IUD and IUS devices, or ‘the coil,’ are effective contraceptive methods. At Welbeck, our experienced gynaecologists offer insertion and removal of the Mirena coil (IUS), the Kyleena coil (IUS), and the copper coil (IUD).
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A ‘coil’ (also referred to as the IUS (intrauterine system) or the IUD (intrauterine device)) is a small T-shaped contraceptive device that’s put into your womb (uterus) to prevent pregnancy. An IUS and an IUD are similar systems; the main difference is that the IUS releases the hormone progestogen in the womb, whereas the IUD releases copper into the womb.
A coil can be inserted and removed at any time during your menstrual cycle, but both must be done by a doctor or a specially qualified nurse. When inserted correctly, an IUD/IUS is more than 99% effective and can last for many years. It’s important to note that the coil does not protect against STIs.
At Welbeck, our experienced gynaecologists provide coil insertion and removal in our state-of-the-art Women’s Health centre.
We offer appointments to paediatric patients aged 12 to 18. For full information on our paediatrics service, please visit our main Paediatrics page.
Before you have an IUD and IUS fitted, you’ll have an initial consultation with a Welbeck gynaecological consultant. At this appointment, they’ll discuss which device may be most suitable for you. At Welbeck, we offer 3 types of coil: the Mirena coil (IUS), the Kyleena coil (IUS), and the copper coil (IUD).
Your consultant will likely test for any existing infections, such as STIs, and also have you do a pregnancy test. Once your results come back negative, you can make an appointment to have the device fitted.
An IUD can be fitted at any time during your menstrual cycle, as long as you’re not pregnant, and you’ll be protected from pregnancy straight away.
An IUS can also be fitted at any time in your menstrual cycle, as long as you’re not pregnant, but it’s important to know you’ll only be protected against pregnancy straight away if it is fitted in the first 7 days of your cycle. To ensure you’re protected, we advise that you use additional contraception, such as condoms, for 7 days after having an IUS fitted.
During the fitting of an IUD or IUS, your doctor will gently open your vagina using a speculum to look inside your vagina and check the position and size of your womb. They will then administer a local anaesthetic to prevent you from feeling any pain during the insertion of the device. Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, your consultant will insert the device through your cervix and into place in your womb.
The fitting of the IUD/IUS device only takes 5 minutes, but the appointment will take around half an hour in total.
Removal of a device follows the same process as insertion. If you’re having a device replaced, your appointment may take slightly longer.
Once an IUD has been fitted, it’ll need to be checked at a follow-up appointment 3 to 6 weeks after to ensure everything is as it should be.
The IUD (copper coil) works by altering your cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to reach an egg and survive. The copper coil can also work by stopping a fertilised egg from being able to implant itself in the womb.
The IUS works similarly by thickening the cervical mucus, again making it more difficult for sperm to move through the cervix. In addition, the lining of the womb is thinned, so a fertilised egg is less likely to be able to implant itself. In some cases, ovulation (the release of an egg every month) can be stopped completely.
It’s totally normal to experience period-pain type cramps and some bleeding after coil insertion or removal. Any discomfort can be eased using over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol.
As with any procedure, there’s a small risk of getting an infection. Make sure you see your consultant if you experience any of the following symptoms:
severe pain in your lower abdomen
a high temperature
smelly discharge
You should also contact your consultant if you or your partner is at risk of having an STI, as this can lead to infection in the pelvis.
There’s a small risk that your body may push out the device, or it may become displaced post-procedure. Your consultant will teach you how to check that the device is still in place during your appointment.
The IUD can sometimes make your periods heavier.
The IUS can make your periods lighter, shorter or stop altogether, so it may help women who have heavy or painful periods. Some women may experience side effects, such as mood swings, skin problems, or breast tenderness.
You should avoid intercourse for 7 days before coil insertion, removal, or replacement.
We also recommend that you eat and stay hydrated before coming to your appointment, as this can help you feel well after the procedure.
Once an IUS/IUD is fitted, you’ll need to attend a follow-up appointment after 3 to 6 weeks. At this check-up, you should tell your doctor about any problems you’ve experienced. The device can be removed at this appointment if you wish or if medically necessary.
At Welbeck, our pricing includes an initial consultation with a consultant gynaecologist, coil fitting, and a non-diagnostic scan to ensure the accurate placement of the coil.
Our pricing for coil insertion is as follows:
Mirena coil fitting (IUS): £710*
Kyleena coil fitting (IUS): £710*
Copper coil fitting (IUD): £570*
*Please note, if coil removal is recommended during the consultation and coil insertion is performed during the same visit, there is an additional £70 fee for this service.
Coil removal (including consultation): £420
At Welbeck, our gynaecologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.
With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.
We accept both self-referrals and referrals from healthcare professionals for this procedure.
If you’d like to schedule a consultation with a gynaecologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.
Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.
Yes. The coil can be safely fitted in individuals who have not given birth. At Welbeck, we offer coil insertion to young women and adults from the age of 12. Your consultant will assess your uterine size and anatomy to choose the appropriate device and ensure the procedure is both safe and effective for you.
You should consider removal or replacement if you experience persistent pain, unusual bleeding, cannot feel the coil threads, suspect pregnancy, or develop a new infection. Regular checks and keeping track of your device’s expiry date are important to maintain protection and safety.
No. The coil can be removed at any time, and fertility usually returns quickly once it’s been taken out. There’s no evidence that a properly fitted and removed coil has a lasting negative impact on your ability to become pregnant.
If you cannot feel the threads, it may mean the coil has moved or retracted slightly. In this case, contact your specialist for an early check. An ultrasound may be used to confirm placement. Until you have confirmation that the device is in the correct position, you should use additional contraception, such as condoms, to avoid pregnancy.
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From £420
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We have brought together a group of leading gynaecologists and breast specialists to form our Women’s Health team. With over 200 years of combined experience, these expert clinicians are the best in their field and are all focused on delivering the very best patient care.