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copper coil
Former Member
Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
does anyone know much bout the copper coil? have googled it and know all the official facts , just my aunt had one and said it made her smell really "strong " when she had a period, and it lasted 9days. would like one but not too keen on being stinky. i know they hurt to put in.
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she was changing every hour and said the smell was really strong- this doesnt come up in a google search!! just wondered if anyone had similar experience or if it was just paranoia on her part. def think its the best option for me but dont want to smell!
When you say hormonal contraception, I presume you were on the pill, or had Depo or something similar? I'm coming off the pill for many reasons, but one of the reasons for it is that I'd prefer having hormones only in and around my uterus, rather than floating all over my body.
I had to have a long consulation before they accepted me for the Mirena (3 weeks and counting! ) so it might be a good idea to have a long chat with someone in a family planning clinic or your doctor to discuss your options.
def doesnt agree with me!
There is a risk that it can perforate the uterus as it's being put in, but the risks are minimal if performed by an experienced doctor or nurse. There's also a risk that it will expel itself from the uterus if it's rejected.
As for infertility, if there is an infection already there e.g chlamydia, it can go on to cause problems, but most clinics will screen for chlamydia before putting it in. Once the IUS is taken out, fertility returns quickly.
For me, hoping that everything works out, it will be one of the best contraceptive methods. I'll feel so much more liberated once off the pill; no more having to remember to take it every day, or worry if I've taken anti-biotics, or vomited etc.
I did used to have a mirena too, and that was good, but I really didnt want a hormonal one this time.
Only thing is it does hurt a bit getting it put in. Not excruciating but its uncomfortable, and I felt a bit achey down there for a few days. Ive had it in since the summer and its been fine.
Good luck ladies.
copper naturally has a tangy, blood-like smell, so if the old coils had quite a high copper content, this might have something to do with it?
condoms? i know they get a bad press from the young'uns, but they do the job.
All that said and done, I still think it's the best option for me - I'm very forgetful so the pill was downright dangerous for me - plus I don't really like the idea of taking something artificial on a daily basis. I've had total peace of mind all this time. Yes, most drs prefer to install a coil if a woman has had a baby, but my gynaecologist said this was the best option for me, and I'm very pleased so far. Oh and yes, you have to be in a monogomous relationship because the coil won't prevent STD's.
Have to remove it soon, does anyone know if it hurts when it's removed? A friend of mine told me her friend fainted when she had hers removed
think i'll phone brook and make my apt. does it smell less if u use tampons? my aunt used towels and until this discussion with my mum i always thought u only smelt if u didnt change often enough coz of the air hitting the fluid- hence why u need to change them regularly. sorry! just need to know
That's a relief!!
Yes, people have different pain thresholds - lots of people I know only felt discomfort when having it put in, my doctor said it would cause minor pain. I use tampons during the day and pads at night when I sleep. My period has become heavier and more smelly - the yuck, fluids, themselves smell more strongly. This is gross and embarassing hehehe. Maybe it differs from person to person?
IUS hormone doses are significantly lower than those in the opill, mini-pill or implant/injection, and so might nto cause as much problem for you. Because the hormone is already where it needs to be, the dose can be very small.
As I said before, the coil doesnt necessarily make your periods more smelly. I havent noticed any difference whatsoever. In fact id say that if someone noticed they had smelly periods all of a sudden, then to speak to the doctor or the FPC nurse, in case it was a sign of an infection, because the coil DOES increase the risk of infection, so thats not such a far fetched possibility in the case of your aunt.
You might find it helpful to talk to a nurse about the IUD and IUS via the fpa helpline on 0845 310 1334. They can tell you honestly and in complete confidence about all the side effects of different types of contraception and talk you through your options.
CB