Progestogen-only / Mini pill vs Copper coil (IUD)

I had to switch from the combined pill to the mini pill following a bought of migraines with aura. At first, it was great - I didn’t get periods, I felt good, I wasn’t worried about strokes etc. However, after around 6 months of my body getting used to it, my periods came back, extremely irregular (I.e. 3 periods in one month), my mood and mental health had significantly declined, and my skin is absolutely terrible.

I actually really loved the Cerazette mini pill. It basically stopped my periods, so pretty amazing because my period cramps are unbearable. I was really sad when I had to stop taking it but I just couldn't deal with the extreme acne it gave me. It started about 3 weeks after starting Cerazette and it vanished within a couple months of stopping it so I am 100 percent sure it was this pill. I have never before or since had acne at all (apart from when I was a teenager eons ago, but basically I am not someone who ever has it). I am waiting for a mini pill that will not give me acne, meanwhile I make due with the combined pill.

Generally a good pill but I am bleeding every week on it which is it’s main downside for me

Made my periods way heavier and made m anaemic

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

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!

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.

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❤️

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!

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!!!

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!

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.

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.