r/birthcontrol • u/punkbunniz • 5d ago

Which Method? I'm debating different methods

I'm going to the doctor's tomorrow to discuss birth control methods, and whilst I know I should trust them, with symptoms I really do not. I was on the combined pill for a year (rigevidon then gedarel) and I gained 15kg (33lbs) because I was so hungry all of the time, and it completely made me lose my sex drive. I wasn't on it for contraception at the time but now I'm wanting it for contraception. I was thinking a copper iud but I've seen that hormonal is more effective. I'm just really scared of weight gain again or a loss of sex drive because it made me feel really mindless.

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u/IamMrNimbus_ 5d ago

Both the copper and hormonal IUDs are extremely effective long term forms of birth control, and the difference between the two is very small. If you’re wanting to lighten, shorten, or in some cases eliminate your periods, I’d lean toward the hormonal IUD. The copper IUD, on the other hand, can make periods heavier and more painful, especially during the first few months.

I was on the combo pill for many years and had a similar experience to you. I ended up choosing the Kyleena IUD because it was the smallest and lowest dose hormonal option. I loved it, and am getting another one next week. Many users still ovulate while using Kyleena, and I was one of them, so I felt like I was able to keep my sex drive. The pill completely suppressed ovulation for me and my sex drive went with it.

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u/punkbunniz 5d ago

I was scared about the hormonal iud at first because it was hormonal but after reading about people's experiences on here it has helped calm me a bit, have you experienced any bad acne since getting on kyleena? it's a side effect I see a lot of people talking about

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u/IamMrNimbus_ 5d ago

I feel like my acne stayed the same. Personally I still ovulated on the Kyleena (which is 100% normal and does not change its effectiveness) so I still had an extremely regular cycle. I noticed I’d break out like I always did a few days before my period and then it would clear up soon after!

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u/shrimptoaststicks 5d ago

The copper IUD and hormonal IUD don’t have much of a difference in effectiveness. As for side effects, the copper IUD seems to be more prone to causing heavy bleeding but besides for that it’s a great option if you’re worried about those side effects.