Contraceptive Coil Fitting
If you’re exploring contraception options, the coil can be an excellent choice. It’s a small device that sits comfortably inside your womb and is incredibly effective at preventing pregnancy.
If you’re exploring contraception options, the coil can be an excellent choice. It’s a small device that sits comfortably inside your womb and is incredibly effective at preventing pregnancy.
Why a coil?
One of the big benefits is its longevity. Once fitted, a coil can protect you for 5 to 10 years without needing daily pills or regular injections. It’s a highly reliable method, with the hormonal coil offering 99.8% effectiveness and the copper coil at 99.4%.
Should your life plans change, and you want to get pregnant or switch contraception, the coil can be easily removed by a gentle internal examination. Your fertility will return to normal almost immediately. Just remember, coils don’t protect against sexually transmitted diseases, so condoms may still be necessary for STD prevention.
The Coil is an excellent option for effective post coital emergency contraception. This can be fitted up to 5 days of unprotected intercourse.
Can anyone have the Coil?
Most women are suitable for a coil, but there are a few exceptions. It’s generally not recommended if you’ve had an ectopic pregnancy in the past (a pregnancy outside the womb), as the coil only prevents pregnancies inside the womb. You may need to discuss with your doctor. Also, if your womb cavity has an abnormal shape (perhaps due to fibroids or previous surgery), fitting the coil might not be possible, or it could be at risk of falling out.
If you’re exploring contraception options, the coil can be an excellent choice. It’s a small device that sits comfortably inside your womb and is incredibly effective at preventing pregnancy.
Why a coil?
One of the big benefits is its longevity. Once fitted, a coil can protect you for 5 to 10 years without needing daily pills or regular injections. It’s a highly reliable method, with the hormonal coil offering 99.8% effectiveness and the copper coil at 99.4%.
Should your life plans change, and you want to get pregnant or switch contraception, the coil can be easily removed by a gentle internal examination. Your fertility will return to normal almost immediately. Just remember, coils don’t protect against sexually transmitted diseases, so condoms may still be necessary for STD prevention.
The Coil is an excellent option for effective post coital emergency contraception. This can be fitted up to 5 days of unprotected intercourse.
Can anyone have the Coil?
Most women are suitable for a coil, but there are a few exceptions. It’s generally not recommended if you’ve had an ectopic pregnancy in the past (a pregnancy outside the womb), as the coil only prevents pregnancies inside the womb. You may need to discuss with your doctor. Also, if your womb cavity has an abnormal shape (perhaps due to fibroids or previous surgery), fitting the coil might not be possible, or it could be at risk of falling out.
What Types of Coils Are There?
There are two main types of coils to consider: the copper coil and the hormonal coil. Both work by acting as a barrier to pregnancy implanting in the womb.
Hormonal Coil: This coil also releases the hormone progesterone into your womb. This thins the womb lining and thickens the mucus at the cervix, making it even harder for pregnancy to occur. A fantastic added benefit of the hormonal coil is that it often makes periods very light, and some women stop having them altogether, which is perfectly healthy! It can also significantly reduce painful periods, making it a popular choice for managing heavy or uncomfortable bleeding.
Copper Coil: This coil is hormone-free and works by creating an environment in the womb that is inhospitable to sperm and eggs.
Which Coil is Right for You?
Choosing between the two often comes down to your personal preferences and needs:
If you experience heavy or painful periods, the hormonal coil is often a great option as it can make periods much lighter or stop them entirely, offering wonderful convenience and comfort.
If you know you and hormones “don’t get on”, for example, mood changes, weight gain or skin issues, the copper coil might be a better fit, as it’s hormone-free. However, some women with a history of hormone sensitivity still tolerate the hormonal coil well, so it’s worth discussing with your doctor.
If you don’t want the potential hormonal effects of the hormonal coil or you prefer the reassurance of regular periods to confirm you are not pregnant, the copper coil might be a better choice for you.
What Side Effects Can I Expect?
Serious side effects from a correctly inserted coil are rare. You may experience some irregular bleeding for the first 2-3 months with the hormonal coil, but this usually settles down. A few women might experience mild mood changes, skin issues, or bloating due to the progesterone.
With the copper coil, periods might become slightly heavier or longer than usual.
If any side effects are bothering you, the coil can be easily removed, and we can help you explore other contraceptive options.
Will it Hurt?
Having a coil fitted can be uncomfortable, but it is not usually painful. Most people tolerate it very well with the help of the anaesthetic gel. Women who have had a vaginal birth often find the procedure a bit easier. If you’re feeling anxious, please let us know beforehand; we want to make the experience as comfortable as possible with pre-meds.
What Happens During the Consultation and Fitting?
We recommend taking some painkillers before your coil fitting, and if possible, try to schedule your appointment during or just after your period. We may offer pre-meds depending on your history for a smooth fitting.
During your consultation, we will take a medical history and discuss your contraception options. Next, we perform a pelvic examination and take your blood pressure.
For the actual fitting, we use a speculum, and an anaesthetic gel will be applied to your cervix to numb it. The coil, which is in a very thin tube (about the size of a cocktail straw), is gently guided into your womb. The insertion itself only takes a few seconds.
After fitting, we often perform an ultrasound scan to confirm the coil is perfectly in place.
It’s normal to experience some cramping pains afterwards, and you might need more painkillers. Most women feel fine for the rest of the day, but it’s always a good idea to have the option to take it easy if you need to.