28F in the UK and feeling completely overwhelmed trying to choose a new form of contraception, so I’d really appreciate hearing real experiences from people who’ve actually used these options.
I’ve had the implant continuously for almost 9 years (replaced 3 times). For the first 6 years it was good, barely any periods (just occasional brown spotting every 6 months if that), no weight gain or hair loss. At the start I did notice increased anxiety/anger, not sure if that settled or just got used to it. Now with my current implant (inserted almost 3 years ago), things have gradually changed. For the first 2 years I started getting more regular bleeds every 3–4 months, with actual red blood instead of spotting. In the last 6 months it’s become much worse and really unpredictable I started tracking it and in December 10 days bleeding, in January 8 days, a day break, then another 3 days, in February 3 days, in March 11 very heavy days (filling a pad every 2 hours), break, then another 5 days, in April nothing and in May 15 consecutive days (now stopped).
I’ve decided I want the implant removed because I can’t deal with the constant bleeding anymore, so I’ve been looking at other contraceptives. I don’t want the pill (I’ll forget to take it) and I don’t want the injection every 3 months either and I can’t faff about with the vaginal ring. I’ve been looking into the copper IUD because I like the idea of non-hormonal contraception, and I like the fact that it’s inserted once and that’s it. However I’m now terrified after reading about heavy bleeding, cramps, weight gain, hair loss etc. I’ve already spoken to my GP, who seemed very casual about the side effects, and I’m booked in for swabs before a possible insertion in June. I’m also worried about the timing because I’m going on a beach holiday in August, and I’m scared I’ll end up dealing with constant bleeding/cramps, or worse, end up in hospital with a perforated uterus or ectopic pregnancy
A couple of extra things in case relevant:
- Never been pregnant
- I’ve had two cervical biopsies in the past which I found manageable
- I cannot remember what my period was like before contraception
I’m not really looking for statistics or medical explanations, I just want to hear honest experiences from people please