Copper coil experiences after pregnancy

[Nat4392]

My first DD is now 4m and I really want to get some long term contraception sorted.
Prior to TTC I was on the combined pill for 10+ years. But after coming off it, my mood was so much better so it’s made me want to avoid hormonal contraception in the future.
That only really leaves me with the copper coil (currently using condoms but that’s not a long term solution).
I like that it doesn’t affect the regularity of periods but I’m aware they can make them heavier and more painful. The prospect of having it put in also terrifies me (pain wise) as DD was EMCS so never had a natural birth.
I would just like to hear people’s experiences of having it inserted and how their periods have been since etc.
Thank you!

I'm sorry I don't have experience but want to follow as I'm thinking the same after feeling better after coming off the pill!

I used the copper IUD for ~ 8 years (two separate ones as they can be in for 5 years each) prior to any children (I am now pregnant with my first). I was very happy with it. The only difference I noticed was more cramps and heavier flows, which are normal with this type of IUD. Insertion is uncomfortable and a bit painful but very quick. I had a lovely doctor both times who guided me through it - I could breathe through it without issue. Removal is very easy and is less painful than a pap smear in my experience.

Your partner might be able to feel the strings when the IUD is first inserted, but as they "adapt" to your it cervix it should not be noticeable during sex.

I have a friend who’s was pulled out during sex and now absolutely can not stand the thought of it.
I also have painful periods already so knowing that it can make them worse was another Nono.

I’ve had the implant this time (also have a four month old) and after two weeks of horrendous and aggressive mood swings…. I’m back to ‘me’ so happy so far.

No probs with the insertion / the copper coil ‘getting in the way’, however my periods were way heavier and longer than they were pre pregnancy/ coil, I’d have one light day then 3-4 days of very heavy bleeding, then another light day rather than more of a curve peaking with one heavy day… maybe I was just lucky before and they were light.

Like you I don’t want to go for a hormonal option once this baby is born, id go back on the copper coil but would prefer not to have the heaviness- but no other side effects is great!

My experience (after 2 births and 20 years on the combined pill around having them) is that it was less painful to have inserted than a typical smear - I barely felt it. But I went to the gum clinic to have it inserted as I had heard the nurses there were much more proficient/experienced than the GP surgery.
Periods are overall no heavier than before, but are different pattern. Previously I would have had 4-5 days fairly steady moderate flow. Now I have 2 days very light, one day super heavy, then another 2 light days.

I had a copper coil a few years ago, had never given birth when it was inserted. It was painful but I managed, deffo go to a sexual health clinic where they do them all day every day!

My periods before the coil were always super light, literally 3 days, never had to use a tampon bigger than regular size and my main issue was finding the really tiny tampons which I needed most the time. I unfortunately did not get on with the coil, I would bleed so heavily that i would bleed through my clothes at work. At night I would bleed through a massive tampon and a pad, after getting out the shower, blood would pour down my legs with huge clots it was awful.
I really wanted to persevere with it but after 6 months I had been feeling really unwell - poor skin, rapid weight loss, hair falling out and dizzy and it turned out I was severely anaemic and the doctor whipped the coil out then and there and I was on iron for year.

As you can see from other replies my story is an extreme one way and doesn't mean you would have the same thing so might be worth giving it a go because the removal is super easy and painless if it doesn't work out.
I have been told the hormonal coil keeps the hormones quite localised (not sure if thats just the Dr talking shit tho) and I know a lot of people who get on really well with it.

A few years ago I had an appointment with an NHS nurse to learn about natural family planning and after tracking my cycle for so many years since I know when I am fertile and not. If done correctly it is just as reliable as other contraception but you do have to be very diligent. We use condoms on days it's not safe or if I'm not 100% sure.

Oh I should say as well, as soon as the coil was out, my periods went straight back to normal so I feel like its definitely worth trying it and seeing what happens to you. We're all so different you'll never know how your body will react

Everyone is different but I didn't have a good experience on the copper coil (my friends loved it and recommended it to me). The insertion was painful but not unbearable. However, I always suffered from horrific period pain and the coil made it 10x worse even when not menstruating. Some days I felt like I was in labour but my body was trying to dispell it. After 6 months I had enough and had it taken out ,which was really easy and barely felt it. The pain stopped immediately after.

Thank you all for your replies. I think it might be something I’ll try and if it doesn’t work for me, I’ll try something else.