Ladies: Copper IUD opinions

It can make already heavy periods much heavier, but other than that, everyone I know who's had it loves it.

I had Mirena, which has hormones, but the insertion and all that is similar. It was great! You don't have to think about it except when getting it checked.

I've had both types of IUDs and I had complications with both. The reason I had the copper IUD removed was because of recurrent infections and discomfort from the strings.

This is a good article discussing different IUD options: https://www.bedsider.org/features/70-paragard-vs-mirena-which-iud-is-best-for-you

One thing to note is that even hormonal IUDs have much lower levels of hormones than the pill, and they don't contain estrogen. If you have concerns about heavy periods, etc. they might still be a good fit for you.

I wanted the hormones, so I recently got a Mirena after having kids. Personally, I like not having to remember to take the pill. I've experienced a little bit of cramping, but I don't know how much of that is the IUD and how much is still recovery from my pregnancy. Overall, no major complaints.

I have Mirena--on my second one at 47 years of age (not yet showing signs of menopause). I was on oral contraceptives for ~10 years prior to my son being born (he is now 16) and another 10 years after I ceased breastfeeding and just was really weary of that amount of hormones, plus I got to the point where life was too busy and I kept forgetting to take my pill.

The amount of hormone in Mirena is significantly less than pills, and much more localized. Other than spotting and some cramping in the first month after insertion (both times), I have had no periods during the time that I've had the Mirena. And the best part is that I haven't gotten pregnant either

I have the copper IUD in!! I've tried several forms of birth control and have 2 kids of my own. I decided to do the copper IUD because it was non-hormonal.

to be really honest, it hurt soooooo bad when they inserted it. i would recommend taking a pain reliever before going in, if you decide to do it (i didn't take the pain reliever because i underestimated the pain). I've had it inserted for about 5 months now. They will tell you that the first few months you will have a heavy period. And I did have a heavy period but only for the first 2 months and my period only lasted about 5 days each month. Now, my menstrual cycles are 100% normal. I absolutely love the IUD, it's such a peace of mind and I love not having hormones affect other things in my life.

I have heard of others having discomfort with the strings, but I have not had any discomfort or complications with that. If you decide to get it, I would recommend you asking your doc to measure the strings twice so they're not too long which is what causes the complications. I did mention that to my doc and saw him pay extra attention to that. Wish you luck!

allie2girlz wrote: »

I had a copper iud for 10 years, the only reason I did not get it replaced with another copper one was because my periods kept getting heavier and the last 2 years of having it I would sometimes get 2 periods a month and became very anemic, and annoyed! The doctor said that is common in the latter years of iud placement. I replaced it with a Mirena. I no longer have periods, which is nice, I do have spotting some months. Know this, Mirena's hormones effect your whole body, not just your uterus. I turned into a hormonal beast after getting my Mirena. Because of this, I will probably not have it replaced when my time is up, but will miss the no period thing. I will either get another copper iud or have my tubes tied, because my husband refuses to have the surgery.

my husband just had it done last month and he is telling everyone how much of a breeze it is my husband also refused for years but because of my health reasons he took the plunge and is literally telling every guy we meet to get this done to prevent children as he points to our angels haha

I don't know if this is germane to the conversation or not, but a lot of houses are broken into and stripped of all of their copper plumbing and wiring.

...... It seems that copper is rather valuable.

Be careful out there!

im small no kids and have copper. I don't mind it but probably wont get it again tbh. my periods have gotten really bad I might have been developing a problem prior to insertion but they gave up trying to figure it out once I got it put in my cramps get to the point where I cant walk. I have had it almost a year and that's just starting to happen less. If I was American with the unstable system and restrictions on reproductive rights id 100% stick with the copper iud but because I have good healthcare when my 5 years is over I will go back to nuvaring

sarajenivieve wrote: »

Motorsheen wrote: »

jtegirl1 wrote: »

I've had the Mirena for almost 2 years. No periods since the first one after insertion. I love it!

are airport metal detectors an issue?

mirena isn't copper its hormonal, but even with copper its not an issue.

I wouldn't settle for anything less than sterling silver.

Tiffany & Co. need to fill this niche.

I had the Mirena. It was very uncomfortable. I could feel the strings when I worked out. It was like constant pin pricks when I exercised. My husband said he could feel them, too. I had it removed after less than a year.

My daughter had it, too. She cramped horribly and bled for a solid 6 months. She had it removed and was better within a week.

I believe our issues were with the devices and would have had the same issues if copper or plastic.

They do make for interesting x ray conversation.

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lauractemple85 wrote: »

Hi all, I would like to know some honest opinions about the copper IUD from women who have gotten one. I would to like to try a hormone free option since I think the pill has been steadily affecting my weight (every time I go on the "sugar pill" for 7 days, I drop weight).

A few facts about me:
- 31 years old
- Been on the pill for over 10 years
- Never had a baby or been pregnant

Tell me everything. The good and the bad.

I went on the coil at the same age due to Dr insisting my BMI was too high for the pill (after 16 years). The actual insertion was not so bad, I was chatting to the nurse about Game of Thrones throughout

The first 6 months were awful I will be honest, whilst on the pill I had very light 4-5 day periods with little to no hormonal side effects such as PMT/Cramps. My first 6 months on the coil (copper) I felt like I was being punched in the gut from the day before my period, up to the 3rd or 4th day in and it lasted 7-8 days. The flow was superheavy all the way through, one day I was playing rounders with friends (luckily wearing dark clothes) and I bled through a tampon, towel and my leggings which I had on underneath the jogging bottoms I had on. I couldn't exercise or go out in the evenings because the cramps would always start around 6/7pm.

On the bright side, the pain reduced the following 6 months and it's now 2 years since I had it and it's settled down, I get a bit of cramping (a dull ache rather than the intense ones) before unless I remember to take some ibuprofen, the flow is now light to medium and lasts around 5 days max. I also don't have to think about it again until 2020 which is another added bonus.

I do now get insane sugar and salt craving the week before which I never had on the pill but I just eat at maintenance calories for a couple of days and it's not hindered my weight loss too much.