Sorry if this has been posted before, but I’m looking for some advice!
I’ve been off all contraception for 3 years since being diagnosed with PCOS, I had the Nexplanon implant for 11 years, since coming off it, everything has balanced out. However, I’m thinking about my options again as I feel exposed without anything. I’m pretty set I don’t want to go down the hormone route again, so that leaves me with the copper IUD (this is also the gp’s recommendation).
Has anyone got one/had one and what are your experiences with it? My main worry is it moving/coming out, I’ve heard a range of good and bad stories about it.
@MissNoir . My wife had very irregular periods and was recommend a coil..
No issues at all with side effects or coil moving .think she had it in place for 5 years.
It was this one she had.
The Mirena coil is a small, T-shaped plastic intrauterine system (IUS) that releases the progestogen hormone to provide over 99% effective, long-term contraception for up to 8 years. It is fitted inside the womb by a trained doctor or nurse, works by thinning the womb lining and thickening cervical mucus, and frequently makes monthly periods much lighter and less painful
I’ve had both types of coil, the Mirena and the Copper one.
If you’re not interested in hormonal stuff then you’ll probably want to give the Mirena a swerve because it does contain hormones alongside its basic coil effect. I will say though that this was the best method of contraception I ever used!
I had the Copper coil before that but unfortunately it gave me the most horrendously heavy periods that I requested to have it removed after a year. That’s not to say that’ll be the case for everyone, my periods were average to heavy before I had it put in. Insertion/removal wasn’t particularly uncomfortable and it stayed put with no moving about.
It might be worth considering the Mirena if possible because the amount of hormones is tiny and localised.
I had a colleague when I worked who had a copper coil fitted and she had a period for two years. Doctors could not solve it so she had to have it removed.
Yeah, I think the gp wants me to go down Mirena route, but has offered copper because I’m worried about the hormone side of things again. I have quite heavy irregular periods already, but it has gotten a little better since coming off the implant, I’ll look into the Mirena a little more for sure! Thank you!
This happened on my 2nd implant, a constant period for 1 1/2 years, ended up getting it swapped out! Sounds like the copper one might be more side effect-y than the Mirena!
I hate to be negative, but I must be honest. Someone in our congregation had a coil and ended up pregnant even though she wasn’t supposed to be. She ended up with another boy to add to her two, and he’s definitely a very happy coincidence but I doubt whether she’s ended up on it again!
I feel your pain with the PCOS, I haven’t got that but endo though and had four operations already and waiting my six so feeling your pain… x
Honesty is the way! I’ve heard the exact same thing happened within my friends circle years ago! Thank you, I hope your operation isn’t too far to go! I’ve been on the wait list over a year now for one, no clue when it’ll be! x
Oh wow, you have been waiting a long time I hope you are able to have it soon. She said 14 month wait to me, it’s okay cause I’m not in a rush to have it. I hope you are able to have yours soon though. I was always on the pill pre-hysterectomy as periods were too painful for me to have. I had the hysterectomy 2017 so 10 years next year… And endo came back even though it’s all been out for ages… I was offered the coil but never got round to try it for some reason? So can’t offer any personal advice on it sorry X.
I have PCOS and my periods were horrendous, so unpredictable in duration, heaviness and frequency. I took to always wearing cycling shorts under every outfit as an extra layer of protection.
I got the Mirena about a decade ago and it was the best decision for me, I’ve not had a period since. I don’t have a partner so the contraception element isn’t particularly applicable to me.
My wife struggled with hormonal contraception badly so to be honest I just wore condoms for years. We did also use a mixture of condoms and a fertility app (that told her when she was infertile at particular points of the month so I could go without a condom) and they worked flawlessly until my vasectomy nearly 5 years ago.
Her periods were very regular and as far as she said pretty standard. She absolutely did not a coil of any description.
Worth considering if between you you’re the kind of couple who always remember to stop and use a condom (I was always strict with it) but I know one friend in particular who always remembered after the fact and has at least two children from forgetting to strap one on.
Good to hear she got on good with it! Puts my mind at ease a little!