Dr Lisa Neligan
Contraceptive Coil
The contraception coil is a reliable method of birth control that is placed in the womb to prevent pregnancy.
What is a Contraceptive Coil?
A coil is also known as an intrauterine device (IUD). It is a long-acting, reversible, form of contraception.
The coil is a small T shaped device which sits in your womb to prevent pregnancy. It is one of the most effective methods of contraception and is over 99% effective.
How does the Contraceptive Coil work?
Hormonal coil – thickens cervical mucous and thins uterine lining, can sometimes stop ovulation.
Copper coil – prevents sperm from surviving and reaching the egg, it also prevents implantation (fertilised egg attaching to uterus).
What are the different types of coil available and how long do they last?
There are hormonal and non-hormonal options of coil.
The non-hormonal option is a copper coil which lasts for up to 10 years.
There are a few types of hormonal coil which contain the hormone progestogen.
• Mirena which lasts up to 8 years.
• Kyleena which lasts up to 5 years
• Jaydess which lasts up to 3 years.
• Mirena which lasts up to 8 years.
• Kyleena which lasts up to 5 years
• Jaydess which lasts up to 3 years.
Costs
Costs can vary depending on the procedure and your personal treatment plan. We’ll give you a clear price guide upfront and explain what’s included.
Our team is here to answer questions and help you choose the best way to pay.
When should I consider a coil?
The copper coil should be considered in women:
- Who do not want to use hormonal method of contraception or wish to have a break from hormonal contraception
- Who are unable to have hormonal contraception due to their past medical or family history
- It can make periods heavier and more uncomfortable so this should be considered when deciding
The hormonal coil (IUS) has many benefits, including:
Fit and Forget
Once it is in you do not need to worry about it. It is good for those who are not good at taking tablets or have busy lifestyles.
Heavy or Painful Periods
Most women with a hormonal coil will get much lighter and less painful periods, some women to do not get a monthly bleed at all.
Contraindication
Those on other oral medication which may interact with oral contraception such as antiepileptic medication as the coil does not interact with any medication.
HRT Combination
HRT- Progestogen is needed to protect the lining of the womb as part of your HRT regime, the Mirena is the only coil license for this use, and it can remain in for 5 years for this indication. It can provide HRT and contraception in one go.
Steps to get started
Our team will support you through every stage, from your first enquiry to your recovery.
If you’re using health insurance
Check with your provider to see what’s covered. We’re happy to help with any paperwork and can work directly with many insurance companies to make the process smoother for you.
If you’re paying for treatment yourself
We’ll give you clear information about costs and help you plan your care. You’ll know exactly what to expect, with no hidden fees.
Book an Appointment
To make things easier, you can book a new consultation appointment online.
Our Locations
Our locations are equipped with modern facilities and experienced teams who will look after you throughout your treatment and recovery.
All sites are well connected by major transport routes, supporting patients travelling from border counties and across Ireland. Wherever you decide to go, you’ll receive the same high standard of personalised treatment.
Meet Our GP Consultants
At Kingsbridge, you’ll be in the expert hands of our dedicated GP team.
Important To Know
What happens at your appointment?
Prior to your appointment you will have a telephone appointment to discuss the suitability of you to have a coil, to counsel you on the risks and benefits of the coil and to answer any questions you may have .
Your face to face appointment will last 30 mins. In that time we will go over any further questions and talk you through the procedure once more.
The procedure itself should only take 5-10 minutes.
There will be a nurse or health care assistant present to make sure you are ok throughout the procedure.
It involves a speculum examination (like you would have for your cervical screening/smear) to visualise your cervix.
A topical anaesthetic is applied to help with your pain.
Your womb is measured and the coil is inserted through the cervix using a special device.
The coil is folded with its arms down in the device and once inserted into the womb the arms of the coil open to form the T shape.
Most women will get some period like cramping but we recommend taking paracetamol 1g and ibuprofen 400mg prior to your appointment.
What should I do prior to my appointment?
- Ensure no chance of pregnancy – continue current method of contraception, abstain from intercourse from 1st day of your period, or use barrier methods.
- Make sure you have any something to eat and drink – some woman can feel slightly faint after the procedure
- Take paracetamol 1g and Ibuprofen 400mg (if no contraindications) prior to your appointment
Do I have to have had children to have a coil fitted?
No, a coil can technically be fitted in any women regardless of if they have given birth or not.
Will my fertility return to normal after it is removed?
Yes, your natural fertility will return when your coil is removed, some women could get pregnant straight away after the coil is removed. The coil can be removed at any time.
How soon does it work?
The copper coil is effective immediately. The hormonal coil is effective after 7 days, you should use barrier methods e.g. condoms or abstain from intercourse for 7 days after insertion.