The COPPER IUD - Part One

It’s funny actually, this blog post was due to go live and then I started having pain with my IUD. So I’ve decided to split this into two parts! Part one is basically the Q and A that I did on my stories back in February, and my experience pre pain and complications. And then I’ll do a second one explaining what happened and why I had to get mine removed and why I decided to try again and get another one inserted.

A full disclaimer that I am not a doctor, or a professional in this area. I am simply sharing my experience.

Image via @clueapp - I actually use this app to track my periods

A little bit of back story for you. I get focal migraines so when it comes to contraception I don’t have as many options as some people. I tried two pills previously, both of which were great for a while but ended in complications and my body just didn’t like it. I really liked the idea of not pumping my body with synthetic hormones everyday, so trying a non-hormonal method of contraception really interested me. This is where I found the copper IUD. I did a lot of my own research and then spoke to my doctor about whether this would be a viable option for me -which it was. So I got one! Below are some questions answered about the process and how I find it.

IS THIS THE ONE IN YOUR ARM?

The IUD is the one that gets inserted into your uterus. There are two different types: the copper IUD and the mirena.

WHATS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE COPPER IUD AND MIRENA?

The biggest difference is the copper IUD doesn’t contain hormones, whereas the mirena does. The thing I really liked about the copper is it isn’t hormonal, although it does make my periods heavier and more painful which is one of the expected side effects.

IS IT PAINFUL WHEN IT IS INSERTED?

Yes it does hurt, they clip your cervix so they can put it in which is the most painful part. Very crampy. I just practiced breathing, and I was fine, definitely in pain but for me it was manageable. It also really depends on your pain threshold. I drove myself and went to work in the afternoon after my first one (they don't recommend this though, they recommend relaxing which I did the 2nd time around)

IS IT EXPENSIVE?

For me, it was free at family planning. This is also due to my age.

The mirena is different though, it can be subsidised depending on your circumstances like iron count, endometriosis etc. Something to explore with your doctor.

HOW DID THE IUD WORK FOR YOU?

This is a hard question to answer now after having complications. But till I had a problem, I really liked it and my new one seems to be going well too. Works really well for me, I love that there is no hormones. I do get heavier and more painful periods, but they are regular and basically the IUD just means I don't get pregnant.

I’M ON THE PILL AND HAVE REALLY BAD ENDO BUT SCARED TO GET THE IUD?

I don’t have endometriosis so I can’t speak from my own experience here. I have a lot of friends who do have endometriosis and a few of them have the mirena, as the hormones help manage their symptoms from my understanding. So I’m not sure if the copper IUD would help? In saying that, for some it hasn’t worked. My advice would be to discuss with a doctor, or a friend who has endo and has tried the mirena - definitely not qualified to answer this question sorry.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Copper IUDs contain no hormones. They release copper ions which are toxic to sperm, so sperm can't reach your eggs to fertilise them.

DID IT EFFECT YOUR PERIOD?

Yes, my period is still regular which is amazing but a lot more painful and heavy. Particularly my first 3 periods after getting it inserted sucked! They did say could happen, in saying that they got better as time went on. I much prefer dealing with that once a month personally.

Overall, for me this has been a really good option. I’m hoping I’ve covered everything, if you have any questions or I’ve missed something, I would more than happy to answer any you have or have a chat!

If it’s something you have been looking into. I hope you feel empowered to have a conversation with your doctor and explore whether it is an option for you

Love and Health,

Charlie xo