Levosert coil vs Mirena coil

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.

Insertion not too bad, just a small quick pain. Found to be a good contraceptive over 8-9 months - no weight change/mood change. A little uncomfortable during sex. Main issue was the dramatic hair loss. I lost around a quarter of my hair around hairline and in volume. Had removed for this reason.

Before Levosert I had been on and off the mini pill for around 7 years (and on the combined pill prior to that since the age of 18). While I didn’t hate the pill, I did have some unwanted side effects and wanted to try a more long term contraceptive. It is important to note that I didn’t have any bleeding on the pill. The main side effects that bothered me were vaginal dryness (never had discharge and had uncomfortable sex) and the inability to wear contact lenses as my eyes were so dry and I was sure this was down to the pill as I hadn’t had problems before the mini pill. I decided to ask for local anaesthetic for the fitting and so mentioned that on the phone when doing the initial consultation, I was told if I hadn’t mentioned wanting pain relief myself (I wasnt asked about it at all) I would have been booked in with a nurse who wasn’t trained in giving the anaesthetic so it’s important to mention that early on if you want it! For the day of fitting (a Friday), I took the day off work and knew I had the weekend to recover. I also made sure to eat and drink a little before, take ibruprofen and paracetamol and also put on a beyou patch. I had my partner drive me to and from the appointment and took in a bottle of water/emergency chocolate in my bag incase I felt faint. The actual fitting was fine for me! The nurses were amazing and knew I was really nervous, the local anaesthetic injection felt similar to the scratch you feel when you get numbed for dental work for example (obviously weird feeling due to it being in your cervix) in terms of pain. The numbing starts straight away so it only added a minute or two on to the process as she prepped the coil while the injection was kicking in. I couldn’t feel anything in my cervix area for the actual insertion and felt a couple of quite strong cramps which weren’t as bad as I was expecting, and it was over in seconds. They made sure I was feeling okay before I left which I was (no dizziness or pain) and went on my way just feeling relieved that it was in and a bit nervous for the cramps to come. About 5/10 mins after I did start getting bad cramps, a bit worse than my usual periods and did want to just get into my bed so would recommend getting a lift home! I had around 4 hours of really bad cramps which were manageable as I just stayed in bed then by the time I was able to have my next lot of painkillers, the pain dulled to a normal period then then slowly disappeared! I had on and off cramps for a few days but nothing bad at all and no bleeding. Since I have had regular very light periods (which seem to be getting lighter every month and I suspect they may stop) and I have had less dryness and been able to wear my contact lenses again! I have had absolutely no problems with the coil and would get another fitted in a heartbeat! This one lasts 6 years but the nurse told me that in Europe it has been licensed for longer so by the time I need a new one, I may be told it can stay in for a couple more years.

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!

The insertion process took longer place at my GP without the local anaesthetic and it was much less scary than made out to be. It took 10 minutes, I experienced a few cramps the day of and for the following few days but was otherwise ok. Initially I had no bleeding but from around 5 days post insertion to 6 weeks post insertion, I had significant spotting which affected my mood and my sex drive. Eventually this stopped. I did have irregular periods, however when they did come, they were the same as usual, no lighter. I suffered with acne and intermenstrual cramps during this time. I put up with it for 12 months to ensure I had time for it to settle in but unfortunately this was not the right choice for me.

I’m 44 with recently diagnosed PCOS and endometriosis which is why my specialist told me to try the Mirena to lighten the lining of my uterus and help with my awful periods. I had to go off of the pill at 40 and suffered for 2 years while debating what to do. I got the mirena in at 42 and have had it 2.5 years now. I do get pelvic pain and cramping twice a month for a few days randomly and feel like I can tell which ovary is active but it is still better than dealing with the bleeding and irregular periods I had previously. My periods are non existant apart from spotting for a few days but not enough to even merit wearing a liner! Sex drive is definitely lower and dryness comes and goes as well but breasts have grown which I’m not upset about! I’m leaving it for another 2 years then will decide if I should opt for a hysterectomy.

Wish I'd got the Mirena coil sooner it's been great for me! I have no side effects, my periods have almost stopped except for a little spotting once a month. Insertion for me was a little painful and I had immediate cramps but by the end of the day they had passed (I had an anaesthetic injection which probably helped with the pain). My first period after insertion was heavier and more painful than usual and I had some spotting throughout the month for about 6 months, but now my periods have almost stopped.

I had an awful time getting it in and out. I have never given birth, which can make it worse. The cramping pain was so bad, I vomited when getting it in and they had to use arterial forceps to remove it as the strings got lost (ouch). My skin was better and my moods were more stable. My period also stopped which saved a lot of money. I gained a lot of weight, though and the amount and intensity of my migraines increased a lot. I also had terrible cramping pain despite no periods, which was linked to PCOS. I haven’t had any symptoms since getting it removed 2 years ago.

the coil was much better than the pill for me, especially in terms of my mental health.

Overall helped to regulate my periods, but also had significant side effects on my food intake/weight and on my energy levels.

I’ve had the mirena coil for about 7 years now and had 2 fitted. The first one worked like a dream, hardly noticed it. Since having a new one fitted over a year ago the side effects have been increasingly annoying. Acne for about 2 weeks per month, and I was never spotty before, not even as a teenager. Also period cramps, but it has completely stopped my period. Also migraines with aura, although I did suffer from these in the past, I’m not sure if they have just gotten worse or if it is the new coil. I’m very disappointed as, like I said, the first one gave me no issues at all.

Do not recommend! The procedure was traumatic to say the least, the aftermath even worse, plus the serious weight gain was unimaginable. Only benefit was no periods and forgot it was even there after a while. I wasn't fully aware of what the procedure entailed - I wished I did my research/ the doctors should be more informative. My recommendation is it should not be your first choice of contraception. The procedure itself was very painful, quick, but very painful - I passed out. The procedural pain is a forgettable pain tbh but the aftermath pain I will never forget. I was told I will get "period like cramps" afterwards. The cramps started immediately after the procedure and it was the worst "period cramps" I had ever experienced. I felt like my uterus was being ripped apart, the nausea, the dizziness, I was shaking from shock. I had to crawl out the surgery back to my car - thankfully wasn't driving as the pain just progressively got worse. The "period cramps" were more like labour pains and went on for 2 hours afterwards. The next day I was fine - small cramping continued for weeks after but then eventually went away. All the pain would of been worth it if I didn't gain the amount of weight I did. Within 6 months I went from a UK size 8 to a UK size 14. The weight was rapid - I have the stretch marks all over my lower half to prove it. I go to intense exercise classes twice a week and have a personal trainer and the weight will not shift! I did research (little late) and apparently the Mirena coil typically doesn't affect your weight but yet when I speak to other women most claimed they gained a serious amount of weight because of it. Overall I'm getting it taken out in a week and I'll be glad to see it gone. Hopefully the weight can be lost. And for those thinking about it - DO YOUR RESEARCH and don't be scared to ask your doctor a million questions - I wish I did.

I now have my second mirena coil. I have no periods, but I can still track my monthly cycle through variations in my mood, hunger and energy levels. I have had no periods or bleeding since the first insertion, have now no pain and don't have to think about contraception at all, which for me is ideal. For me the insertions weren't easy - both inserted without any anaesthetic or pain relief (the places I went didn't offer it even when asked) other than paracetemol and ibuprofen. Insertion for me was painful, leaving me light headed and feeling quite sick following which I had stabbing pains and cramps for about a week each time. However, other than the week after insertion both times, I have no pain, bleeding or unpredictable hormonal fluctuations.