I have a copper IUD too and was wondering what you meant about side effects. I can't really think of any.
I had very heavy periods before already, and when I stopped the pill for an IUD they stayed heavy, then after 6 months the duration got shorter. Now they're closer to 4 days than a week, and more "packed." I used to have 2 days of light bleeding before and after my 7 days of heavier flow. Now it starts strong and finishes strong, for around 4 days total.
I use a menstrual cup, so I'm not sure how much blood I lose now. I empty it every time I use the bathroom, but it's rarely full, apart from when I get up in the morning. When I was on the pill (I used the cup with the pill for about a year) I wore the cup at night, plus a giant night-size pad, and had to get up every night to change both, and then it was full again in the morning! So in short, my period is definitely much less heavy now. I know people say copper IUDs make it worse, but I think your milleage may vary.
I was awake when the doctor put it in. She just put the regular stuff she always does, then a tube inside my cervix. Then it was unpleasant when the IUD was placed in my cervix, and then hurt when the branches were deployed. I would say it's the same kind of hurt as when the doctor takes a piece of your uterus for testing against stuff (which she does every time I go, but I'm not sure if it's the same for everyone?). Possibly more intense, and twice in a row.
Then after I was out the office, I had a "vasovagal episode." That means I almost fainted. Don't worry about that too much. I have a history of getting them in various situations-- on the plane, sometimes on my period, sometimes when it's too hot, or I get up too fast, things like that.
I sat down, and my husband (boyfriend at the time, ex-husband soon... time flies) got me apple juice. I drank it and after a few minutes I was fine.
I also had it inserted during my period. That is standard. Afterwards it felt a bit uncomfortable. I could feel there was something in there for the whole day, and when I sneezed it hurt. But by the next day I was fine. I would say I've definitely had worse experiences just having my period.
I picked the smaller version that's for women who have never had kids (or who have a smaller uterus) and I recommend doing the same, unless your doctor says you can take the bigger one. It's only good for 5 years, instead of 10, though, so I guess it's your call if you'd rather have to go through it only once (if you think you'll need it for that long, that is).
They can be removed at any time. If you are replacing them with a new one, they usually do it at the same time.
As for the wires, I can feel mine with my fingers easily. I've had two partners since getting my IUD, been fluid bonded with both (in case condoms make a difference) and neither of them told me they could feel anything. But yeah, I definitely feel them when I put my cup in or remove it, or when I just check. I made a habit at the very beginning of checking to make sure it was still there, and I still do it occasionally in the bathroom. Seems silly, but harmless enough.
I have a friend whose boyfriend didn't like the wires, so she had them cut at the opening so that they're barely out at all. I think it would probably make it slightly trickier for the doctor to remove it, but otherwise that's an option if you don't want to be bothered by wires. Personally, I don't really have a problem with them, but it's really your call.
Do you have any other questions?
