Coil Fitting

Long-Lasting Contraception With Personalised Advice

A coil is a long lasting reversible contraceptive which is inserted into the uterus by a trained clinician. Depending on the type chosen, it can provide contraception for several years and can be suitable for women who want reliable protection and do not want to remember a daily pill.

At Well Life Clinic, we perform coil fitting appointments with careful assessment, clear explanation and respect for your comfort. Your clinician will talk to you about your health, contraception needs and preferences before advising whether a coil is suitable for you.

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Copper Coil or Hormonal Coil

There are two main types of coil, the copper coil and the hormonal coil. Copper coil has no hormones & works mainly by stopping sperm from fertilising an egg. The hormonal coil releases a small amount of hormone locally inside the womb and can also help to reduce heavy or painful periods in some women.

Your clinician can explain the differences between the options and help you decide which may be more suitable on the basis of your periods, medical history, contraception goals and tolerance of hormones.

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Reasons Women Consider a Coil

If you want a long-term method of contraception but would prefer the chance to remove it if your plans change, a coil might be a good option. It is also useful for patients who do not want to rely on contraceptive method on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. You might want to look at coil fitting if you want:

Long acting contraception
No daily tablet approach
A reversible choice for future fertility desires

A non-hormonal option such as the copper coil
Support with heavy periods using a hormonal coil where appropriate

Your clinician will explain the benefits and limitations of each option.

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Before Your Coil Fitting

Before fitting a coil, your clinician will ask about your medical history, current contraception, periods, risk of pregnancy, previous pregnancies, infections, cervical screening history and any symptoms such as pelvic pain or unusual bleeding.

Depending on your circumstances, you may be advised to have a pregnancy test or a sexual health screen before fitting. The object is to make the procedure safe, and to time it well.

What Happens During the Procedure

At the appointment you will be asked to lie down comfortably while the clinician examines your cervix and inserts the coil into the womb with a small fitting device. The procedure itself is often very quick, although the full appointment does involve consultation, preparation and aftercare advice.

Women may feel cramping, pressure or discomfort during fitting. Your clinician will explain what you can expect and will give you a break if you need it. It is important to have consent, comfort and communication throughout the appointment.

Comfort and Pain Relief Discussion

How much pain people experience once the coil is fitted varies from person to person. Some women describe a little discomfort, but others may find it a little more painful, especially if they have not had a vaginal birth or are anxious about the procedure.

We will discuss your pain relief options before fitting. Your clinician will discuss what might help, what is right for you and how to prepare for the appointment.

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After the Coil Is Fitted

Some period-like cramping, light bleeding or spotting is normal after fitting. These symptoms often settle, although bleeding patterns can vary depending on the type of coil fitted. Your aftercare advice may include:

Rest if you feel crampy or light-headed afterwards
Taking pain relief if appropriate for you
Testing at what point the coil kicks in
Know when to seek follow up or medical advice

Your clinician will tell you if you need to use extra contraception for a little while after the fitting.

Checking the Coil Threads

When a coil is inserted, fine threads are on top of the vagina. These allow the coil to be checked and removed when required. Your clinician can advise you when and how to feel for the threads.

If you cannot feel the strings, can feel the hard part of the coil, develop new pain or think the coil may have moved, you should not rely on it for contraception until you have been examined.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Most women make a good recovery after having a coil fitted but there are some symptoms that should be investigated. If you have severe or worsening pain, heavy bleeding, fever, unusual discharge, pain during sex or any symptoms that you find concerning, seek medical attention.

A coil does not protect against sexually transmitted infections so you may still need condoms depending on your situation. This can be discussed with your clinician at consultation.

Removal or Replacement

If you want to stop using the coil, change contraception methods, try to get pregnant or if the coil reaches the end of its recommended lifespan, you may have the coil removed. It is a quick removal but should be performed by a trained clinician.

With us, you can discuss fitting, replacement or removal as needed. Your clinician will tell you when to use another method of contraception if needed before or after removal.

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Pricing

Coil insertion – £499: An initial consultation to speak in-depth with the specialist GP, followed by the insertion appointment (up to 30 minutes). We then arrange a follow up appointment as a further check up. It also includes removal of your old coil if needed.

Coil fitting and smear test – £769: A 20 minute consultation followed by the smear test and coil insertion (up to 40 minutes). It also includes removal of your old coil if needed. We also offer a 20 minute follow up in case of any questions.

Coil removal only – £172.50

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