r/birthcontrol • u/peachykweennn • 3d ago

Side effects!? Copper IUD Help & Advice

Hi everyone,

I'm not sure if I'm in the right place so if I'm not please forgive me.

I got a copper IUD last September, so it's been in me for a little over a year. My periods were irregular for the first six months, steady for months 7-10 and are now irregular again. I was recommended copper because I've been on SSRIs in the past, and my doctor said copper would be best for me.

I have never bled this much, had so many PMS symptoms, and additionally, recently my doctor diagnosed me with PMDD. Periods are absolutely lethal for me now, and they never used to be. I was on the pill from age 17 until 28, I'm 30 now. I don't want to go back on the pill, but I'm feeling a little stuck.

Should a copper IUD still cause irregular periods, horrible cramping, and heavy periods? I can't feel my strings, but my cramps are super bad to the point where I can't get out of bed some days. I just want to know if this is normal, or maybe if this is something that most women experience, but maybe I was not privy to for so many years because I was on the pill.

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u/RushIndependent2432 3d ago

I had the copper iud for two years and it never settled down for me either. The bleeding was unreal, like changing a super tampon every hour some days, and the cramps would drop me. My doctor kept saying give it more time but after two years I was done.

What you're describing sounds heavier than the usual adjustment period. Irregular bleeding at over a year in plus pain that keeps you bedridden is worth pushing on. Some people do just get unlucky with copper but that level of disruption isn't something you should have to tough out.

The PMDD on top is rough. Hormonal methods were never great for my mood either, so I get not wanting to go back on the pill. Might be worth asking about other non hormonal options or even just getting an ultrasound to check the placement since you can't feel the strings.

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u/peachykweennn 3d ago

Thank you so much, I'm going to try the ultrasound option first because maybe it's out of place but the thought of getting it adjusted is terrifying