What is a coil?
This is a plastic T-shaped device that may contain the hormone progesterone or maybe copper based. It can be used as a contraceptive and the hormonal coil can also makes periods lighter and less painful.
What happens during coil fitting?
This takes between 15-20 minutes and is usually inserted within 7 days of the start of your period
The gynaecologist will check to make sure you are not pregnant, that you do not have any existing infection in your womb and the size and position of your womb.
The device is inserted through your cervix into your womb. Two fine threads attached to the bottom of the coil will remain at the top to your vagina. The threads allow you and your gynaecologist to check the device is in place.
Coil fitting can be uncomfortable however most women do not experience any pain and taking simple pain relief such as paracetamol and ibuprofen an hour before the appointment can help with this. We can also use local anaesthetic to help if you find the procedure uncomfortable.
After coil implantation
You may feel cramping similar to period pain just after your fitting. Take over the counter pain killers such as paracetamol to ease this symptom. It is not unusual to experience light vaginal bleeding for a few days.
You can continue to use your hormonal coil for eight years for contraception or five years for heavy periods / pain. You can continue to wear your hormonal coil for five years. It will need to be replaced or removed by a trained professional. Most women experience minimal symptoms following hormonal coil fitting.
You should contact your consultant or nurse if you experience:
- Continued abdominal pain following fitting
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- If you think your coil has dislodged (fallen out)
- Fevers/feeling unwell
Advantages of 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.
