Copper Coil?

amykr93 · May 2014

So after thinking about it today I've came to realise that I don't react well to hormonal contraception. Before starting the pill I lost 40+ lbs with ease and had very good skin. I was also very happy and not overly emotional. Since starting the pill my skin has worsened (I constantly have blackheads and break out every 2-3 weeks), my weight loss has stalled (I've been playing with the same 5-7lbs for about 2 years: it doesn't matter what I eat, how little or much I eat, how much exercise I do etc. I have stayed between about 145lbs and 152lbs for this time. I know plateaus are normal, but I hardly call 2 years a plateau.) and I've turned into a crazy wreck. I'm on my third brand of pill (2nd month on) and it is making me want to cry all the time.

I've been looking at non-hormonal methods of contraception and the one that sticks out is the copper coil. I can find bad reviews about it, but not a lot of good: however I'm not sure if that's because there are no good reviews, or if it's a case of people only want to write about something when it goes wrong.

I know it can make periods longer and heavier, and if it slips there is a chance of feeling it during sex (from what I've read the copper coil threads are quite soft and so wouldn't be felt otherwise), but I'd take heavy periods to get rid of these other hormone related symptoms (mines are practically non-existent just now).

Does anyone have any experience with the copper coil?

firfeous · May 2014

I know it can make periods longer and heavier

Yeah, no.

surfinbird_1981 · May 2014

I know it can make periods longer and heavier

Yeah, no.

This..

butlersoft · May 2014

...or the IUS (instead of IUD) ... "Mirena" will last 5 years (and maybe up to 7 years). It is plastic rather than copper.....

frankiep73 · May 2014

How about condoms? Or if you are married, tracking on a calendar? And depending on your age, hormonal changes can be normal. Have you tried a BCP that is very low dose and one that is the same dosage throughout the months? I know when the dosage changes, my body reacts adversely.

carmenstop1 · May 2014

I would not recommend the Mirena! I have had a horrible time with it. Do some research and you will find that there is tons of information on side effects and lawsuits against it! I have not heard much about the copper one, but I am sure there is information out there!

PennyM140 · May 2014

I used Paraguard (copper) for about a year after I had my son. Periods were heavy, cramps were extreme, and well the other symptom is TMI but PM me if you want more details. I had it removed and went back to the pills.

Galatea_Stone · May 2014

Works well for me. The heavy period issue seems to be short-term. I get a heavier period very couple months, but it's only a day longer when it is. I don't get cramps except maybe once every few months. I've never felt it. It lasts 10 years. It is soft and flexible, and the doc let me play with a sample one so I would have an idea of what I was getting inserted.

Mirena has hormones. The copper IUD works on PH, and it works well. I'm 3 years into mine and happy with the decision.

Don't trust the web complaints. Happy people never think to go online and praise it. Ask your doctor about his experience with other patient satisfaction with the device.

Pedalpush · May 2014

I went with the copper 10-year plan and my cycles turned in to what I called an "epic flow." So yes, some people do experience heavier more horrible periods.

A friend of mine told me they won't last forever, so I'm holding out.

NS81 · May 2014

Mirena uses hormones...

I have the Paragard copper "T" IUD - I've had it for 3 years, after finding out I couldn't use hormonal birth control... I was warned about heavier bleeding and cramping, but haven't experienced it - The only thing I've personally noticed is that I will sometimes spot for a few days prior to my period, and I never really did much before. I've had a good experience with it, and it's good for 12 years.

patrickblo13 · May 2014

And I came in here thinking we were talking about scrap metal....

IlluminatedMayhem · May 2014

I'm using natural family planning. I have 2 good reasons for not using hormonal birth control and to me the possible side effects of the non hormonal options are not worth it. As for condoms, I'm allergic to latex and the other kinds don't come cheap. And my husband hates them.

This is just what works best for us. We know how many kids we want and we're not there yet so if I mess up and we have #3 earlier than planned, it won't be a huge deal. The main things that will suffer is my weight loss journey and our sanity. And when we've already discussed permanent measures for when we are done.

NS81 · May 2014

And I came in here thinking we were talking about scrap metal....

Well, I doubt you'd get much for it... but I suppose once they're taken out...

Sabine_Stroehm · May 2014

...or the IUS (instead of IUD) ... "Mirena" will last 5 years (and maybe up to 7 years). It is plastic rather than copper.....

and is hormonal birth control, which the OP doesn't want.

OP: I went with a diaphragm, because I also didn't want hormonal BC.

Collier78 · May 2014

I have a copper IUD...my second one after successfully having my third child last year. I'm having mine removed next month and a tubal ligation performed. It has pros and cons.

I never had an issue with the first one, but this time around my body is rejecting it. They trimmed my cords to be flush with my cervix and as my body has tried to push it down and out my husband could feel the cords. Soft was not how he described it. He actually said it felt like tiny needle pricks, and was quite uncomfortable. However, the chance of your body not accepting it is very slim, and other than this issue I have been perfectly happy with it. As far as cycle, I have two light days, a heavy day, and then a light day followed by a little spotting. Definitely a longer cycle than with hormone, but none of the Bitchyness. Hope that helps!

Copper Coil?

Replies

Categories