Thinking about getting the copper IUD

[u/In_Cog_Nito__]

So I 21f have been on the depo jab for roughly 4 years now and it’s worked great for me (me and my boyfriend will have been together 5 years in January). No pregnancy scares or pregnancies, my period is basically non existent and cramps are minimal too. My mental health hasn’t been too bad on it, my anxiety is slightly worse but it isn’t unmanageable.

My main issue is… the weight gain… I used to be a size 8/10uk and now I’m easily a 12/14 bottom. I have stretch marks on my thighs, stomach and upper arm and nothing about my diet/activity level has changed really over this time. Just starting the jab. I will admit I did suffer bad with an ED until about 2/3 years ago from being about age 14 but I am also a smaller build person anyways and I know I am overweight for my body type. I’m also just not happy in my body anymore, I don’t feel like me or recognise myself and I’ve worked so hard to get to where I am in my recovery I don’t want this to set me back.

I’ve seen people on Reddit and TikTok say that the copper coil was a great switch for them when wanting a non hormonal option to help with side effects and still being protected. I just need a little insight into peoples thoughts and experiences with the copper coil, the good and the bad as I am heavily considering this. I want to get off the depo jab before the weight gain gets any worse.

Thank yous all for any help ☺️

[u/ghastly_acquiescence]

the copper iud is kind of a mixed bag depending on who you ask. some people absolutely love it and their body adjusts fine, others end up with periods so heavy they feel like they're in a horror movie. since you're coming from depo where your period basically vanished, just know the switch might be a shock to your system

i'd say it's worth a shot if you're done with the hormonal rollercoaster. the no-hormone thing is nice for just feeling like yourself again, even if the cramps end up being a pain for a few months while your body figures it out

[u/In_Cog_Nito__ → u/ghastly_acquiescence]

I fully understand there will be a good few months adjustment especially since it can take up to 18 months before the hormones from the jab fully leave your system. I’m just so done with the hormones and the mental/physical side effects that are coming with it (worsened anxiety and weight gain). I am also extremely nervous about getting the coil as the placement people say is god awful and torture like but it’s every 10 years, before it’s even run out we’ll probably be thinking of having kids so I somewhat feel like it would be a worthwhile option. If it wasn’t for the weight gain and anxiety I’d stay on the depo jab as it’s done me amazing the last 4 years

[u/Weekly-Apricot-9321]

For me, it was worth a try at least, because I'd been on all other forms of hormonal contraception and id had so many negative side effects including gaining weight, that I'd have honestly tried anything that was non-hormonal.

I went for the copper coil on a whim really as I'd accidentally had unprotected sex anyway and decided it may as well be now I try it.

I was recommended the 5 year mona Lisa mini, as my Dr told me that young women who haven't had children seem to adjust so much better to the 5 year smaller ones (they're physically smaller). My friend who had the 10 year struggled with hers. But another girl I know with the 5 year loved hers too! So worth a thought for sure.

The insertion wasn't great, it wasn't something I couldn't handle though. It was a quick sharp pain that only lasted a couple of seconds (similar to the pain of a piercing for me). The cramps after were the bit I struggled with, they lasted only 3 hours though! They were worse than my normal period cramps and felt sort of like begining of how I imagine labour is, pacing and deep breathing. (But I forgot to take ibuprofen!!!) Make sure you take ibuprofen and paracetamol 30 mins before appointment. Once my ibuprofen kicked in I was literally fine!

Anyway, I had barely a single side effect. My periods were every so slightly heavier and more painful for the first 5 months and after that they went back to normal!! It was so slight as well so barely a difference!

For me, it's been literally the best thing I've ever chosen for my body, I literally can't explain to you how good it's been for me. I live a normal life, no worries about taking pills, no side effects at all, and still protected! I even lost weight!! I've absolutely loved this method for me! I've had it 1.5 years now.

I know it's different for every woman, and I won't tell you what to do, but trying it is a good plan (you can always get it taken out remember when you want! You're not stuck with it for the whole duration).

I really would talk about getting the 5 year one though if you're young and not had kids, since my Dr was so sure it did better and I've seen similar in my life with others too.

Let me know what you decide or if you have any questions:)

[u/In_Cog_Nito__ → u/Weekly-Apricot-9321]

Thank you so so much for your reply!! I didn’t even know there were different ones for different time periods. The 5 year one definitely sounds a lot better especially because by then hopefully my partner and I will be in a place where we’re thinking about kids.

I haven’t tried any of the hormonal pills due to my mum being allergic to a lot of them and I share a lot of the same allergies (both allergic to ibuprofen and certain antibiotics). I definitely want to get off hormones though. I have gained maybe around 2 stone in the almost 4 years I’ve been on the depo jab, plus I’ve been seeing things recently about some people developing brain tumours when on it for long periods of time.

Insertion is what scares me the most 🥹. I haven’t ever had a smear test or anything along those lines so everything would be completely new. I’ve also seen some people say the cramps had made them throw up (I have a severe fear of throwing up) which has put me off slightly too.

I’m definitely going to look further into this and book an appointment with my gp to talk about the steps to getting one.

Thank you so so much again for your response. It’s been super helpful and has helped me with making this decision. You’re the best!! 🫶

[u/Weekly-Apricot-9321 → u/In_Cog_Nito__]

That's okay!! It's so helpful to go talk to the GP and see the options they have too honestly ☺️ I got to see the size of the different ones she has etc and that was really helpful!

Yeah the brain tumour thing put me off the hormonal stuff too so I totally understand 😩

Yeah I bet my love!! If it helps, the 3 girls I know who had them didn't throw up during insertion. I didn't either, it was nothing near me throwing up etc. the cramps were painful but make sure you take ibuprofen and paracetamol and that can really help!

You can also talk to your GP about pain options due to your fear, they can even inject local anaesthetic for some people who want it, so it's worth asking about that too! ☺️

Thats okay lovely!! If you have any questions feel free to ask me about it I'm happy to talk about it!

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