PRIVATE COIL FITTING | WOMEN’S WELLNESS CLINIC | IUD & IUS

Private Coil Fitting & Removal

At Women’s Wellness Clinic, we are highly experienced in offering private coil fitting, including both intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs) and intrauterine systems (IUSs), often referred to as 'coils'. Coils are a safe, reliable, and long-lasting contraceptive method. Once the small device is inserted, it can stay inside the womb for 3 to 10 years. We will discuss the best coil option for you during your consultation.

PRIVATE COIL FITTING & REMOVAL | WOMEN’S WELLNESS CLINIC CAMBRIDGE

Types of Contraceptive Coils

What is an IUD (Copper Coil)?

An IUD (Intrauterine device) is a small, T-shaped device inserted into the uterus. It releases copper to prevent pregnancy and provides effective contraception for 5-10 years.

Advantages of IUD (Copper Coil) Fitting:

  • Most women use an IUD including the ones who have not become pregnant before.

  • After an IUD gets fitted, it works instantly 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 an IUS (Mirena Coil)?

An IUS (such as the Mirena, Jaydess, or Kyleena) is a small, plastic T-shaped device that releases progestogen. It is considered one of the most effective forms of contraception in the UK, lasting for 3-8 years.

Advantages of IUS Coil Fitting:

  • 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 (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.

PRIVATE COIL REMOVAL CAMBRIDGE | PRIVATE COIL FITTING

The Process:

Private Coil Fitting & Removal

What to Expect: Your Coil Fitting

After your initial consultation, where we discuss the procedure, timings, and consent, we'll book your private coil fitting appointment at our CQC registered clinic in Cambridge (Sawston). We prioritise your comfort and use anaesthetic gel for the procedure. Extra pain relief is also available if needed.

What to Expect: Your Coil Removal

Your coil can be removed at any point of time. If you 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. Your natural fertility returns to normal immediately.

PRIVATE COIL FITTING CAMBRIDGE | PRIVATE COIL REMOVAL

Before your Private Coil Fitting Appointment

To ensure your appointment is as smooth as possible, please follow these guidelines:

  • Your Appointment: The appointment is for half an hour.

  • Before You Arrive: Have a small meal and consider taking a safe tablet painkiller an hour before the procedure to help with discomfort.

  • Pregnancy Risk: It is critical that there is no chance you could be pregnant. Avoid unprotected sex from the start of your period until the insertion, or use your current contraception reliably. If your current coil is out of date, do not have sex for 21 days before the appointment.

  • Other Contraception: If you are using another contraceptive, continue to use it carefully as directed.

  • Other Considerations: Let us know if you have a vaginal infection. It's usually fine to have a coil fitted while bleeding unless the bleeding is very heavy.

PRIVATE COIL FITTING | WOMEN’S WELLNESS CLINIC

After Your Private Coil Fitting: Aftercare

While we don't routinely require a follow-up appointment after your coil fitting, we are always happy to see you again if you have any concerns. Here's important advice for the days and weeks following your procedure:

Immediate Aftercare (First 24-48 Hours)

  • Rest & Pain Relief: It's normal to experience some cramping or discomfort. You may continue to use over-the-counter pain relief as needed.

  • Sexual Activity: We advise waiting for 24 hours after fitting before having sex to allow the coil to settle properly.

  • Sanitary Products: Use sanitary pads for the first 24 hours instead of tampons. This allows the coil time to settle. Ensure you are confident feeling the coil threads and understand the difference from a tampon string before resuming tampon use.

  • Exercise & Swimming: It's best to wait 24-48 hours before engaging in strenuous exercise or swimming to let the coil settle. If you're still experiencing pain, wait until it subsides.

Specific Considerations

Ongoing Care & Checking Your Coil Threads

It's unlikely for your coil to be expelled, but it's always sensible to know what the threads feel like. We suggest performing a thread check at 6 weeks after your fitting, and periodically thereafter:

  1. Clean your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

  2. Either sit or squat in a comfortable position.

  3. Gently insert your index or middle finger into your vagina until you can feel your cervix (which should feel firm, like the tip of your nose).

  4. You should be able to feel the two thin coil threads extending from your cervix.

Contact us immediately if:

  • The IUD threads feel significantly longer or shorter than the last time you checked.

  • You cannot feel the threads at all.

  • You feel any part of the coil itself.

  • You have any other concerns about your coil or new symptoms.

  1. Moon Cups: Manufacturers recommend delaying the use of a moon cup for six weeks after a coil fitting. If you choose to use one later, ensure the cup is placed low in the vagina and that you always break the seal before removal to avoid dislodging the coil. Consider alternative sanitary products if you're not confident with this.

  2. X-rays & MRI Scans: Having an X-ray, including an MRI, is generally fine with a coil in place. However, always inform the person doing your X-ray or scan that you have a coil.