Hormonal coil (IUS) vs Copper coil (IUD)

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Hormonal coil (IUS)

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Copper coil (IUD)

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Overview

Rated 3.5

751 reviews

Every 3-8 years

Frequency

Over 99%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Rated 3.5

542 reviews

5 - 10 years

Frequency

Over 99%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Hormonal coil (IUS) ingredients

Main hormones in Hormonal coil (IUS)

progestogen

Copper coil (IUD) ingredients

Most copper coils are made of a T-shaped frame of polyethylene (plastic) and barium sulphate. Copper wire is wound around the vertical arm.

What Lowdown reviewers say

Benefits: What this contraceptive can help with

Adenomyosis

Endometriosis

Heavy periods

Menopause

Period pain

There are no benefits that are recognised in scientific research or guidelines for this contraceptive

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Check out our latest reviews

Real life reviews from people like you

Hormonal coil (IUS) reviews

751 reviews

Used for 6 - 12 mo
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 days ago

  •  Stopped using

I started it after changing from the copper coil. Having previously had no issues with the mirena coil i thought this would be fine but instead i got constant spotting, bled after sex, had a painful and irritated cervix and lost my sex drive.

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Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 1 - 3 mo
43 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  4 days ago

  •  Stopped using

I have pmdd, I could not track my cycle with an iud fitted, it helped initially then made me so much worse. I seen 3 doctors who didn't help, I'm now treating holistically, tracking my cycle and tailoring my food, lifestyle, exercising to my cycle and Somatic healing.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 6 - 12 mo
31 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  4 days ago

  •  Stopped using

This was the first coil I had put in and the process itself was okay but felt very woozy and nearly fainted on the way home. Overall it was not a pleasant experience! I have since swapped to the copper coil and this process, whilst not fun, went a lot smoother! I had the hormonal coil removed primarily due to it's effect on my mood (feeling very low a lot of the time) and big drop in sex drive. It's worked very well for many of my friends but really just didn't suit me!


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 6 - 12 mo
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 days ago

  •  Stopped using

I started it after changing from the copper coil. Having previously had no issues with the mirena coil i thought this would be fine but instead i got constant spotting, bled after sex, had a painful and irritated cervix and lost my sex drive.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 1 - 3 mo
43 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  4 days ago

  •  Stopped using

I have pmdd, I could not track my cycle with an iud fitted, it helped initially then made me so much worse. I seen 3 doctors who didn't help, I'm now treating holistically, tracking my cycle and tailoring my food, lifestyle, exercising to my cycle and Somatic healing.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 6 - 12 mo
31 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  4 days ago

  •  Stopped using

This was the first coil I had put in and the process itself was okay but felt very woozy and nearly fainted on the way home. Overall it was not a pleasant experience! I have since swapped to the copper coil and this process, whilst not fun, went a lot smoother! I had the hormonal coil removed primarily due to it's effect on my mood (feeling very low a lot of the time) and big drop in sex drive. It's worked very well for many of my friends but really just didn't suit me!


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments


Copper coil (IUD) reviews

542 reviews

Used for 6 - 12 mo
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 days ago

  •  Stopped using

Made my periods way heavier and made m anaemic


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 12 - 18 mo
32 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  4 days ago

  •  Stopped using

1 year + of heaviest periods and cramps covering 6 days. Most of my time complaining about the pain which led to moodiness. Had it removed after 2.5 years and now on a combined pill. Feeling much better. Good if you forget to take pills though


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
31 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  4 days ago

  •  Still using

I wanted a long-term non-hormonal option and this works great. My first period after having it put in was a lot heavier than usual but it settled quickly back to pre-coil levels. I had concerns that using the copper coil with endometriosis might not be compatible. I do get more painful cramping during periods and around ovulation than pre-coil but it's still very manageable. Overall for me it's been by far the best of a bad bunch!


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 6 - 12 mo
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 days ago

  •  Stopped using

Made my periods way heavier and made m anaemic


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 12 - 18 mo
32 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  4 days ago

  •  Stopped using

1 year + of heaviest periods and cramps covering 6 days. Most of my time complaining about the pain which led to moodiness. Had it removed after 2.5 years and now on a combined pill. Feeling much better. Good if you forget to take pills though


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
31 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  4 days ago

  •  Still using

I wanted a long-term non-hormonal option and this works great. My first period after having it put in was a lot heavier than usual but it settled quickly back to pre-coil levels. I had concerns that using the copper coil with endometriosis might not be compatible. I do get more painful cramping during periods and around ovulation than pre-coil but it's still very manageable. Overall for me it's been by far the best of a bad bunch!


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
30 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

  •  Stopped using

Overall, my experience of the copper coil was negative. Beginning with insertion, which felt like I was being punched in the abdomen and left me writhing in pain and bleeding for the next 4 days. The first three months with it were perfect! My periods were considerably heavier and longer, but no more painful. Around month 4, problems started. The cramps would leave me doubled over in pain, unable to get out of bed or leave the sofa. When the cramps were at their worst, I struggled to walk and could only manage to shuffle along the floor clinging to anything to keep me upright. My sex drive was non existent, to my husbands constant disappointment. He also resented having to help me find the strings, as I struggled. However, the worst side effect, by far, was the smell. My period blood stank! I had so much discharge, I would feel like I had wet myself, and it smelt rotten. I only got rid of the smell when it was removed.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 3 - 6 mo
23 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

  •  Stopped using

The copper coil insertion was super easy, I was surprised having read multiple horror stories from other women. It was slightly uncomfortable although nothing unbearable, I had mild cramping after which lasted a few days. Having the coil in then for a couple of months is when I noticed I was experiencing terrible low mood around the time of my period (somewhat similar to PMS symptoms) although no doctors could give me answers I certainly felt it was impacting me in that way. I have since improved since having it out although it could've simply been whilst it settled into my body. My periods were heavier to begin with but had started to improve within 2/3 months although I had it out soon after due to not needing contraception anymore.. I'd certainly have it again and recommend it to those who want long lasting contraception.. I was fortunate to have a good experience with insertion and having it removed. I would have it again. With it being non hormonal I had non of the nasty side effects you can get from hormonal contraception although I did have dull aching pain in my lower back on and off.. whether this was related to the coil I am unsure.. but overall it wasn't the worst contraception experience I've had.. hope this helps❤️


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 5 - 8 yr
31 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

  •  Still using

The coil made my periods heavier and a bit more painful, but zero mood or hormonal effects. I was advised to come off hormonal contraception when they found pre-cancerous cells on my cervix. Those have now gone so I am a fan of non-hormonal contraception for the main reason it helps your body fight off cancerous cells!


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 12 - 18 mo
43 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

  •  Still using

Overall the experience was positive, very few side effects other than heavier periods which did seem to settle a bit after 6-8 months. Can't beat a fit-and-forget contraceptive, just make sure you ask for pain relief as it is a bit awkward. I asked about it and was offered gas and air which I chose over an injection - you still have a bit of pain and discomfort but it's very easy and gives you something to take your mind off it!!!


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 6 - 12 mo
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

  •  Still using

As someone who has tried the pill (COC) and the implant (and does not get crazy heavy periods), the copper IUD is the best option so far.... No hormonal side effects which is great, but I do have to say the increased period heaviness is more than I expected. I bleed longer (6-7 days where previously 3-4) and there is a lot more cramping involved. Also weirdly a lot of cramping around ovulation. Still happily take the pain and bleeding over the mental health side effects of the implant and pill. Cannot wait for continued research into contraception finding even better options!


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 1 - 3 mo
31 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

  •  Stopped using

I was recommended this contraception as an emergency contraception as our usual method (Condoms) became ineffective. I was recommended this prior but declined as I didn't like the method but I had no choice due to where I was in my cycle. Insertion of the coil was very uncomfortable and I immediately had period-like pains afterwards but was told this was normal. I continued to have these pains for about a week and a half until it got to the point that they were as painful as labour pains. I was told this was normal. I then started my period a week earlier than normal and the labour pains increased to the point where I couldn't stand up for long or walk normally. I arranged for it to be removed and told then it was a normal side effect. I seriously doubt it given the pain I was in. Once removed all of my pain disappeared. I've had no obvious side effects since.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 12 - 18 mo
35 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

  •  Stopped using

Started off great. Was put in as an emergency contraceptive. After about 6 months I started feeling very fatigued and weak, especially when on my period which was heavy and irregular. It got to the point where I was too tired to do basic things. This stopped once I had it removed.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Contraceptive alternatives and comparisons

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