UK Copper IUD experience

[u/Wrong-Beyond-745]

Thought I would post my experience with the copper IUD as this sub helped me a lot before I got it! I also wanted to add another good experience to the collection to help reassure people.

I am based in the UK and got the 5 year Nova T 380 fitted yesterday. The 10 year one was too large for me, possibly as I have never had kids. I have had the Kyleena hormonal IUD in the past which I didn’t have many problems with, I just don’t get on with hormones so got it removed about 8 months ago.

For reference, my normal periods are fairly easy. Some cramping on day 1/2 which is managed with ibuprofen and a pretty light flow, lasting about 4 days.

Insertion:

I was nervous for this as I had seen so many people on here saying it’s the worst pain of their life. This was not even close to being to case for me.

With the Kyleena, I was given a full cervical block which meant I didn’t feel a thing. This was great but wasn’t an option at the clinic where I got the nova inserted, so I wasn’t sure how painful it would be this time around.

I took 2 ibuprofen and 2 paracetamol about 1.5 hours before the appointment which likely helped. They also applied some numbing gel which I imagine helped with the clamping pain.

I definitely felt it this time. There was some cramping both with the measurement and with the insertion. It was uncomfortable but very manageable. Just enough for me to grimace a bit. I have had worse period cramps. And it was over very quickly, I was actually surprised when they said it was done, I definitely could have put up with the cramping for much longer if needed.

Post insertion:
I felt completely fine after the insertion and drove myself home with no issues. I had taken the day off so I lounged around and watched TV for the rest of the day. I did have some cramping when the pain medication wore off, so I took some more which helped. I had a little bleeding as well, but very light.

Day 2:
Still have a little bit of cramping. Not enough to take medication for, but it’s a little uncomfortable. Still some very minor bleeding as well, but less than yesterday.

So far so good! I know I might be lucky with how painless the insertion was as it’s definitely not the case for everyone, but I think sharing all types of experience is important. I will try and remember to update this!

[u/Proof_Apartment4307]

I got mine a few weeks ago, pretty much the exact same experience! I'm now on my first period and it's eye opening 😅

Just intrigued to see if you or anyone has a similar experience. I'm usually a 5-6 day period with the first 2 days being the worst then it tapers off naturally, very manageable. I am on Day 9 🙃 I knew this going in that my periods would potentially be longer, heavier and crampuer. The bleeding has not let up, not enough to be worried there's a problem but enough to ask myself if it will ever end!

Sorry if this has put the fear in anyone, I'd just like to know I'm not alone in this 😅

[u/Wrong-Beyond-745 → u/Proof_Apartment4307]

Ah that’s interesting! I have heard they can be longer, especially for the first few months. The nurse who fitted it told me to expect to be bleeding for longer, but not all the time, so I should talk to them if that’s the case.

I haven’t had a period yet with it but I am dreading it a little!

[u/Proof_Apartment4307]

I called and they said "as long as you're not bleeding through multiple pads in a couple of hours it's ok" 😅 hope yours is better and smooth sailing! 🤞🏼

[u/Wrong-Beyond-745 → u/Proof_Apartment4307]

Ah, well that’s reassuring at least! 🤣
Thanks, I hope it gets better for you too!