Private Coil Fitting In Essex

Private Coil Fitting in Essex

Coil Fitting

At Essex Private Doctors, we specialise in fitting contraceptive coils (IUDs). These include the Mirena, Kyleena, Jaydess, and copper coils.

We also provide private Mirena coil fitting as part of HRT treatment for menopausal and perimenopausal women.

Coils provide a very reliable and effective form of contraception, and hormone coils can they also assist with conditions such as heavy periods, endometriosis, and PMS (premenstrual syndrome).

What is an IUD (contraceptive coil)?

The coil is often known as an intrauterine device or IUD, or sometimes it’s called an intrauterine system, IUS.
It’s a small T-shaped device that doctors insert into the uterus (womb), where it stays for several years. It’s a popular contraceptive choice for women because it is effective and hassle-free.
If you’ve struggled to remember to take the combined or mini pill, a coil can be a great alternative.
Copper contraceptive coils can also be a good option for women who wish to avoid hormonal forms of contraception entirely.

Copper coil vs hormonal coil Which is right for you?

Coils (IUDs) are either hormonal or non-hormonal in the way that they work.

Coils are over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. So, less than 1 in 100 women will get pregnant using a coil for contraception. Coils are also easy to remove. So, if you’re looking for effective contraception but may want a quick return to your natural fertility, coils are a great option.

Both hormonal and copper contraceptive coils are fully reversible in the way that they work. And your fertility will return to normal once the coils are removed.

Hormonal coils can significantly reduce heavy menstrual bleeding. They can also lessen painful bleeding from endometriosis. If you have heavy periods, a hormonal coil may better for you. Copper coils can sometimes make women’s bleeding a bit heavier.

Hormonal coils such as the Mirena, Kyleena and Jaydess coil work by releasing progestogen gradually into the uterus. This thickens the cervical mucus and makes it hard for sperm to enter the womb. It also thins the womb lining, preventing eggs from implanting and in some women it can prevent ovulation altogether They’re extremely effective IUDs.

The Mirena coil is also licensed to treat menorrhagia (heavy periods) and can help to treat symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome). The Mirena coil is also licensed for use during HRT and it provides progestogen hormonal cover to the womb lining, so you don’t need an additional progestogen supplement to protect the womb alongside your oestrogen.

If you’re under the age of 45 when it was inserted and you’re using it for contraceptive reasons, the Mirena will last for 8 years before it needs changing. If your Mirena was fitted at 45 or older, it can stay in until you’ve been through the menopause, if it is used for contraception. If the Mirena is being used as part of womb protection for your HRT treatment, it needs to be changed after 5 years.

Kyleena and Jaydess coils are slightly narrower than Mirena coils. So, we sometimes use a Kyleena or Jaydess for women who’ve never had children. They Kyleena needs changing after 5 years and the Jaydess after 3 years.

Some women may experience a small amount of spotting and sometimes this can take 3-6 months to settle. But, eventually, many women may only experience very light bleeding during their menstrual cycles or no bleeding at all.

Copper coils are hormone-free, and they work by releasing copper ions, which act as a natural spermicide and are poisonous to sperm. If you’re looking for hormone-free contraception, they’re a great option.

There are two types of copper coils that we fit at Essex Private Doctors. One device is licensed for 5 years, while a slightly larger device holds a license for 10 years.

The copper contraceptive coil can also work as an emergency contraceptive. It must be fitted within 5 days of unprotected sex.

If you’re worried about pregnancy after unprotected sex, contact us right away. We’ll do our best to help with an emergency coil fitting.

Our fees can be found here.

Yes.

A common myth is that you had to have had a baby in order to be able to fit a coil, but we regularly fit coils for women who’ve never had a baby.

Yes.

If you’re a mother, and have had your baby via caesarian section (c-section), and have not had a vaginal delivery of a baby, you are still suitable for a coil.
If you’ve just had a baby, it’s best to wait for a least four weeks before a coil fitting.

Preparing for your coil fitting

If you want a coil fitted, please book an initial appointment to discuss your needs before the fitting.

On the day of the coil fitting, it is essential to ensure that there is no risk of pregnancy. You may need to use additional contraception such as the pill, using a condom, or abstaining from sex, since the first day of your last period.

It’s a good idea to take a simple painkiller such as paracetamol or ibuprofen about an hour before the coiled fitting. And do remember to eat breakfast or lunch, whichever is before your coiled fitting. Don’t risk feeling unwell or faint.

On the day of the coil fitting, we’ll talk through the procedure so that you’re happy to go ahead, and we’ll go through a consent form. You’ll then need to remove your underwear from the waist down, lie down on a couch, and a drape will cover you. I’ll have a clinical colleague with me to assist during the procedure.

When you’re ready, a lubricated speculum is inserted into the vagina (which is a bit like having a smear test) so that the cervix can be seen. Next, a little local anaesthetic is sprayed onto the cervix, which numbs the cervix. It takes about 3 minutes to take effect. A clip is gently attached to the cervix to hold it, and a small plastic wand is inserted with care through the cervix to measure the depth of the womb. This ensures the coil goes into exactly the right place in the womb.

The want is removed and a very thin, hollow tube (like a straw) is gently inserted through the cervix and then the coil is passed through it. The ‘arms’ of the coil cleverly unfold inside the womb, which prevent the coil from falling out once it’s in place. There are some threads attached to the coil which hang just outside of the cervix, and these are trimmed to a short length.

The threads are used to locate the coil when it eventually needs removing. You’ll be taught how to feel the threads are still there, so you can check on them once a month and be confident that your coil is still in the right place.

If you’re sexually active, you should avoid unprotected sex for 7 days before your appointment to reduce the risk of infection. During our initial appointment prior to the coil fitting, it may occasionally be necessary to take some swabs to exclude infections or STDs, before we fit the coil.

What’s it like to have a coil fitted?

Many women may feel a little anxious before their coil fitting, but it’s a straightforward, and very tolerable procedure. During the fitting, you may feel some discomfort or cramping, like period pain. The whole procedure usually lasts only a few minutes.

After the coil fitting, it’s normal to experience some light spotting and cramps, which will nearly always subside within a day or two.

You may be wondering whether you or your partner might find the presence of the coil to be uncomfortable during intercourse. Most people never notice the coil, but if for any reason the threads might be irritating you or your partner, they can be trimmed further.

Coils are great at ‘staying put’. There is a very minimal risk—less than 1 in 1000—of the coil shifting or perforating the uterus. Should any uncertainty arise about the coil’s location, an ultrasound can confirm it’s in position.

Remember, neither type of coil protects against STIs. If you have a new partner or multiple partners, using condoms is still advised.

Private Coil Fitting in Essex

If you want to discuss a coil fitting, please book a consultation. We’ll review your medical history, discuss your options, and check if a coil is suitable for you.

We’ll then set up the coil fitting, which takes around 20-30 minutes. Some women will return to work after their coil fitting, but it’s a good idea to take the rest of the day off, in case you’re experiencing some mild cramps.

Copper coils will give you immediate contraceptive cover after you fit them. Hormonal coils (Mirena, Kyleena and Jaydess) start to give contraceptive cover from 7 days, so you’ll need to use a different form of contraception or abstain from intercourse for 7 days after the fitting.

Finally, we’ll have a check-up at 6 weeks to make sure that all is well and that we can see the threads are in place. We include this as part of your coil fitting service.