GP London specialises in fitting coils, also called intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUS and IUD). Coils are a reliable and safe contraceptive for women of all ages, but it doesn't prevent an ectopic pregnancy.
After fitting the IUD or IUS, it can remain in the uterus or womb for 3 – 5 and 5 – 10 years. Our experts at GP London offer coil fitting and removal services in Kensington after you've discussed your contraceptive needs.
There are two main types of contraceptive coils available at our clinic
The Mirena coil is also known as an intrauterine system (IUS). Both contraceptive coils are made from plastic are coated with hormone or copper. They require insertion in the uterus and effectively protect against unwanted pregnancy for a long time. Mirena coil releases the hormone progesterone, which also prevents heavy periods.
On average, the coils last for 3 – 5 years or 5 – 10 years, but they can't prevent you from getting sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
An intrauterine device or IUD is a small T-shaped device made of plastic inserted into the uterus or womb by a trained nurse or doctor. The device releases copper to prevent conception and protect against pregnancy for 45 – 10 years. It is also knowns as a coil or copper coil.
The Mirena coil, or intrauterine system (IUS), is still a small, T-shaped plastic device that a nurse or doctor can insert into the uterus. The small device releases progesterone to prevent pregnancy and is effective for 3 – 5 years.
Our doctors provide several family planning services, including IUS fitting.
After the first appointment and discussion with the doctor, they can fit your copper or Mirena coil immediately, and most people prefer this option, so they can leave the clinic with their coil in place.
You may also arrange a second appointment after your last periods for your coil fitting because the cervix is softer at this time. The coil fitting procedure takes about five minutes.
You can also get a pelvic ultrasound to check your uterus and determine the right place for the device. The coil insertion is through the vaginal and cervix, and another optional ultrasound may be done to ensure the coil is in the right position. The healthcare professional will trim the thread at the cervix for coil removal.
Our doctor can apply anaesthetic gel to ensure you feel comfortable during the procedure, and you can get extra pain medication if necessary.
You can have your IUD removed at any point by a trained nurse or doctor. If you aren't planning on getting another IUD and don't want to conceive immediately, we advise using another contraceptive, such as condoms, for seven days before the removal.
It is possible to get pregnant after you remove your IUD or copper coil.
Our trained nurse or doctor can remove your Mirena IUD at any time. If you will not fit another IUS and don't intend to get pregnant, use additional contraception like condoms for seven days before the removal. You can get pregnant immediately after you remove the IUS.
If you use a hormonal contraceptive like a vaginal ring, pill, injection, patch or non-expired implant, or use condoms, ensure you use them for penetrative vaginal sex for seven days before removing the IUD to prevent pregnancy.
Using a condom for ejaculation is not an effective contraceptive.
You can fit a new IUD or IUS any time, but do not have sex or use condoms exactly seven days before the next coil fitting. This prevents the risk of pregnancy if you can't fit the new device after removing the original one.
Our consultant gynaecologist fits and removes coils, and the prices below include consumables and your consultation.
|
Copper coil fitting |
£550 |
|---|---|
|
Hormonal coil fitting – Kyleena or Mirena |
£650 |
|
Coil removal |
£400 |
|
Oil coil removal and new coil insertion |
£550 plus the cost of the coil £250 – hormonal coil £150 - copper coil |
These prices include the consultation fee of £250.
After your coil fitting, you have the extra option of visiting the clinic after 6 – 8 weeks to undergo an ultrasound scan (this isn't included in the initial costing) for an additional reassuring check. The doctor will also check the coil during each cervical smear to ensure it hasn't shifted.
Our highly trained doctors can take proper care of you if you have any complications. If you experience pain after the coil fitting, contact us to book an appointment or visit the nearest hospital providing this treatment.
If you also need emergency contraception, our doctors can also help with this.
Our private coil fitting Kensington service is available during a same-day appointment, and we provide other contraceptive services. Visit GP London today to get a coil, or call us now on 020 70434317 to book an appointment.
An intrauterine device (IUD), commonly called a coil, is a small, plastic T-shaped medical device inserted into the uterus. The device releases copper into the womb to prevent pregnancy for a long time, usually 5 – 10 years.
If you aren't pregnant, you can fit a coil at any point in your menstrual cycle. The IUD protects against pregnancy immediately inserted, meaning patients can leave the clinic with a working contraceptive.
Before fitting an IUD, the gynaecologist will check the cervix to ensure the correct placement of the IUD. The IUD fitting procedure doesn't take much time, and you can have it done at any sexual health clinic.
Fitting an IUD may be slightly discomforting. Our gynaecologist is highly experienced in fitting, and we always ensure our patients are only seen by consultant-grade clinicians.
You may experience period-like cramps, but painkillers will reduce them. Bleeding for a few days after the IUD fitting is normal and should clear up quickly. You can get a free review if the bleeding doesn't stop within 1 – 2 weeks, but this rarely occurs.
Most women use an IUD, including HIV-positive women. The nurse or doctor at the sexual health clinic will ask about your medical history or menstrual cycle to determine if the IUD is a suitable contraceptive for you.
An IUD may be unsuitable for you if
Women who had an ectopic pregnancy or have an artificial heart should consult their GP before fitting an IUD.
Most women can fit the IUS, including women with HIV. A doctor or nurse will ask about your medical history to determine if you can get an IUS.
An IUS may be unsuitable for you if
An IUD is effective immediately after fitting it.
You can become pregnant immediately after removing a coil.
A coil has two threads which the nurse or doctor allows to hang a small distance into the cervix. After the coil fitting, the healthcare provider will show you how to feel for the threads. You should check for the threads at least once every month.
No, your partner shouldn't be able to feel the coil or the strings during sex.
Yes, most women can fit a coil. However, the doctor will assess your medical history during your consultation to ensure you are a good candidate for contraception.
Usually, you can fit a coil four weeks after childbirth.
No, it doesn't. Side effects like breast tenderness, headaches and acne, which occur when taking the pill, do not affect people using the coil.
Yes, you can. It is safe to breastfeed after fitting a coil.
Yes, you can. Fitting a coil doesn't affect other medications.
No, it won't. Unlike taking the pill, a coil doesn't make you put on weight.
No. No evidence shows that a coil increases the risk of having these cancers.
After fitting a coil, your periods may get heavier but settle after a couple of months.
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