After alot of research and many different forms of hormonal birth control, I had a copper IUD inserted on the 20th September 2011. For me it is the best thing I have ever done (so far!)
I have been on the oc pill since I was 15, then the depo provera shot for 9 months, then implanon for 6 months, then back on the oc pill. Stopped taking the pill in March of 2010 and in September 2010 unfortunately fell pregnant even after the morning after pill. Had a termination at week 5, went back on the oc pill. Lost all libido (again!), stopped pill and switched to condoms (partner and I both hated them) so decided it was either vasectomy, tubal ligation or a copper iud.
I had mine put in at a marie stopes clinic on day 4 of my period under general anaesthetic. Very bad period pain on day 1 which eased off to nothing by day 5 after insertion. Bleeding stopped by day 7 with some mild spotting for a couple of days after that. I had sex with my partner 4 days after insertion without an issue and have only experienced some mild spotting once or twice after sex.
I am now on day 1 of my first period with an iud and its really not that big of an issue for me. I had some mild cramping and spotting for 3 days beforehand and then today the bleeding and cramping started. Not really any heavier than usual (was always fairly heavy on first couple of days anyway). Cramping has been taken care of by taking 400mg of ibuprofen ( 2 nurofen) at around lunchtime and havent needed anything since (its now about 1am).
Ive had a small amount of bloating today (and did have for a couple of days after insertion) but I usually get some bloating around the time of my period. I have not gained any weight either.
I would definately research before having an iud as your bc option but for me it is perfect. Im 30 years old, engaged to be married (partner of 6 years), not in a mad hurry to have kids but like to enjoy sex with my partner without fear of becoming pregnant. There is alot of negative press about copper iud's BUT as someone on a thread about iud's said "Women who are not having isssues with their iud are out enjoying life and not discussing it, women who are having probems ARE discussing it".
If you google any form of birth control there are pros and cons, you just have to find what is right for you. Every woman is different.