My Copper Coil review
Posted , 9 users are following.
Hi
I am 24 years old, in a serious relationship, no children, 5ft1 and am overweight. I am writing this as when I was researching what contraception to go for due to feeling like I was running out of options, I saw an overwhelming amount of negative stories about the copper coil and I wanted to clarify that for some it can be extremely effective and positive, maybe even life changing
I had been on the pill since I was 15 years old. Originally I was on jasmine and then a different hormonal one that I cant remember the name of but as I matured, put on weight etc they put me on cerezette. This is where my problems started.. I had an extreme reaction to cerezette and believe that for the six months I was on it, it changed me as a person. It made me reactive, volitile, explosive.. I thought the world was going to end and in the end it just made me very very depressed.
After stopping that I was put on Micronor, two a day due to being overweight. I started taking this when I was 19 years old at the start of my relationship in which i'm currently in. With Micronor you MUST take it within a three hour window or it is inaffective. For a few years micronor worked for me I would have irregular periods and never really know where I was with my cycle. I spent the majority of my first year on it thinking I was pregnant and buying tests but I thought it was worth it as long as my side effects were minimal.
After around three years on it I started to feel like my breasts were really swollen, my sex drive slowed (I was a lot dryer than usual), constapated, my periods were irregular and sometimes non-existant others really heavy and my moods were ALL over the place.. I started to feel like I was loosing grip on myself again similar to what I felt like when on cerezette. At first I thought I might have been pregnant but after multiple tests proved I wasn't I went to the doctors. Due to the nature of my side effects the doctor suggested it may be that my body is disagreeing with the pill that I was on and maybe we should change it up, but afer a talk with my partner we decided that I should try not taking anything for a while and let my body "re-set" to its natural state. I feel like it is programmed into young women these days that they must be pumping hormones into themselves to ensure they dont get pregnant and I had had enough of the side effects for a while.
After stopping taking that pill within a week I felt like a different person. I was happy, relaxed, less bloated, going to the toilet regularly, I wanted to have sex again and everything felt like it was working again. I felt like a weight had been lifted off me that I didn't even realise was there.. I felt amazing. I went contraception free (used condoms still obviously) for around four months, my periods were normal and regular, my period pains were worse but I didn't mind. My periods actually felt like a release! However, using condoms with my partner was becoming a real mood killer so I knew that I had to look into other methods of contraception but this time HORMONE FREE.
I read so many horror stories about the copper coil that by the time I went to have my insertion I was terrified, my partner came with me and sat in the waiting room whilst I went in. I told the doctor I was nervous and she laughed and told me it wasnt going to be that bad. You lie on the table and the speculum is inserted, I wasn't given any pain relief or numbing gel but I had taken two paracetamol and an ibruprofen before, the nurse held my hand whilst I clenched my teeth, you feel a bit of messing around down there and a little sharp pain and a few clenches in your stomach and its done! I get a bit fainty anyway so I had to lie down for a while after it was done. For a week after I had stomach cramps and it was quite painful, but nothing a hot water bottle and some tablets couldnt sort out since then NOTHING. Literally no pains, no bleeding, no nothing. My period was absolutely fine, no heavier than when I was on no contraception at all. Sex has been amazing because it has been worry free and I have really just felt relaxed with the process. After six weeks I had my first check up and was told that everything was absolutely fine. I asked about checking my " strings " but I was told that doctors cut them differently. The shorter they are cut the more prickly they can be which sometimes can mean that they can be felt by your partner, When they are left a little longer they will soften to the shape of your cervix which is why I struggled to feel mine and was told I shouldnt worry about it! So I wont. I'm so excited that I shouldn't have to worry or even think about contraception for at least five years or until I want to have kids.
On talking about this with other women at work I was actually shocked at how many of them had a coil and have had really positive experiences with it, they just don't talk about it! I feel people are more likely to share if they have had a negative experience with something than a positive. But I thought I should share my experience incase anyone else feels like they are running out of options like I felt.
Hope this helped somebody!
0 likes, 20 replies
jen28123 hannah85612
Posted
THANK YOU. I have the Nexplanon implant right now. Due to be out this month in a week. I was told by my doc to try out an IUD. I've decided to go with the Mirena. I'm not really a fan of the hormones to be honest since I feel a bit crazy at times already but I'm hoping for something that will control my period. Since having the Nexplanon in my peroids have been HORRIBLE and sometimes a MONTH long. So I'm hoping to have a big of a relief from terrrible periods for awhile. I've read so many horror stories about getting an IUD that I'm so scared to get one. On top of that I was set for my appointment and the clinic cancelled it. Then again they cancelled my next one. So nothing like getting yourself all worked up and ready to do something, then to have it cancelled not once....but twice. Thanks for posting a good review. There really are some bad/scary posts out there.
hannah85612 jen28123
Posted
You're very welcome!! I have heard from friends that the mirena coil can make periods much more bareable but I suppose its just trial and error, I hope this works for you! I got mine done and fitted at the doctors because we have two very good family planning specialists there, if the clinic cancel on you again you should try your local doctors, you don't need un-necessary anxiety to an already stressful situation.
The insertion can be different for every women, and trust me, its not pleasant, it does feel uncomfortable and can be a little painful, I had cramping afterwards which was painful for the afternoon/evening.. but when I woke up the next morning I was absolutely fine, went to work as normal. Sex for me was off limits for about two weeks as I felt a bit sensitive but back to normal after that!! The actual procedure should last for five to ten minutes, so just think after that HOPEFULLY you wont even have to think about it for five to ten years!
Good luck!
jen28123 hannah85612
Posted
I hope so too! I'm questionable on the hormones a little still because every since the implant I've gain so much weight. Ugh, I'm at the highest weight I've ever been and it's all since the implant. All sorts of hormonal stuff going on but we'll see how this one goes and I can do is try it out. If not then maybe I'll try the non hormonal. I'm not sure what you mean by local doctors? I live in a super small town so this is pretty much all I've got unfortunately. I was given to pills two take before the procedure, well one the night before and another one two hours before. I guess it's suppose to soften the cervix if I'm not mistaken. I'm hoping that's helpful in the process?! Eeeekkkk!
jen28123 hannah85612
Posted
Today was the day for my IUD insertion! WOW, that was SO painful for me even with medication to soften my cervix. My appointment was around 1pm today and it is now almost 7pm and I'm still cramping. I hope that goes away by tomorrow since I'll be working and bending, walking around a lot. I also, of course, had my Nexplanon implant taken out. That was so smooth either. She had a hard time getting it out, but it's out. Lets hope this IUD is a good decision. So far no bleeding, just the really bad cramps!!!!!
hannah85612 jen28123
Posted
Well done for being brave and going through with it though!! The insertion certainly isn't pleasant, and it is painful for some, I would say it was incredibly uncomfortable and a bit painful for me. You will have cramps now probably for a few days. Remember you have a foreign object in your body now and your body will try and reject it, as awful as that sounds, that is what the cramping is. My cramps were very bad the first afternoon/ night and I felt like I couldn't move prperly, a bit like an old lady! But you should feel more yourself today. My cramps didn't properly subside until about a week or so, maybe a little longer. But ever since then I have had nothing until I had a period. Sometimes I get a few weird twinges but my doctor said its just my body telling me that the IUD is still there.. maybe thats not exactly correct but makes me feel better about it.
Report back today/tomorrow. Don't worry, you've got to remember getting it inserted is like a little procedure so of course you're going to feel sensitive the next few days. I told work what I had been through when I went in the next day and they should understand if you need to take it a bit slower. Keep smiling!
jen28123 hannah85612
Posted
Thanks! The really bad cramping thankfully went away around mid day the day after. I still feel a bit uncomfortable though. Not all together cramps but just the feeling of pain in my stomache lightly. I haven't had any bleeding and just a slight bit of discharge. Other than that things feel pretty good so far, granted its only been 4 days, lol! Work has been a bit rough, I didn't tell my boss about anything but one of my coworkers knew. I just tired to take it a bit slower. Unfortunately my job requires a lot of bending, twisting, etc. Thankfully I have this weekend off. My doc, didn't cut my strings just yet. She said she usually leaves them to soften up a bit. I just don't know what a good way to check them is. I mean I've only tired once to feel them and I didn't feel anything? So wondering what a good way to check is? Or position, lol?
jbict hannah85612
Posted
Hi. Read some of the comments regarding copper coil contraception and wanted to echo the few positive reviews on here.
I am 57... and have this morning had my copper iud taken out. The coil was inserted in 1991! Yes.. that
long ago :-)
Having got pregnant twice whilst diligently taking oral contraceptives.. i was offered the coil.
I had never heard of it, but was willing to try.
Best decision ever made! No pain on insertion by family planning clinic, just a bit uncomfortable for a few minutes. No cramps .. no painful or heavy periods.. NO BABIES ;-)
Why was it taken out today? Well having been in situ for the past 26 years without any problems.. and no periods due to menopause for 10 years,my gp decided it was time for it to come out.
I had been dreading it.. what if somehow it was embedded? Wouldn't it hurt to take out? What if the strings were awol? I needn't have worried one little tug and the coil was out. Tiny bit of blood spotting but no pain.
Maybe I have been very lucky; i know some people have had dreadful problems with coils, but for me it has been a godsend. For anyone thinking about having a coil inserted- its a personal choice, there are many bad reviews.. read through the good ones too -you wont know how it will affect YOU unless you try it. Possibly not a good idea to leave it in for 26 years though...;-)
lauren83130 hannah85612
Posted
This is the review I have been looking for!! I'm also 24 and have been on the pill since I was 15 as well! I actually had no major problems with it but when I decided to come off it after ending a long term relationship I realised what it had actually done to me. I'm like a completely new person! I've never been overweight but I did put a bit on when I was on the pill and seemed to be constantly bloated. When I stopped the pill I lost weight, no more bloating and I discovered I have a sex drive for the first time in my life! I was beginning to think it was just the way I was! I'm not in a stable relationship at the moment but there have been a couple of instances I've had to take the morning after pill and it is SO not worth the hassle! So I've decided I want to try the copper coil as I don't want to go back to the way I was on hormonal contraception but at the same time I don't want to be freaking out that I might be pregnant! I am going to make an appointment next week to discuss getting an IUD fitted. I'm quite apprehensive but I'm not prone to heavy periods and I have a fairly high pain tolerance so hopefully I get on alright with it. Thank you so much for your review. It's given me the encouragement I was looking for to go ahead! :D xx
v2709 hannah85612
Posted
I am so glad I have come across this!! I've been on Cerazette for 5 months and the last 3 months have been AWFUL...bad anxiety, extremely down and just not feeling like myself at all. I was really apprehensive about taking it as the doctor told me the hormones are similar to the implant which I also had an awful experience with. I've been reading up about Carazette on forums and so many woman are explaining exactly how I feel..so I want off this pill as soon as possible!! I cannot take the combined pill so my options are depo injection (which I’m not keen on going for) or the coil...I've been stressing about it as I never want to feel like this again! When reading about the coil majority of the things I've read have been negative. A couple of friends say they are so glad they went for the coil and reading this makes me feel much more confident about going for it...so I'll be booking an appointment today! THANK YOU for sharing your positive experience!!!!
sh24417 hannah85612
Posted
For years I went from pill to pill from the age of 17. Jasmine caused me so much craziness and upset (made me so so so emotional) that I settled with cerazette. Compared to the others it felt like a god send. I was never really offered or encouraged to try other forms of contraception.
About 6 months ago, when I started really reading up and understanding each form of contraception and how it worked.
I am 34 and would like to have children in the next couple of years so I decided to try the copper coil due to it being a more natural form of contraception. All my friends who has tried/used warned me that the first 3 months would be torture, lots of cramps and bleeding) but that after that it would be fine. But it would mean that I would be getting rid of all the hormones I had been taking via the pill for the past 15 years and would be getting my body ready if and when I decided to have a baby.
I was also feeling more emotional but I wasnt sure if it was the pill or just the stresses of getting older/worrying etc etc BUT i did think 'why am I not questioning this, what worked for me in my 20s doesnt necessarily mean it will or should work in my 30s'...
I made the appointment and went. I was pertified, even though I'm normally good with these type of things. I was very lucky, I had a nurse that talked me through the whole procedure, showed me the coil (it was a lot smaller than i imagined in my head), she said it would feel like an uncomfortable pinch - she was spot on and it was over before I knew it.
The first 3 months were hard (although my periods have always been tough so nothing hugely out of the ordinary) but now 6 months later I feel great! My periods have become regular - every 24-25 days as opposed to 17 - 80 - 22 - 6 -honestly my cycles were all over the place so you can imagine my moods..... and i'm not putting unnecessary hormones into my body and i don't have to worry about remembering to take the pill every day.
It may not work for everyone, apparently it didn't work for my mother, she says....but its definitely worth a try. I honestly wish I had been more inquisitive about my options and what was available. Most of my friends my age have gone the same route and are very happy so don't be put off by the horror stories, I just don't think enough people have given it a try or been patient with it. Make sure it feels right for you but give it time
p.s I'm also hoping that when I/we do decide to have babies, it will happen sooner as my body will be free of hormones - fingers crossed x
lauren83130 hannah85612
Posted
Just updating from my first reply... I went ahead with my appointment and had my copper coil fitted 5 days ago! It was a lot more uncomfortable than I was expecting. I took pain killers an hour before my appointment as advised and I have a pretty high pain tolerance but I couldn't help but screw my face up when the doctor was measuring my uterus.. it's not pleasant but it's bearable for the 5 mins it takes. It didn't help the doctor had to leave the room for a couple of minutes to get a smaller coil leaving me full of equipment and cramping while the nurse tried to distract me with questions.. If you can, get someone to take you to your appointment and back. My mum took me and I'm so glad. She brought me a hot water bottle which I definitely needed and I couldn't help but imagine how awful it would have been had I chosen to use public transport to get home. I was feeling a bit sorry for myself that evening curled up in bed. The cramps weren't necessarily that painful, it was just constant and uncomfortable and annoying. But 5 hours later they disappeared and I slept well and went to work the next day for a 12 hour shift! The cramping came back a bit the following afternoon but nothing major and I've only had the odd twinge here and there but I'm feeling great! I've managed to feel the string a few times although I wasn't shown how to do this. I'm comfortable enough with my own body that I wanted to try myself. I can only feel it if I'm lying flat on my back and knees bent like you are during insertion. It's quite tricky to feel, it's definitely not obvious. It's like a very thin piece of thread pushed up against the side. I think I've definitely made the right decision and I'm glad I'm protected but not on hormones and don't have to think about it! Time will tell how my periods are but so far so good!
xLouLou hannah85612
Posted
Thank you SO much for sharing! This was the review I have been looking for that covered most of my concerns!
I have been on every pill available to me since I was 20 including Cerezette, Mincronor, Microgynon, Cilest just to name a few. I have had nothing but problems with every single one, including weight gain, headaches, loss of libido, tiredness, acne, severe mood swings and depression.
I decided to try the implant after 6 years of having no luck. Sadly, this made me bleed constantly for 9 months and so I had it removed. I was advised that the injection wouldn't be an option as the levels of hormone are similar to the implant and I'm likely to have the same problems.
I went back to my GP and they said a new pill was on the market and to give it a go as my last 'pill' option. Thankfully this worked brilliantly for me for the first 6 months. Unfortunately (for some unknown reason) my periods became severe, irregular and I was having awful mood swings. I continued taking it, hoping it was just a 'blip' but it wasn't the case. I stopped taking it just before new year and haven't been on anything since and I feel so much better! I don't feel like I am walking through a hormonal 'fog' and my periods have almost become regular again. I think my body just doesn't agree with being messed around with.
Last month I had an appointment at my local hospital about going on the copper coil as my final resort. They went through my options including the Mirena and Jaydess IUS. I expressed my concern about the hormonal options causing problems and she advised that the Jaydess would be a better option as the dose is less, so any side affects will be minimal. Reading reviews of this new IUS, the most common side affect seems to be severe acne which can leave scars, so I have quickly written this off as I had this with one of the pills and still have the scars.
I have been in two minds between the Mirena and the copper coil for weeks, and my appointment is on Friday. There seems to be mixed reviews about the two and I keep thinking I should give the Mirena a chance after reading all the horror stories of the copper coil. However reading your review and a few others have made me change my mind, as I know my body better than anyone else. It clearly doesn't like my adding hormones, so I will stick with my original plan and go for the copper coil on Friday.
I'm not worried about the insertion at all as I have quite a high pain threshold, but
xLouLou
Posted
I'm not worried about the insertion at all as I have quite a high pain threshold, but r4eally wanted to hear more about the after affects and any issues. Thanks again for sharing and wish me luck!
I will post an update once it's done and settled down
lauren83130 xLouLou
Posted
Good choice and good luck!!
Going hormone-free is definitely the best option especially if you've had so many problems with hormone based contraception.
I've had my copper coil in for almost a year now and I love it!! My periods are super regular - almost to the day every month. Only a day or 2 out sometimes. My periods are slightly heavier but not unbearable and cramping was a bit worse for the first few months but that has settled right down. The only problem I do have from time to time that ive read is common with the coil is that I get BV-like symptoms (bit of a nasty smell and watery discharge) but over-the-counter gel for 1 night clears it up and I'm fine for a few months at a time. I'm also now very prone to thrush as well but that's only since I've been with my new partner who is type 1 diabetic and has badly controlled blood sugar so I'm guessing it's unrelated to the coil..
Anyway! It's definitely worked out really well for me and I can only hope you have the same luck!
xLouLou lauren83130
Posted
I'm so pleased it worked for you! It's so hard to find the right method that suits you, if only there was a 'one size fits all' option!
Oh I didnt realise that was a common side affect! Is it actually BV? I'm one of the unlucky ones that has recurring BV so that's not ideal but I suppose it's no different to now I guess! Just in case I have the same issue, what did you get from over the counter? Would much rather go by recommendation than waiting for a doctor's appointment and be prescribed antibiotics again!
Oh I'm sorry to hear that, I have heard that before from a colleague. She had the same issue with her partner also! X
lauren83130 xLouLou
Posted
It's a bit of a grey area to be honest! The bad smell is what has been reported over and over again by women with the coil and it's not really known why it would cause that. My guess is that the copper upsets the pH balance down there and causes bad bacteria to build up which is what BV is so in a sense I think it is that...but I haven't been to the doctor about it since the gels have been working well for me. I just get canesten canesbalance gel for BV or a cheaper one called balance activ. You can get both from most drug stores like boots or online. They both work for me! And although the recommended treatment is to use it daily for a week, I just use 1 tube at night and the smell is gone by the morning so I don't bother using it for a whole week plus then the tubes last longer! But it would just depend on your own need I guess.
It's worth a shot! x