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Original poster

mirena coil or copper coil? side effects? which is better?

45 replies

Knax · 08/10/2009 12:07

thinking of going on one of these two, have been on the pill before, but didn't like the loss of libido. Any experiences to share?

OP posts:

ginnny · 09/10/2009 18:00

MTA - pmsl at "fat hairy witch with a smelly fanjo"
Thats the funniest thing I've heard all day

lola1978 · 19/10/2009 13:15

just wondered if anybody has had any of the following side effects with the COPPER COIL: depression, mood swings, worse pmt, tiredness? heavy periods are well known with this type of coil but i did'nt realise i would end up feeling so terrible with it, i had this coil fitted because it did,nt contain any hormones and i cant take the pill either so i thought it would suit me!! i then did a bit of research after putting up with it for 10 months and generally thinking i was going mad, i looked up 'copper toxicity' and to my horror i found a list of side effects that it can cause!! i had the coil removed a few days ago and the bloated feeling has totally gone which was another side effect! so hopefully i should get back to feeling myself again-i'll keep you posted. Ive heard that some people have no problem with the coil and it really suits them - everybodys different, but i just wanted to warn others of the possible side effects and to not suffer like i did for 10 months - i wish i had researched this sooner!

cavalier · 03/11/2009 17:23

I want to know how people have put on so much weight. Yes i have possibly put on half a stone...but 4, 5, 6,? This is my 4th month and i do believe i am loving the fact that my heavy burdensome periods have died right down. We have to accept that there will be some side affects but the weight gain seems incredible. Im so sorry to hear of the extreme side of the story. Still early days for me but i just dont want that heavy bleeding i really dont.

sarahlou73 · 17/11/2009 17:59

I have had the mirena coil twice for about 18 months each time. The first time I had it removed to have another baby. I wanted a copper coil after this pregnancy but was talked into the mirena by the doctor, i wouldn't have periods. fer 12 months was feeling very low like I had a clouded view of life. At first put ut down to having 3 small children but I decided I couldn't go on like this especially with having to work more hours. I have been without it for almost three months and I feel much more like my normal self much happier not as tired and my libido has come back! I have also lost weight without trying. I hope this helps people who may also feel this way

stephie101 · 17/11/2009 19:00

ok dont want to be scary but i had the mirena for 4 years came off it in march, regular periods, everything fine, unfortunatley it damaged my right fallopian tube which ended in an ectopic pregnancy, had emergency surgery last thursday, now only have one tube....

Ask lots of questions thats all i can advise..

cardiganlover · 17/11/2009 23:01

I had my copper coil fitted just last week and I love it already!

I took the combined pill for 17 years and loved that too. Went on the mini pill after my DD was born and it turned me into a raging lunatic! It was absolutely horrible. That's why I went for copper.

Insertion was fine. I've forgotten what it's called, but the hardest part was when they use the thing just to look inside - they use them when you have a smear test too. Therefore, I'd say it's about as painful and embarassing as a smear, but takes a little longer to do.

So far I've had one period and it was a lot heavier than usual, but also a good 2 days shorter which I think I prefer.

No pain during sex, hubbie can't feel it.

No complaints so far!

Good luck with your decision making

onlyoneyoko · 07/04/2010 16:00

I've had the mirena coil since October 09 and finally have booked to have it taken out next week! Clearly lots of women experience no problems with it but I feel as if my whole body has changed since last October. I have gone from a svelte 7 stone (I'm under 5ft tall) to almost 8 stone.., my sex drive is virtually zero..

In addition, I have swellings in my lymph nodes (doc says this is unconnected but I'm not so sure!!!).. and my periods are virtually nothing now. Personally, I don't like the no-period thing. It feels unnatural and I'd rather bleed!

I'm booked in next week for removal of mirena and insertion of copper at the same time...

I'll let you know how it's going in a few months!

Catherine1989 · 10/06/2014 21:44

Hi I had the meira coil in for 5 years in 06 but weonly thinkin bk my mond swings were bad use to get pain in my belly button like there was something sticking in it I gained 3 stone bu never got my periods so I had a baby there nine months ago and I'm havin other baby bu won't to try the copper coil bec there no hormonal in it jus won't to now any good

MiniatureRailway · 11/06/2014 11:07

Weight gain, heavy periods, mild depression and no libido...

Well it's contraceptive effect can't be denied can it?!

I was considering the cooper coil, definitely won't be going ahead after reading this. I also hate the thought of having to fight to get it taken out again if you no longer want it in your body. That isn't on.

superstarheartbreaker · 11/06/2014 14:45

I love my copper coil. No hormones , less painful periods. Periods were very heavy at first but settling down. No having to remember to take a pill then panicking if I forget.
I shall strongly advise dd to have one. They really are fab. I don't really get why people would choose the Mirena over the copper coil tbh. Just as effective. Also I like knowing that I have a period as it is an effective gauge of if I'm pregnant or not.
The pill is a joke.

munkymoo1 · 12/06/2014 13:09

I took the pill for over 10 years, could not tolerate mycrogynon so had a lower dose in marvelon. After kids I have had copper coils for the past 15 years. I always seem to have insertional issues- apparently my womb goes into spasm! Anyway, last oct I had a change but the g.p couldn't get the copper one in as was too big and my body was resisting it, so I was faced with the dilemma of trying a merina...which I stupidly agreed to.... well, it has caused weight gain, 2 periods a month, mood swings and zero libido. Today I have had it replaced at my local sexual health clinic for a copper one by a very experienced g.p. I am delighted that this was achieved as I was dreading it, and it was my last attempt! Im looking forward to the wicked witch of the midlands becoming a fairy god mother lol... my point is that there is no right and wrong, we are all different and will experience differing effects, but its good to read reviews.

GoodArvo · 12/06/2014 15:11

I was put off getting a coil because of what I'd read on the internet, but I just got too old for the pill so thought I'd try the Mirena.

I love it. I stopped having periods completely after a few months with bits of spotting. I wish I'd got it years ago. I haven't put on weight or had mood swings. I love not having to think about contraception.

Squeegle · 12/06/2014 19:44

I have had the mirena for nearly 2 years. It's great. Has transformed my very heavy periods (the reason I got it), to almost nothing.
No other side effects. No weight gain. I was very nervous about getting it, because of all the horror stories, but it's been a godsend to me.

Also, by the way, my libido is increased! So I would definitely recommend

GnomeDePlume · 12/06/2014 21:40

The side effect of my copper coil is currently sat on the sofa reading a book and supporting Brazil in the football.

DD2 was born practically clutching the damn thing.

Matildathecat · 12/06/2014 22:24

Mirena fan here. Had one after the other for 20 years. No periods at all.

I've always been a bit spot prone and remain so, not convinced it's Mirenas fault. It's really worth considering. I know a lot of women who've tried it and the overwhelming majority love it. The rest got it removed. Definitely give it a few months to settle, though.

ohldoneedtogetagrip · 12/06/2014 22:48

Mirena wins hands down.
I have only been asked to remove 2 Mirena's in 12 years due to side effects but have lost count of the number of copper coils requested to be removed over same period.
WE no longer fit copper IUS in the surgery

CinnabarRed · 13/06/2014 03:08

I've been surprised at how bad my periods have got on the CC.

I've gone from a 31 day cycle with 3 days of bleeding to a 24/25 day cycle with 8 days of bleeding. The bleeding is far heavier than before. And I've had PMT and cramps for the first time ever.

I've given it two years, and I've had enough.

forumdonkey · 13/06/2014 06:27

I'm on my second Mirena, my first was in for nearly 6 years and I had that one replaced about 6 months ago. I can honestly say it changed my life! I love it, gone are my horrific horror film style blood bath periods and I haven't had any side effects other than PMT for the first 3 months of the last one and even that has gone now.

I would recommend it to anyone. In fact I refused to have my first removed until they promised to replace it immediately

bimbobaggins · 13/06/2014 22:42

I had my mirena fitted July 2013. It was a nightmare for six months or so. Bleeding and pain constantly. It was worse than having periods. Had to go for scan but was in correct place. I kept going with it as i wanted to believe that there was light at the end of the tunnel but the worst thing is the hair loss. My lovely thick hair has been reduced to a thinning mess. . My gp doesn't think it's the coil but it only started when it was fitted.

Has definitely settled now but still get a light period every month.

MummyC90 · 24/04/2016 13:07

Hi its my first time on here and im concerned about my coil. I have had the copper coil in for 2 and half years and only recently have i see chages in my mood and periods im going to see the doctor tomorrow but iv been reading about copper toxicity has anyone experienced any bad side effects from the copper coil?

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