Copper coil and periods

[sw9440]

I’ve had the copper coil since April last year. No major issues. I’ve never used contraception of any form before. I’m almost 40. I know my normal cycle inside out. I know I’m reactive to my own hormones (tick all the boxes for PMDD, plus it’s fairly normal for autistic women) so never want to touch artificial hormones.

First 6 months were interesting! Some terrible stabbing rectal pain about once a month - originally was during the period, now it varies. Awful cervix pain during the heavy days too. It’s normal for me not to sleep during the heavy night but I couldn’t even rest, had to pace and breathe like in labour. That has calmed down but still get the odd rectal stab!

Since everything has settled I’ve had about enough of 10-12 day periods though. My cycles vary from 25 to 31 days (undiagnosed PCOS highly likely - again, tick all the boxes) so add in PMDD and some months I barely feel “normal” for more than a few days.

The periods have been the same from the start. 5-6 days of light, weird gooey brown stuff (presume “old blood”) then finally a normal 5-6 day period, exactly the same flow pattern as normal. I can’t stand the brown days. They seem to release some of the stressy PMDDfeelings and symptoms, but then a sudden relief and full relaxation when the proper period starts.

It took a lot for me to have the coil fitted in the first place as I generally manage my own health and don’t use doctors etc. When I do I find them almost always no help as my body doesn’t work “as expected” haha. I’ve since learned this is also fairly normal for autistics. Even the doctor that fitted this coil just wouldn’t believe that I was exclusively breastfeeding my youngest and yet period returned at 6 weeks postpartum. I just figured my body wanted more babies so I’d better delay that a bit! Plus she didn’t understand why I wanted the 5 year not the 10 year🙄

I’m halfway through losing weight that I want to before potentially getting pregnant again. I want my cycles back but definitely preferred the pregnancy that started (and remained) with me super fit, rather than just partially so.

Are the brown days normal?

Am I the only person who’s actual period (not brown stuff) is exactly the same as before?

Will I have to fight to get a removal during all the covid-19 stuff?

Should I just “put up with it” until I’m ready to not worry about potential pregnancy? Baring in mind I might not get pregnant anyway.

Sexually I’m frustrated haha. Not much point having contraception if you’ve little ability to be active anyway!

[Sal0712]

Hi there. I’ve got PCOS and have the Marina coil fitted. I also have some of the symptoms you describe. Just before my period I get a stabbing pain really low down where I find it hurts to even sit down. It feels like someone’s trying to stab me with a knife internally. With the Marina coil I find I have a few days with the brown gooey stuff before I light bleed for around 4/5 days then a further few days of the gooey stuff again.

As yours seem heavier and more prolonged it could be that your body doesn’t like the copper coil. I know your reluctant to use anything else but you could discuss trying the Marina coil with your GP. I’ve had to use the Marina due to a blood clotting disorder I have but could be an alternative for you to try.

Stay safe x

[sw9440 in reply to Sal0712]

Thank you for your insight. I really won’t touch the Marina. Honestly I don’t think my body likes anything. I want this one out and then I just won’t use anything. Those of us that are reactive to hormones are reactive to even the smallest amounts, wherever they are. There’s an awful lot of discussion about this amongst autistic women - sensitivity to everything! As I say, GPs just don’t understand that my body doesn’t work as expected. Being autistic means I’ve had high stress levels since birth for example, which affects how all the bodily systems develop. I can’t even tolerate vitamins! Plus it takes an awful lot of stress and meltdowns to even see a doctor. Then to want to strangle them for not listening haha

I don’t actually want lighter periods - 28 years with the same routine and I like it as it is - just none of the brown stuff.

I just really hope the damn thing isn’t wedged somewhere that’s caused issues of its own.

Bit moany but that’s normal for me