This is very likely to be a long post and I would like to start by saying that I am aware that everyone’s experience with hormonal and non-hormonal contraception is different - there is a lot of scaremongering among girls with horror stories of either one which are not necessarily common, but may be true to their own experience. Contraception is a massively personal, individual choice and one that I am extremely happy to be able to make...

Anyway, I have seen a lot of the paragard being spoken of on this app and thought it would be nice for me to share my experience for any other English gal getting misinformation or not really knowing the difference from one IUD to the other.

Firstly the sexual health clinic I went to only had 2 versions of the copper coil: 1) 10 year T-Safe 380a QL (Quick Load) and 2) 5 year Nova T 380.So not a lot of wiggle room as they are practically the same if not for a few mm difference in width or length (I’m talking 3mm at most either way and is still a foreign object being placed into your cervix).

With any IUD insertion you do not get a choice, they will insert the general standard IUD or whichever they have more experience with; so hormonal wise this generally means the Mirena and in the Non-Hormonal IUD case, the T-Safe.

I had to wait 2 months between my initial consultation and the insertion. We set the date for when my period was due, however I made them aware that I have inconsistent and erratic periods and hoped for the best. When the insertion date came, I arrived at the clinic and once I was seen it was then rescheduled as they didn’t feel comfortable enough to insert it at that point in my cycle, due to my period *surprise surprise* had been AWOL! *This is completely understandable as they had concerns I could be pregnant which I deffo was not, just my annoying erratic flow.*

They told me I would have to wait another 2 months for the next insertion date, I was less understanding of this as I had made the appointment with the previous nurse and it was agreed that this would be the most suitable date. After kicking up a fuss which I rarely ever do and saying as much about my flow and the notes they have on my case, they changed the date to the following week.

After the date and time was settled we then went through this appointment as though it was another consultation. As much as they try to remain unbiased I was repetitively told that the copper IUD will make my periods painful and heavier (which anyone who is considering the non-hormonal route is aware). I felt in my case and for my body, this was a favourable option than hormonal contraception.

I made it very clear that I didn’t want the hormonal IUD as I did not want to risk the side effects related to that form of contraception or the hormones within it. They responded to my concerns with the whole the hormones are “localised” and so will not effect the rest of my body just my uterus?! I also told them that I have had friends who’s experiences disprove this and so they logged on to show me the specs from the Pamphlet for the Mirena - acne, weight gain, headaches, mood swings to name a few. They then changed their tune and told me that “these side effects mentioned are always a risk with any hormonal type of contraception” which OBVIOUSLY is exactly why I specifically said that I wanted the Copper IUD.

I then again said absolutely. not. happening to the Mirena and then hoped and waited for my period to come within the next few days before my next scheduled insertion.

I’m sorry this is so long! I will put up my insertion experience but if you have any questions for me or any advise with the copper IUD in the mean time then please comment and let me know!