Coil Fitting and Removal (IUD/IUS)

Gynae Clinic in London specialises in fitting intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs and IUS), also known as “coils”. Coils are a safe and reliable method of contraception for women of all ages - it should, however, be noted that they do not prevent an ectopic pregnancy. Once the small device is inserted, it can stay inside the womb for 3-5 and 5-10 years. At our private gynaecology clinic, our experts provide coil fitting services in London after discussing your contraceptive needs.

Kinds of Contraceptive Coil Available:

Broadly, two types of contraceptive coils are available:

• Copper coil
• Mirena coil

The later is also referred to as intrauterine system (IUS). Both varieties of the contraceptive coil are made from plastic and they are coated with copper or hormone. Both need to be inserted in the uterus and provide reliable protection against unwanted pregnancy for a long time. The Mirena coil releases tiny amounts of progesterone hormone which can also help with heavy periods.

On average, each variety of coils lasts from 3 to 5 or 5 to 10 years. However, they do not protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

What is Intrauterine device (IUD):

An IUD is actually a small T-shaped plastic and copper device that is inserted into your womb (uterus) by the doctor or nurse.

It releases copper to stop you from conceiving and protects against pregnancy for between 5 to 10 years. Hence, it is also known as a "copper coil" or "coil".

Advantages of IUD coil Fitting

• Most women use an IUD including the ones who had not become pregnant before.
• After an IUD gets fitted, it works right away and lasts for almost 10 years or until it is removed.
• It does not interrupt sexual intercourse.
• It can be used if you breastfeed.
• Your fertility will return as soon as the IUD is removed.
• It is not affected by other medicines.

What is Intrauterine system (IUS or Mirena )

An IUS is an alternative small and T-shaped plastic device being put into your uterus or womb by a doctor or nurse. It releases the hormone progestogen to stop you from getting pregnant last up to 3 to 5 years.

At Gynae Clinic, our doctors offer a wide range of family planning services including IUS (Mirena) coil fitting in London. You may visit our website to book an appointment.

Advantages of IUS Coil Fitting

• It usually works for 5 years (Mirena) or 3 years (Jaydess).
• It is considered the most effective form of contraception available in the UK.
• It does not interrupt sexual intercourse.
• Your periods may become shorter, lighter and less painful and even stop completely after the first year of use.
• It is safe to use an IUS at the time of breastfeeding.
• It is not affected by other medicines.
• It may be a suitable option if you cannot take hormone oestrogen that is used in the contraceptive pill.
• It is possible to become pregnant once the IUS is removed.
• There is no confirmation that an IUS can increase the risk of cancers of the cervix, ovaries and uterus or affect your weight.

Process of Contraceptive Coil Fitting:

After your initial appointment and discussion with the doctor we will fit your IUD or copper coil and IUS or Mirena coil immediately if possible, and the vast majority of our patients leave the clinic with their coil correctly in place. Alternatively, it may be necessary to arrange a second appointment following your last period when the cervix is more pliable to fit the coil. The coil fitting procedure will take roughly five minutes.

You will have the option of a pelvic ultrasound scan in order to assess your uterus and determine where to place the device. The coil will be inserted through the vagina and cervix, followed by another optional ultrasound to ensure it is correctly positioned. The attached thread is trimmed at the cervix in order to aid future removal.

We use anesthetic gel to ensure you have the most comfortable procedure possible. Extra pain relief can also be administered if necessary.

The procedure of Contraceptive Device (Coil) Removal:

Removing an IUD or Copper Coil

Your IUD (Coil) may be removed at any point of time by a trained doctor or nurse.

If do not plan to have another IUD (coil) inserted but do not want to conceive now, then we strongly advise using additional contraception i.e. condoms for 7 days prior to removal.

It is quite possible to become pregnant after you remove IUD coil (copper coil).

Removing an IUS or Mirena Coil

Our trained doctor or nurse can remove the Mirena IUD at any time.

If you are not having another IUS (coil) inserted and don't want to get pregnant, try using additional contraception such as condoms for 7 days prior to removal.

It is quite possible to become pregnant as soon as the IUS coil has been taken out.

Advice before fitting an Intrauterine Device (IUD) or Intrauterine System (IUS):

The timing of your fitting depends on the contraception you are using at present:

If you use a hormonal method (patch, vaginal ring, pill, injection or non-expired implant) OR If you use condoms, please ensure these are used for all penetrative vaginal sex initially for the first 7 days prior to removal to prevent a pregnancy.

Using a condom for ejaculation is not considered to be an effective way of contraception:

• IUD/IUS can be fitted conveniently at any time.
• Continue using the present method correctly until your fitting.

If you do not use a regular method of contraception:

• Abstain from sex from the first day of your period until the fitting for 3 weeks just in case you have an irregular period.
• Arrange for a short-acting form of contraception such as a patch, pill or vaginal ring and start this at least 4 weeks before the fitting.

If you need to replace the present IUD/IUS and it has not expired:

This can usually be done at any convenient time but refrain yourself from sex or using condoms exactly 7 days before the next fitting. This prevents any risk of pregnancy if we are unable to fit the new device after the original one has been removed.

How Much Does it Cost to get a Coil Fitted Privately?

Fitting and removal services are delivered by our Consultant Gynaecologist and the following prices are inclusive of Consultation and Consumables:

• Coil Removal - £400
• Copper Coil Fitting - £450
• Hormonal Coil Fitting (Mirena, Kyleena etc) - £550

Follow-up with your Coil Fitting Appointments

After your coil has been fitted, as an optional extra you should return to the clinic in 6-8 weeks for an ultrasound scan (not included in the price) for an additional reassuring check. The coil should also be further checked with each cervical smear to ensure it has not shifted position.

Our specially trained doctors in London can help you if you experience any pain after coil fitting, please just call us to schedule an appointment or visit your nearest hospital that has this treatment.

In case of emergency contraception, our private doctors are also here to assist you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a coil?

A coil or as it is officially called, an IUD (Intrauterine device), is a small T-shaped plastic and copper device which is inserted into the womb (the uterus).

The Intrauterine device releases copper to prevent you from becoming pregnant and will also protect against a pregnancy occurring for a time period of between five to ten years.

Having a Coil Fitted

An IUD can usually be fitted at any point of time during the menstrual cycle if you are not pregnant. The IUD can provide protection from the moment it is placed, patients leave the clinic with their contraceptive working. Before fitting an IUD, our Gynaecologist will check the cervix in order to correctly place the IUD. The entire process of fitting the IUD does not take much time now and for this, you should contact the nearest sexual health clinic:

• the vagina will be kept open using a speculum - much like during cervical screening.
• your Gynaecologist will use local anaesthetic to make the procedure more comfortable.
• the IUD gets inserted above the cervix at the entrance to the womb.

The fitting procedure may not be the most comfortable. Our consultant gynaecologist is extremely experienced in fitting IUDs, and at our private Harley Street clinic, you will only ever see a consultant grade clinician in order to benefit from the best possible service.

You might suffer from period-like cramps afterwards, however, painkillers can help to lessen these. You may also experience some bleeding for a few days after getting your IUD fitted, but this should clear up quickly, and we will offer you a free review in the very rare circumstance that this hasn’t cleared up within a week or two.

Who uses an IUD?

The majority of women use an IUD including the ones who are HIV positive. A GP or nurse at Sexual Health Clinic will ask about your medical history or menstrual cycle to determine if an IUD is a suitable option for you.

The IUD may not be the right option if you:

• Think you may want to get pregnant.
• Have an untreated pelvic infection or STI.
• Have an underlying problem with your cervix or womb.
• Have sudden bleeding between periods or after sex.

Women who have had an ectopic pregnancy or an artificial heart valve need to consult with their own GP before getting an IUD fitted.

Who can use an IUS?

Most women can use an IUS, including the ones who are HIV positive. A GP or nurse will enquire about your medical history to find out if an IUS is a suitable contraception for you.

The IUS may not be a good option if you have:

• Breast cancer, or have had breast cancer in the last 5 years.
• Uterine or cervical cancer.
• Liver disease.
• Unexplained bleeding between periods or bleeding after having intercourse.
• Arterial disease or a history of stroke or heart disease.
• Pelvic inflammation/infection or an untreated sexually transmitted infection (STI).
• Problems with your cervix or womb.

How long do I have to wait after I have an IUD fitted, for it to be effective?

When a coil is fitted it will be effective right away.

How soon after I have a coil removed can I get pregnant?

You can fall pregnant immediately after your coil has been removed.

How do I know that it is there?

A coil is fitted with two threads that are left to hang down a small distance from the womb. When your coil is fitted you will be shown how to feel for these threads to reassure yourself that it is in place. You should do this about once a month.

Will my partner be able to feel the strings or the coil when we have sex?

No your partner should not feel your coil when you have sex.

Can any woman have a coil fitted?

Yes, most women can have a coil fitted but your medical history will be checked when you go for your consultation to make sure you are able to have this form of contraception.

How long after I have my baby can I have a coil fitted?

Usually, a coil can be fitted four weeks after you have given birth.

Are there any hormonal side effects with the coil?

No. Things like acne, headaches and breast tenderness which can be attributed to the pill are not experienced with the coil.

Is it OK to breastfeed when I have a coil fitted?

Yes, it is perfectly safe to breastfeed after you have a coil fitted.

I am on another medication. Can I still have a coil fitted?

Yes, having a coil fitted will not affect any other medications you may well be taking.

Will having a coil fitted to make me put on weight?

No, unlike the pill it will not pre-dispose you to putting on weight.

Will my risk of cervical, womb or ovarian cancer increase with a coil?

No, there is no scientific evidence that a coil will increase you risk of cancer.

Will the coil affect my periods?

Your periods might initially be heavier although this should settle down after a few months.

A basic rundown of costs includes:

Coil fitting services are delivered by our Consultant Gynaecologist and the following prices are inclusive of Consultation and Consumables:

• Coil fitting - Costs £300

If you think you would like to go for a contraception service at Gynae Clinic, we offer one of the best services on coil fitting in London. Please book your consultation with us today.

 

Back to home Back to services