WOMEN’S WELLNESS CLINIC | COIL FITTING | CONTRACEPTIVE IMPLANT
Private Coil Fitting (IUD & IUS)
Explore safe, long-lasting contraception with private coil fitting (IUD/IUS) at Women's Wellness Clinic in Cambridge. Learn about copper and hormonal coils, insertion, removal, and expert aftercare.
Private Coil Fitting (IUD & IUS)
Here at the Women’s Wellness Clinic, are highly experienced in and offer 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 suitable for women of all ages. Once the small device is inserted, it can stay inside the womb for between 3 and 10 years. We will discuss the best coil option for you before fitting.
Types of Contraceptive Coils
Broadly, two types of contraceptive coils are available:
Copper Coil (IUD) : Lasts 5-10 years.
Mirena Coil (IUS): Lasts 5 years for progesterone part of HRT or 8 years for contraception.
There are smaller progesterone coils such as the Jaydess which lasts 3 years or Kyleena that lasts 5 years: Neither are suitable for HRT.
What is an IUD?
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)?
Advantages of IUS Coil Fitting:
It usually works for 8 years (Mirena) 5 years (Kyleena) 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 (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.
What to Expect: Coil Fitting and Removal
The Process of Your Coil Fitting in Cambridge
After your initial consultation, where we discuss the procedure, timings, and consent, we'll book your 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.
The Process of Your Coil Fitting in Cambridge
Your coil can be removed at any point of time, however 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.
Before your Private Coil Fitting Appointment
Your appointment is for half an hour – you may find it easier if children are kept at home. However, we appreciate this is not always possible and we will do our best to find them a comfy chair and watchful eye.
Please make sure that you have something to eat before your appointment.
The fitting process can be uncomfortable and you may wish to take a tablet painkiller that is safe for you, an hour or so before the procedure.
It is important that there is no chance you could be pregnant when we fit your coil. Do not have sex from the start of your period until the insertion, unless you are using a method of contraception reliably and consistently.
If you are taking the pill, continue to take it carefully up until the day of fitting.
If you have had a contraceptive injection, come before the injection runs out (12 weeks and 5 days since the last injection).
If you have an implant in place, we prefer to fit the coil first and take the implant out, at least one week later.
If you are using condoms, it may be best to try and abstain, as if you have a burst condom and take emergency contraception in the 21 days before fitting, we probably cannot fit the coil until you have had a normal period.
If you already have a coil in place, please either abstain from sexual intercourse or use a condom carefully in the 7 days before you attend the clinic. Sperm live in the pelvis for 7 days, and a new coil may take 7 days to work, so there is a theoretical chance of pregnancy if this advice is not followed. There is also the chance that the new coil cannot be fitted.
If your coil is out of date, you should not have sex for 21 days (3 weeks) before the appointment so that a pregnancy test is valid.
If you are worried you may have a vaginal infection please let us know prior to fitting day.
It is OK to have a coil fitted if you are bleeding; please attend your appointment as usual. Only very heavy bleeding would stop placement.
After Your Private Coil Fitting: What to Expect and Important Advice
While we don't routinely require a follow-up appointment after your coil fit, 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:
Clean your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Either sit or squat in a comfortable position.
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).
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.
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.
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.
