GP London Clinic provides intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUD) fitting services in Westminster. IUDs and IUS, also called coils, are safe and reliable contraceptives for women of all ages. However, coils do not prevent an ectopic pregnancy.
After inserting the small device, it can remain inside the womb for 3 - 5 years for hormonal IUDs and 5 – 10 years for Copper IUDs. Our experts at GP London can safely insert and remove your coil in Westminster after discussing your contraceptive needs.
There are two main kinds of contraceptive coil available at our clinic.
The copper and hormonal coils are made from plastic, but the former is coated with copper, while Mirena/Kyleena is coated with a hormone. The insertion process above the cervix is the same, and they protect against pregnancy for a long period.
The Mirena/Kyleena coil releases small amounts of the progesterone hormone, preventing heavy periods.
The copper coils last an average of 5 – 10 years, while the Mirena coil can last for 3 – 5 years, but both coils do not protect from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
An intrauterine device is a small T-shaped device made of plastic inserted into the uterus by a nurse or doctor. It prevents conception for 5 – 10 years, also called a copper coil.
An intrauterine system is a small, plastic, T-shaped device inserted into the uterus by a nurse or doctor. The device releases progestogen to prevent conception for 3 – 5 years.
At GP London, our private doctors provide different family planning services, including IUD coil fitting in Westminster.
After the initial appointment with the doctor, you can get the contraceptive coil fitted immediately, and most patients opt for this, so they can leave the clinic with their coil in place. Scheduling a second appointment may be necessary after your last period when your cervix is softer for the coil insertion. Inserting the coil takes only about five minutes.
You can have a pelvic ultrasound scan to assess the uterus and determine where to insert the device. The doctor or nurse will insert the coil through the vagina and cervix, and then you will have another ultrasound to ensure it is in the right position. The medical professional will trim the thread at the cervix to aid removal in the future.
We can apply an anaesthetic gel to ensure the fitting procedure is comfortable, and you may get extra pain relief when necessary.
You can have your IUD removed at any time by a trained nurse or doctor. If you don’t intend to insert another coil but do not want to get pregnant immediately, we advise using another contraceptive, for seven days after the removal.
You can get pregnant immediately after removing the IUD.
You can have our trained nurse or doctor remove your coil anytime. If you do not want to insert another coil and don’t want to conceive, opt for additional contraception, like a condom, for seven days after the coil removal.
You can get pregnant immediately after you remove the IUS.
If you use a hormonal method such as injection, non-expired implant, vaginal ring, pill or patch, or condoms, ensure you use them for penetrative vaginal sex for the seven days after the removal to prevent getting pregnant.
You can fit an IUD or IUS at any time, but continue using the present form of contraception until the fitting.
Avoid having sex from the first day of your period until the fitting for three weeks, in case your period is irregular. Also, ensure you use a short-acting form of contraception like a pill, vaginal ring, or path. Start the contraceptive at least four weeks before your coil fitting.
You can have the replacement at any convenient time, but avoid sexual intercourse or use condoms for seven days after the fitting. This prevents the risk of pregnancy if you can’t fit a new device after removing the present one.
Our consultant gynaecologist provides IUD/IUS fitting and removal services. The following prices include the consultation and consumables.
The prices above include a consultation fee of £250.
After fitting a coil, you have an optional visit to the clinic after 6 – 8 weeks for an ultrasound scan. This isn’t included in the cost of the coil fitting. The follow-up visit is required for a reassuring check to know if the coil is still in place.
Our doctor can provide adequate care if you experience pain after the coil fitting. We can also provide emergency contraception.
For your private coil fitting Westminster, visit GP London or call 020 70434317 to book an appointment with our consultant gynaecologist.
A coil also called an intrauterine device (IUD), is a small T-shaped device that a nurse or doctor inserts into the uterus. The device releases copper to protect against pregnancy for 5 – 10 years.
Coil fitting can be at any point in the menstrual cycle, provided you aren’t pregnant. IUD can protect against pregnancy when it is inserted. Before the IUD fitting, the gynaecologist will check the cervix to ensure the correct placement of the device.
The fitting process doesn’t take much time and can also be done at a sexual health clinic. The procedure involves
The IUD fitting procedure may be slightly uncomfortable. Our consultant gynaecologist is experienced in fitting IUDs, and a consultant-grade clinician will only attend to you.
You may experience period-like cramps after the fitting, but painkillers will remove the discomfort. Bleeding may occur for days after the IUD fitting but should quickly clear. We can provide a free review if the bleeding doesn’t stop within 1 – 2 weeks, but this rarely occurs.
Most women can use an IUD, including women with HIV. The nurse or GP will need information about your menstrual cycle or medical history to determine if you can get an IUD.
The following people may be unsuitable for fitting an IUD.
Women with an artificial heart and those who experienced ectopic pregnancy need to consult their GP before fitting an IUD.
Most women are suitable candidates for an IUS, including women with HIV. The nurse or GP will ask about your medical history to know if you can get an IUS.
The IUS may be an unsuitable contraceptive if you have the following:
After a coil fitting, it becomes effective immediately.
You can get pregnant immediately after removing your coil
A coil has two threads left to hang into the vagina. After the coil fitting, the medical professional will show you how to feel for the threads to check if it is still in place. You should check for the threads once every month.
Your partner shouldn’t feel the coil or the threads during sex.
Yes, most women are suitable candidates for a coil, but the doctor will review your medical history during the consultation to ensure you can get a coil.
You can fit a coil four weeks after you have a baby.
No, it doesn’t. Symptoms like breast tenderness, headaches and acne from taking the pill do not occur with the coil.
Yes, you can. It is safe to breastfeed after a coil fitting.
Yes, you can. Fitting a coil doesn’t affect other medications.
No. Unlike the pill, which causes weight gain, the coil doesn’t predispose you to gain weight.
No, it won’t. No scientific evidence shows that a coil increases the risk of cancer.
Initially, your periods may become heavier but should settle after a couple of months.