially more painful than someone who has might find it.

It was in three stages for me. "You're going to feel a sharp pinch", and it was just that. Perfectly manageable.

"You're going to feel a cramping sensation" I believe this part is when they measure the size of your uterus. It was a little grit your teeth but again, manageable.

And then, "One more cramping sensation". This was when they actually inserted it. This bit was hard but short, probably about 5-10 seconds. I went a bit fight or flight here and tried to get off the bed without consciously realising I was but snapped out of it pretty quick.

I had moderate cramping for the rest of the day.

I still recommend getting it. The pain was short.

I can't say I enjoyed the process, but the peace of mind of not having to do anything for 5 years is definitely worth it for me.

I had it fitted last year at the same time as my smear test as that was due anyway. It went fine and along with others I didn't realise it was even done until she said, all done!
Slightly heavier periods than I usually had but I've actually lost weight since being off hormonal contraceptives and I feel much better within myself mood wise. Best thing I've done and I was quite worried beforehand.

I've had the copper coil three times. It was unpleasant, moments of pain but not terrible. You can take a couple of painkillers before and after.

My only worry would be that mine failed twice resulting in ectopic pregnancies.

Like you, I picked it as not wanting hormonal birth control.

Don't rely on it for 100% of your contraception. I know a couple pf people who have gotten pregnant with the coil.

I've had 2 coils fitted now. I can't say I enjoyed the procedure, but they were over very quickly - it was a sharp pain, but the type of thing that made me do a bit intake of breath and go "ow!", for about 10 seconds (not passing out or anything), and then it stopped. After I had cramps like a bad period.

Obviously it varies between people, but tell them you're nervous and take a couple of paracetamol beforehand and I think you'll be okay. It's not fun, but it's quick and for most people I know who've had it just 'ooh that hurt for a second' rather than anything more.

OP, with regard to painkillers you should take 2 Paracetamol & 2 Nurofen (Ibuprofen) one hour before the procedure. They are safe to take together as work in different ways and will make all the difference. Also make sure you've eaten.

You'll be fine

I had it in January, honestly it was fine. I was a bit worried too, having read some of the horror stories but I needn't have been.

I took paracetamol and ibuprofen about half hour before, and chatted to the Dr and nurse during so I was relaxed. I found it very similar to a smear test, and it was over in minutes. I genuinely hadn't realised they were done when they said ok you can get up now. I also got a friend to take me in case I felt rough afterwards and not up to driving.

Obviously everyone is different, but hopefully the fact it isn't awful for everyone is reassuring. Please don't feel scared to say stop if you need to though, if you find it painful don't just endure it.

Oh and my periods have been fine since, no heavier or more painful than before.

Vasectomy not an option? Vasectomy plus condoms?

Hi ladies. Just to let you all know. I had the copper coil fitted about 2 hours ago.
I felt absolutely nothing when it was being fitted. Literally no pain at all. I didn’t even realise she had done it. I was waiting for the pain but it never came. Not even a pinch. I was so shocked.
ive also had no bleeding at all.
i have very very slight cramps now. But when I say that I mean barely noticeable.
I know everyone’s different but I just wanted to put anyone’s mind at rest that may be as worried as I was.
I was incredibly nervous this morning, that nervous in fact that I was actually sick! it really wasn’t bad at all.
zero out of ten for pain. And I’m very happy so far!

Hi OP. I am currently on my 4th copper IUD, and my first post two pregnancies. I’ve had positive experiences during fitting and found it helpful to have some ibuprofen or even co-codamol an hour before the procedure. I’ve always found it very helpful to close my eyes and breathe in through my mouth and out very slowly through pursed lips - like this - https://www.sylviayoga.com/blog/2018/7/29/golden-thread-breathing?format=amp

It undoubtedly made my periods heavier and longer but as contraceptive it works well for me. I have taken the Pill in the past but have suffered from depression and the Pill exacerbates it. DH needs a vasectomy as we do not want more children but this works for now. Best of luck.

Cross posted! Fab news OP.