My feed
Premium

Please
or
to access all these features

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Family planning

all hormone contraception is off the table now. Is copper coil my only option? Any advice?

10 replies

nefnaf · 11/07/2014 13:42

Hi, I've just had an appointment and booked to remove my mirena. I've had horrible side effects and it's just not working for me, specialist contraception doc just ruled out anything with progesterone in it.

I can't use anything with oestrogen as I have aura migraines which indicate stroke risk when I'm on that.

So that's that for hormone based contraception.

She's offered me condoms or a copper coil (but only after a 3-4 month break). I'm reluctant to try another coil but I know neither my DP nor I can be trusted to use condoms reliably all the time, and another pregnancy is totally out of the question.

So, is there any other option? I know DP could have the snip but it feels a bit extreme... Not sure I would be happy charting.

I am coming to the conclusion that copper coil is the only practical solution but would like to know what it's been like for others.

Anyone willing to share?

OP posts:
Report
MrsExtraOrdinary · 13/07/2014 19:24

I'm no good with hormonal contraception either. I had a copper coil for about 8 months but had it removed due to heavy bleeding. I have endometriosis anyway so it just sort of Made it impossible to get out for a few days every month. It's not the same for everyone though. Would be worth a try. I certainly didnt have any other side effects. Condoms give me thrush so everything is out for me. Fortunately I've had a reliable dh, where withdrawal has been our only option. A baby for us though would be ok though. So wouldn't want to recommend that as it's not full proof. I might think differently about it if dh was 19. But he's nearly 41. It's worked for us.

Report
fatedtopretend · 15/07/2014 13:54

I've had both types of coil and had problems with both.

The mirena was by far the worst though. I was insane for the whole time it was in-to the extent of calling dd's nursery every 20 minutes one day to check on her (she is 4 and has been going there from 8 months old).

The copper coil made me lose a lot of weight due to the heavy bleeding, I am still going back to it though as I definitely do not want another child and the bleeding was preferable to the madness!

Good luck Smile

Report
MrsTrin · 08/08/2014 07:54

I have the exact same problem! Also migraine with aura, plus an increased breast cancer risk. I have 3 children now, 7, 2 & 4 months, so I'm confident I definitely don't want any more. Dr has prescribed me cerazette which has made me bleed constantly since I started it, as I knew it would! Seriously looking into sterilisation as my last option.

Report
MollyBdenum · 08/08/2014 08:02

Hormonal contraception makes me depressed, so I have a copper coil and I love it. I had some problems with the first one I had, which was a 10 year one. I had heavy painful periods and it fell out after 7 months. It was replaced with a smaller 5 year version which has been excellent.My periods are slightly longer with one day of quite heavy bleeding, where I need both a pad and a mooncup overnight, but it is by far the easiest form of contraception with the fewest side effects that I've ever used.

Report
NotCitrus · 08/08/2014 08:06

I love my coil - slightly longer periods but totally painless for the first time in my life.

Report
NotCitrus · 08/08/2014 08:06

I love my coil - slightly longer periods but totally painless for the first time in my life.

Report
bringonyourwreckingball · 08/08/2014 08:32

I had very heavy periods for the first year with my copper coil but just as I was contemplating having it taken out they settled down and I 'm happy with it now. I always had fairly heavy periods to begin with though

Report
ROARmeow · 09/08/2014 01:41

is it sore being inserted and removed?

OP, your situation is v similar to my own. But the idea of something up there creeps me out, esp reading about them falling out (on other MN threads).

Report
TheTruffleHunter · 09/08/2014 02:13

I went for a copper coil for the same reasons - could not handle any form of hormonal contraception.

After 3 weeks of effectively latent labour pains I managed to persuade my GP to remove it (having been turned away from A & E twice)

My DH is happy to go for the snip but that wasn't something I felt comfortable asking him to do, so totally his decision.

And yes having it put in hurts like hell. Sorry.

Report
differentnameforthis · 09/08/2014 06:02

Sterilization! It's been a god send for me.

Report
Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.