A Coil is a small plastic T-shaped device which is placed inside your womb (uterus) to prevent you from getting pregnant. It has one or two thin threads on the end that hang through your cervix (the entrance to the uterus) into the top of your vagina. These threads cannot be felt and are not uncomfortable.

Once in place a coil can work for several years. It can also be easily removed should you wish to become pregnant or change your contraceptive method.

Your fertility will return to normal as soon as the coil is removed.

A coil works by stopping sperm meeting the egg, which prevents fertilisation. They may also work by preventing a fertilised egg from implanting into the womb. Coils are more than 99% effective and, over 5 years, less than 5 in 1,000 people using a coil will become pregnant. The coil is much more effective at preventing pregnancy than using pills or condoms.

There are 2 types of coil: the copper IUD and the hormonal coil.

The copper coil - IUD
This coil works by stopping the sperm from fertilising the egg and preventing implantation. It starts to work immediately after it is fitted and is effective for 5 or 10 years depending on which type of copper coil is inserted.

This coil does not contain any hormones and will not cause any hormonal side effects. It will generally not change the regularity of your periods. However, some people may experience longer, heavier and more painful periods with this type of coil - but this can settle over time.

The copper coil can also be used for emergency contraception.

For more in-depth information on the IUD (intrauterine device) or copper coil, from the NHS website, please click here.

The hormonal coil - IUS
This type of coil is also known as the intra-uterine system (IUS). These coils contain a hormone called progestogen. This hormone makes the lining of the womb thin so that an egg cannot implant. It also makes the mucus at the neck of the womb thicker so sperm can’t get in. After insertion it takes 7 days before the coil is effective and its contraceptive effect can last up to 5 or 6 years depending on type.

Because of the effect of progestogen on the lining of the womb (uterus), these coils can lead to changes in your bleeding pattern. Bleeding may become erratic and/or persistent in the beginning, but this usually settles down in the first 3-6 months after insertion. Once the bleeding has settled, many people may have lighter, infrequent bleeding or they may have no bleeding at all. Bleeding may also become less painful.

A few people experience hormonal side effects such as acne, breast tenderness, headaches and mood changes. These will also often settle with time.

These hormone containing coils can also be used to treat people with heavy painful periods, and can also be used as part of Hormone Replacement Therapy.

Click here for more in-depth information on the IUS (intrauterine system), or hormonal coil, from the NHS website. 

Further information: NHS

A hormonal IUD is effective for 3 to 8 years, depending on the type of IUD used and the indication for its use. We can fit IUDs for contraception, and also to help with heavy menstrual bleeding and as part of HRT. Some types of hormonal IUDs can be used for up to 5 years to help manage heavy menstrual bleeding and/or as part of HRT.

If a woman is older than 45 when an IUD is inserted, certain types can provide contraceptive protection until she reaches 55, after which contraception is generally unnecessary.

Copper IUDs do not have any hormones within them. They are a reliable method of contraception for woman who wish to avoid hormones or cannot use hormonal methods.

Copper IUDs can potentially cause your periods to be slightly heavier or prolonged. Therefore, they are not helpful for women who suffer heavy menstrual bleeding as they can sometimes make bleeding worse. Copper IUDs are also not suitable as part of HRT.

For women aged over 40, a copper intrauterine device (IUD) offers a reliable contraceptive option. If a copper IUD is placed after age 40, it can stay in place and continue to prevent pregnancy until a woman has gone without a menstrual period for 12 months. This approach ensures continued protection during the transition to menopause, after which contraception is no longer required.

Before proceeding with an intrauterine device (IUD) fitting, it is essential for each woman to have a thorough discussion regarding her individual reasons for choosing this form of contraception.

A detailed conversation with the doctor will allow for an assessment of your medical history, preferences concerning hormone use, and any other relevant factors. This is important to identify the IUD that best aligns with your health profile and lifestyle, providing effective and tailored protection.

IUD Types & Key Benefits
Copper IUD: Hormone-free, lasts up to 10 years, can be used as emergency contraception, may cause heavier periods.
Mirena (Hormonal): Lasts up to 8 years for contraception or 5 years if used to help manage heavy menstrual bleeding or as part of HRT, reduces heavy & painful periods, may stop periods altogether.
Kyleena (Hormonal): Smaller than Mirena, lasts 5 years, lower hormone dose, suitable for those sensitive to hormones.
Jaydess (Hormonal): Lasts 3 years, lowest hormone dose, ideal for younger women or those wanting short-term contraception.


Source: NHS

The coil can be fitted at any time if we can ensure that there is no risk that you could be pregnant. This means that you must be using a reliable method of contraception in the month before your appointment.

If you are not using any of the reliable methods above or your current contraceptive method has expired then you MUST NOT have any unprotected sex from the first day of your period or for a minimum of 3 weeks before your appointment until after you are seen.

If you have recently had a baby, you should start using reliable contraception 21 days after giving birth. You can have a coil fitted from 4 weeks after the birth in most cases.

If you have recently had a pregnancy loss or abortion you can have a coil inserted at any time, provided we can be certain you are not pregnant.

We may need to do a pregnancy test on the day of your appointment for confirmation. If there is any concern that you could be pregnant, the coil will not be fitted. In this case, you may be offered an alternative method of contraception or asked to return at a later date to have the coil fitted.

If you are suffering from heavy and/or unpredictable bleeding, or you are having bleeding after sexual intercourse, then we may advise you to have other investigations prior to inserting the coil. We will discuss this with at your appointment.


Source: NHS

At the initial appointment our doctor will assess your suitability, help decide which coil is right for you, discuss the risks and benefits, and answer any questions you may have.

You will need to have an internal examination – our Doctor will look inside your vagina to check the position and size of your uterus before the coil can be fitted.

She will also check for any signs of infection, sometimes you may be asked to do an STI test or you may also be given antibiotics.

There also needs to be no chance that you could be pregnant so you may need to do a pregnancy test before the coil can be fitted.
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If you would like your coil replaced, then please avoid having sex for 7 days before your appointment or start another form of contraception prior to your appointment. This is just in case we are unable to fit a new coil for you which would then mean you are at risk of a pregnancy.

If your coil is overdue for removal/renewal, please use an alternative contraception (or abstain from sexual intercourse) until your appointment. It is important to ensure that you abstain from sex or use additional precautions - e.g. condoms - for at least 21 days prior to your appointment. We will then be able to carry out a reliable pregnancy test at your appointment.

If you do not want another coil inserted at the time of removal, but do not wish to become pregnant, then you should consider alternative methods of contraception. For seamless contraception, you may want to start another form of contraception prior to your coil removal appointment.

Source: NHS

In the month before your appointment:
We are unable to fit an IUD if there is any risk of pregnancy, therefore it is important you use another method of contraception until your appointment.

If you are not currently using contraception:
Use condoms (or do not have sex) until your IUD appointment
If you attend for an IUD fit and have had condomless sex since your last period, we may not be able to fit your IUD.
If you attend for an IUD fit and have had condomless sex in the 3 weeks prior to your appointment, we may not be able to fit your IUD.

If you are currently using contraception correctly (e.g. condoms, pills, patch, ring, injection, implant):
Continue to use this until your appointment
You may also need to continue using this contraception for 7 days after your IUD fit, but the clinician who fits your IUD will give you further information at your appointment.

If you currently have an IUD in place and are attending for an IUD change (removal and replacement):
In the 7 days prior to your appointment, either use condoms or do not have sex

If you are currently using an expired method of contraception (e.g. implant or IUD after the date you were advised to have it changed):
Use condoms (or do not have sex) until your IUD insertion appointment
If you have had any unprotected sex in the 3 weeks prior to your appointment, we may not be able to fit your IUD

On the day of your appointment
On the day of your appointment we suggest you;
Have breakfast or lunch before you come.
Take painkillers eg. paracetamol or ibuprofen (if suitable) 1 hour before your appointment.
Talk to us if you have any worries or concerns. Most people who want an IUD manage to have it fitted. However, some people find having an IUD fitted especially difficult, such as those who have experienced sexual assault or trauma. We will always treat you with respect and we will always stop if you are sore or upset. We encourage you to talk to us about your concerns or worries when you come to see us (or you / your GP can contact us in advance) as there are often things we can do to make the procedure more comfortable for you.
Think about how you are getting home. Some people can experience cramps or occasionally feel unwell after an IUD fitting. You may want to have someone to accompany you home.

After your appointment
May need painkillers such as paracetamol and/or ibuprofen for pain. You might also want to take it easy for the rest day. Some people find hot water bottles helpful for cramps.
Don’t use tampons or menstrual cups for the first 3-4 weeks .Sanitary pads are fine.
Check your threads after 4-6 weeks by placing one or two fingers gently inside the vagina. If you are unable to feel them you should contact your GP surgery who will be able to help.
Avoid sex or use condoms or other contraception for 7 days after having a hormone IUD fitted.

Source: NHS

This appointment lasts around 30 minutes. During this time, we will address any remaining questions and talk you through the procedure again.

Take paracetamol 1g and Ibuprofen 400mg (if no contraindications) prior to your appointment.

A topical anaesthetic is applied to help minimise discomfort.

* You’ll be asked to remove the lower half of your clothing (e.g. trousers/skirt and underwear) and lie on the examination couch with your knees bent
* The doctor will insert a speculum (as used during a cervical screening/smear test) to gently open the vagina. This may feel uncomfortable but should not be painful.
* The coil is then inserted into the uterus through the cervix. You may experience some discomfort at this stage, which typically lasts a minute or two, although for some it can last a little longer
* The doctor will trim the threads and remove the speculum
* Aftercare & Follow-up - Dr Arthurs will show you how to check your coil threads and advise on what to expect in the days following your procedure.

The procedure itself should only take 15-20 minutes.

You can have a friend or family member in the room with you during the fitting if you want.

Everyone is different. 

Coil fitting can feel uncomfortable but should not be painful. You may experience a little discomfort when a coil is fitted, similar to period pain - but it will only last for a short time.

You may want to take some painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen an hour before.

If you’re concerned about pain during the fitting, please discuss this with our doctor during your initial consultation. She can advise and, if appropriate, offer additional pain relief options.

Removing a coil is normally quick and no more uncomfortable than having a speculum examination.

Source: NHS