The Pill Vs. Copper IUD

Before I had children I was on the pill for years with no problems. After my second and last child I tried going back on the pill and the hormones whacked me out and completely killed my sex drive so I got a copper IUD. it was incredibly convenient, but I kept getting abnormal Pap smears and had to get retested. That got old so my husband stepped up to the plate and got a vasectomy so I had the copper IUD removed. Then a couple years ago my periods got so bad that I considered either an abdominal ablation or the Mirena IUD. I went the Mirena route and have been very happy with it.

I didn't do well with the copper IUD, but in general IUD's are awesome. That's what I would try first.

I have the copper iud and I love it so much better then hormonal birth control. Your cycle is the same every single month. Do not have to worry about pills or everything running through your body. The only issue I had was the first period after insertion was very heavy but now that it's been about 4 months everything is back to normal and even a little lighter. I have cramping a few days about a week before I start bleeded. But I can't even feel it any more. I feel better without the hormones

I had a copper iud. It was way better than the pill. The doctor simply inserts it then you forget it.

My daughter had a copper IUD for about 2 years, in between baby #1 and her current pregnancy. She didn't have any issues with it.

I was on the pill for 20+ years and had no issues with that, so can't speak personally about any other type of BC.

I've had the copper iud for 9 1/2 years and am about to get a new one put in. My sister and I both have it. I love it. My periods were heavier at the beginning, but got normal again once I'd had it for a while.

I had the copper one for about a week. For me, it slipped out of place, and I freaked out that it wasn't effective that way. (turns out, as long as it's in your uterus, it's effective).

So I went back on the pill, because it was a known quantity for me.

A girlfriend is also on the copper IUD, and apart from having 10 day periods (she can't be on hormones), she's totally fine with it and it's been effective for her.

If you decide on an IUD, make sure you do your research. The US has a whopping two choices--Mirena or Paragard. Frankly, Canada has more IUD options at a lower cost and they select the one that is the best fit for your body after the initial exam + consult.

Personally, I think it is safer to avoid altering our natural hormonal balance.