'My experience with the copper IUD and everything you need to know', Eveline (34)

You are looking for a contraceptive that suits you. Perhaps a copper IUD with you? But what are other women's experiences with their copper IUD? In a series of blogs we asked women who opted for a copper IUD about their experiences. From young to old, positive experiences with the copper IUD, but also when the going got tough. In this blog, the experiences of Eveline (34).

I have had my copper IUD for about 4 years now, since the birth of my youngest daughter. Before this, I had been on it for years from my adolescence the pill swallowed. After the birth of my first daughter, I switched to a hormone coil. I didn't want to take the pill anymore because of all the hormones and still liked the idea of an IUD and not having my period.

Nevertheless, after the birth of my second daughter, I switched to the T-Safe copper spiral. The reason was a matter of feeling: I didn't want those extra hormones in my body at all. This seemed like a healthier choice for my body. I had several friends who had had the T-Safe fitted and they were satisfied with it. This made me think: let me try that one too. Because I didn't really want to have more children after my second child, I also liked the idea that it would stay in place for 10 years and that I wouldn't have to worry about it.

Not having to worry about it any further unfortunately proved not to be the case... Using the menstrual cup I accidentally pulled out my entire IUD one morning in the first year after placement! Oops... Luckily, it all worked out fine. I quickly got another IUD and had it placed by the midwife instead of the GP. I had the wires attached to it cut a bit shorter this time. I still use the menstrual cup and haven't pulled the IUD out since!

In retrospect, I am glad the midwife placed the IUD the second time. You can tell they have a lot of experience with it and an ultrasound is used to check whether the coil is positioned properly after insertion. The insertion itself didn't bother me much on both occasions. I did have to get used to having my period again, after all those years of contraception with hormones. One month it was very heavy, the next month it wasn't too bad. Over time, this calmed down a bit; the differences remained but the cramps became less.

What I love is that I don't have to think about it otherwise; the coil does its job and the fact that I get my period as usual and my body does what it is supposed to do is nice. Sometimes I did regret getting my period when, for example, you just go on holiday or the kids like to go swimming. But by using the menstrual cup, it doesn't bother me at all and I can do whatever I want. In short: I am very satisfied with the T-Safe and would definitely recommend it to other women!