BLOG: Everything You Need to Know About Coil Fitting with Dr Jillian O'Hagan, Private GP

24th, Jun 2025

What is a contraceptive coil?

A coil is also known as an intrauterine device (IUD). It is a small T shaped device which sits in your womb to prevent pregnancy. A coil is a long acting, reversible form of contraception which is over 99% effective, making it one of the most effective methods of contraception.

How do they work?

The hormonal coil thickens cervical mucous and thins uterine lining which can sometimes stop ovulation.

The 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 coils 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.

When should I consider a coil?

The hormonal coil (IUS) has many benefits:

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.
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- 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.

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

Please note that the copper coil can make periods heavier and more uncomfortable so this should be considered when deciding.

What happens during your appointment?

Prior to your face-to-face appointment you will have a telephone appointment to discuss your suitability for a coil, to counsel you on the risks and benefits 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 and there will be a nurse or healthcare assistant present to make sure you are okay throughout the procedure.

The procedure 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 then 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 there is no chance of pregnancy. Continue taking your current method of contraception, abstain from intercourse from the first day of your period, or use barrier methods.
Make sure you have had something to eat and drink as 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 and the coil can be removed at any time.

How soon does it work?

The copper coil is effective immediately while the hormonal coil is effective after 7 days. In this case you should use barrier methods such as condoms or abstain from intercourse for 7 days after insertion.

Get in touch!

If you are considering having a coil fitted, please get in touch! You can book an appointment online at kingsbridgebooking.com or you can call us on 028 9066 7878.