Contraception after pregnancy - copper coil or not bother at all?

[trrk]

Any experiences with the copper coil after pregnancy? I’m 3 months post-partum and have tried going back on the pill but feel like my hormones have been totally messed up since so I want to try something non-hormonal but am worried about heavier periods etc. I’m so tempted not to use any contraception since I only managed to conceive after 3 cycles of IVF (and 3 years unsuccessful TTC) but don’t know if the small risk is worth taking. I felt so much better when not on the pill. I’m not completely against another DC (although don’t expect to conceive again) and 2 DC would even be my ideal family if circumstances were different. Having one so soon would be hard work and hard on my body. On the other hand the chance of it happening seems so low so maybe I shouldn’t worry.

Would condoms be a problem until such a time as you feel in a better place to either take the risk of another baby or make the decision that your DH has the snip?

You're very fertile in the months after giving birth, I know this from experience! Don't stop using contraception unless you're fully prepared for a potential pregnancy

I am 9 months pp and at about 2 months pp I was thinking the same as you. I didn't want to go back onto hormonal contraception having been on it for 10 years and felt ‘free’ from not taking any during ttc and pregnancy. I tried the copper coil and it stayed in for a few weeks then fell out in the shower one day during a heavy period. For me the bleeding on it was horrendous and far worse than pp bleeding and imagine that every month. I haven’t bothered having another put back in as I was told by the doctor who put it in that if it fell out it would likely happen again if I had another out in so we use condoms and avoid sex during ovulation. It’s worked for 6 months so far and I plan to continue this way until we are ready to try for a second.

Thanks for the advice both! Always found condoms a bit of a mood killer but guess we could consider them. I’m torn on whether I would be prepared for the consequences of a surprise pregnancy. On the one hand it might be my only chance for another DC since I’m already 42. On the other hand just not sure I could cope with the practicalities of the early days.

Iv had two copper coils. And both were fine. When u google i only ever found bad stories. And i got pregnant straight away as soon as coil was out. I will have coil again after this one. Everyone different but just a positive story

I would probably go with no contraception with your age and fertility history. Or maybe a bit of natural family planning ( avoid your most fertile days) A pregnancy would probably be a happy surprise, despite the practicalities.

We used condoms. I don’t ever want to go on the pill again, DH was considering a vasectomy. Never had an issue with condoms. The GP tried to talk me into a coil but I only know of bad experiences from family and friends and don’t like the idea at all. My periods were way better post pregnancy, lighter, less painful, much shorter.

It sounds like you’re keen to ttc, if that’s the case and your partner is on board then go for it.