Fitting a Contraceptive Coil at Your GP Surgery (UK) 

What is a contraceptive coil? 

A contraceptive coil is a small, T-shaped device that is placed inside the uterus (womb) to prevent pregnancy. There are two main types: 

• Copper IUD (Intrauterine Device): Releases copper to stop sperm from surviving in the womb. It can last 5–10 years depending on the type. 
• Hormonal IUS (Intrauterine System): Releases a hormone (progestogen) to thicken cervical mucus and thin the womb lining. It can last 3–6 years depending on the brand (e.g. Mirena, Benilexa, Kyleena, Jaydess). 

Please follow these links for more information about the different coil types: 

https://www.contraceptionchoices.org/ContraceptionChoices/Contraception-Methods/Copper-Coil-IUD.aspx 

https://www.contraceptionchoices.org/ContraceptionChoices/Contraception-Methods/Hormonal-Coil-IUS.aspx 

 📆 Before Your Appointment 

What to expect: 

• You will have a phone consultation with our nurse to discuss your choice of coil, explain how it works and the fitting and what to do before your appointment, and to book you into one of our women’s health clinics for a fitting.
• You may be offered a sexual health screen (for STIs) prior to fitting, this depends on your age and sexual history.  
• It’s important to avoid unprotected sex before your fitting and the nurse will discuss this. If you have had unprotected sex in the week or two before the coil fitting appointment we will not be able to fit the coil.  

Pain relief: 

• Take a painkiller such as ibuprofen or paracetamol about 30–60 minutes before your appointment if you’re able to take them. 

Timing: 

• Coils can be fitted at any time in your cycle as long as you’re not pregnant. Fitting during your period can be helpful as it’s a sign you’re not pregnant and the cervix may be softer. 

 🏥 On the Day of the Fitting 

• The procedure takes around 15–30 minutes. 
• You’ll lie on an examination couch, similar to a smear test. 
• A speculum will be inserted into your vagina so the GP/nurse can see your cervix. 
• The coil is then inserted through the cervix into the womb. This may feel uncomfortable or crampy. 
• You can go home shortly after the procedure. 

 🩺 Aftercare 

• You may experience cramping or light bleeding for a few days. 
• You can usually return to normal activities the same day. 
• Avoid using tampons or having sex for the first 24–48 hours. 
• Check for any signs of infection: strong-smelling discharge, fever, severe pain – contact your GP if you experience these.  
• Your GP may offer a follow-up appointment in 6 weeks to check the coil is in place but often this is not needed if you can confidently feel the threads and are well.  
• For Yelverton Surgery patients please contact Tavyside Health Centre to book for coil checks or if you have any concerns up to 8 weeks after the coil fit. For consultations after this point please contact Yelverton Surgery.  

 🔄 Checking Your Coil 

• Learn how to feel for the threads of the coil (usually done monthly). 
• Don’t pull on the threads. 
• If you can’t feel the threads or have any concerns (e.g. pain, unusual bleeding), see your GP. 

 🛑 When to Seek Help 

Contact your GP or a sexual health clinic if you experience: 

• Persistent or severe pain. 
• Heavy bleeding not linked to your period. 
• Signs of infection (fever, unusual discharge). 
• You can’t feel the threads or think the coil has moved. 

 ❓ FAQs 

Q: Can I get pregnant with a coil? 
A: It’s extremely rare (less than 1 in 100 chance), but no method is 100% effective. 

Q: Does it protect against STIs? 
A: No – you’ll still need to use condoms to protect against sexually transmitted infections. 

Q: Can I have it fitted if I haven’t had children? 
A: Yes – coils are suitable for most women, including those who haven’t had children. 

Q: How is it removed? 
A: It’s a quick procedure done in the clinic. Fertility returns immediately after removal.