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?
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.

What is the Nexplanon Implant?

Nexplanon is a small, flexible plastic rod (about 4cm long) inserted just under the skin of your upper arm. It releases a hormone called progestogen which:

• Stops ovulation (release of eggs)
• Thickens cervical mucus (to block sperm)
• Thins the womb lining (to prevent implantation)

Benefits

• Long-acting (up to three years) and reversible
• Does not rely on you remembering to take a pill
• Can reduce or stop periods for many people
• Safe to use while breastfeeding
• Fertility returns quickly after removal

Things to Consider

• Some people experience changes to bleeding patterns (irregular, lighter, or no periods)
• It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) – you may still need to use condoms.

Please follow this link for information about the Nexplanon implant: https://www.contraceptionchoices.org/FRSH_CC/Contraception-Methods/Implant.aspx

Before Your Appointment

What to expect:

• You will have a phone consultation with our nurse to discuss the implant, 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.
• It’s important to avoid unprotected sex before your fitting and the nurse will discuss this.

Timing:

• Implants can be fitted at any time in your cycle as long as you’re not pregnant.

On the Day of Fitting

• The procedure takes about 10–15 minutes
• It is done under local anaesthetic – the area on your upper arm will be numbed
• The implant is inserted just under the skin, usually in your non-dominant arm
• A small dressing or bandage will be applied

Pain: You may feel pressure, but it shouldn’t hurt
Recovery: You can usually go home straight away and continue normal activities

Aftercare Advice

• Keep the dressing on for 24–48 hours
• Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity with that arm for 24 hours
• Bruising, tenderness, or slight swelling at the site is normal
• Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help with any discomfort
• A small scar may remain at the insertion site

When to Seek Medical Advice

Contact your GP if you notice:

• Severe or increasing pain
• Redness, swelling or pus at the insertion site
• You can’t feel the implant
• Unusual or heavy bleeding
• Any concerns about side effects or your general health

Follow-Up & Checking the Implant

• You should be able to feel the implant under your skin (a thin, flexible rod)
• A follow-up appointment is usually not required but do get in touch if you have concerns. For Yelverton patients if you have any concerns in the few weeks following the fitting please contact Tavyside Surgery. If over 3 months since the fitting please contact Yelverton Surgery.
• Keep track of when the implant needs replacing (after three years)

Removal or Replacement

• Removal is a quick procedure, also done under local anaesthetic
• You can choose to have a new one inserted at the same time if you wish to continue using this method of contraception
• Fertility returns quickly after the implant is removed

Common Questions

Q: Can anyone get the implant?
A: Most women and people with a uterus can, but it may not be suitable if you have certain health conditions (e.g. history of breast cancer or liver disease).

Q: What if I want to stop before three years?
A: You can have it removed at any time – fertility will return quickly.

Q: Is it safe with other medications?
A: Some medications may make the implant less effective – always tell your doctor about any prescriptions or herbal remedies.