Coil and implant fitting

Fitting a small contraceptive device — either a coil inside the womb or a thin implant under the skin of the arm — that prevents pregnancy for several years.

✓ Medically reviewed by a GMC-registered consultant · last reviewed September 2026 · next review September 2027 · how we review

In short

The coil and implant are 'fit and forget' contraception that is over 99% effective and lasts several years, but can be removed whenever you want.
Neither protects against sexually transmitted infections — you still need condoms for that.
Fitting is quick but can be uncomfortable or painful; you should be offered pain relief options and never made to feel you must continue if it is too much.
Serious problems are uncommon, but it matters that an experienced, trained clinician fits the device and that you know the warning signs to act on.

A plain-English summary. The detail — including risks and recovery — is below.

At a glance

TypeMinor procedure (device fitting)

AnaestheticLocal anaesthetic for the implant; usually none for a coil, though local anaesthetic or pain relief can be offered

How long it takesA coil fitting takes about 5–10 minutes; an implant takes a few minutes

Hospital stayOutpatient — you go home the same day

Time off workUsually none, though some people prefer to take it easy for a day

When you'll see resultsProtection starts at fitting or after up to 7 days, depending on the method and timing

On the NHS?Widely available free on the NHS through GPs and sexual health clinics; some people pay privately for speed or choice of appointment

A general guide. Your GP will give you advice for your situation.

Best fit

Very effective — over 99% — with nothing to remember day to day.

Pause if

A coil is not suitable if you might already be pregnant, have a current pelvic infection, or have unexplained vaginal bleeding that has not been assessed.

Main recovery point

After a coil you may have period-type cramps and feel a little faint; these usually ease with simple painkillers and rest. After an implant the arm may be...

Good aftercare

Clear, written information on what is normal, what to watch for, and a contact route for problems.

First few hours

After a coil you may have period-type cramps and feel a little faint; these usually ease with simple painkillers...

First few days

Some spotting or light bleeding is normal. Keep the implant dressing dry as advised; avoid heavy lifting with that...

First few weeks

This is when a coil is most likely to come out or, rarely, an infection to show up. Learn how to check your coil...

First few months

Irregular bleeding while your body adjusts is common with all of these methods and usually settles. Hormonal...

Medical line illustration of contraception coil implant for Coil and implant fitting. — Illustration only - not a diagnosis, medical advice or a promise of result. Your anatomy and treatment plan may differ. Vuemedics does not publish before-and-after photos.

What is coil and implant fitting?

Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) means contraception that works for years but can be removed or stopped at any time, with your fertility returning to normal afterwards. The two main types fitted in a clinic are the coil and the implant.

A coil is a small device placed inside the womb (uterus) by a trained doctor or nurse. There are two kinds: the copper coil (IUD), which has no hormones and works for 5–10 years, and the hormonal coil (IUS, brands such as Mirena, Levosert, Kyleena and Jaydess), which slowly releases a progestogen hormone and works for around 3–8 years depending on the brand. The implant is a thin, flexible rod about the size of a matchstick that is placed just under the skin of your upper arm and releases a progestogen hormone for up to 3 years.

These are among the most effective forms of contraception — over 99% effective — because once fitted there is nothing to remember each day. They do not protect against sexually transmitted infections, so condoms are still needed for that.

Fitting involves a short procedure that some people find uncomfortable or painful. This guide explains what to expect, the honest risks, and how to choose a careful, experienced fitter — it is not advice to choose any one method.

Types, options & approaches

There may be different ways to do this. The right approach depends on the clinical question and your circumstances.

Copper coil (IUD)

A small plastic-and-copper device fitted inside the womb. It contains no hormones and works for 5–10 years depending on the type. It can also be used as emergency contraception. Periods may become heavier, longer or more painful, especially at first.

Hormonal coil (IUS)

A device fitted inside the womb that slowly releases a progestogen hormone. Brands include Mirena, Levosert, Kyleena and Jaydess, lasting roughly 3–8 years. It often makes periods much lighter or stops them, and some types are also used to treat heavy periods or as part of HRT.

Contraceptive implant

A thin rod placed under the skin of the upper arm releasing a progestogen hormone for up to 3 years. Periods often become irregular or stop. It is fitted and removed under local anaesthetic through a tiny opening.

Choosing between them

The right choice depends on your periods, medical history, whether you can take hormones, how long you want cover for, and your own preference. A good clinician talks through all the options, including methods not fitted in clinic, rather than steering you to one.

Coil vs implant at a glance

Feature	Coil (IUD/IUS)	Implant
Where it goes	Inside the womb	Under the skin of the arm
How long it lasts	About 3–10 years	Up to 3 years
Effect on periods	Lighter (hormonal) or heavier (copper)	Often irregular or absent
Fitting comfort	Can be crampy/painful	Usually a quick local-anaesthetic procedure

This is a simplified summary. Your clinician will help you weigh these against your own health and preferences.

Preparing for your procedure

Talk through all your contraception options first, including methods that are not fitted in clinic, so you can make an informed choice.
Tell the clinician your full medical history, current medicines, and whether there is any chance you are already pregnant — a pregnancy test may be done.
For a coil, the fitting can be done at most times in your cycle; you may be advised when in the cycle is most convenient and when extra precautions are needed.
Ask what pain relief is available for a coil fitting — options can include local anaesthetic, anti-inflammatory painkillers beforehand, or other measures.
You can usually eat and drink normally and drive yourself, but some people prefer to have someone with them or to take it easy afterwards.
Consider bringing a sanitary pad, as some spotting is common after fitting.
If you are having a coil and there is any risk of a sexually transmitted infection, testing may be advised first.

What happens

For a coil, you lie on a couch and the clinician gently examines you, then passes a speculum (as in a smear test) to see the neck of the womb. They check the size and position of the womb, clean the area, and pass the coil through the cervix into the womb using a thin tube. Fitting itself usually takes a few minutes. You may feel cramping like a strong period pain during and shortly after; some people find it very uncomfortable or painful, and you can ask the clinician to stop at any point.

For an implant, the clinician numbs a small area of skin on the inner upper arm with local anaesthetic, then inserts the rod just under the skin through a tiny opening using a special applicator. No stitch is usually needed and it is covered with a dressing.

After either procedure the clinician checks you are well, explains when the contraception starts working, and tells you what is normal and what to look out for. You can normally go home straight away.

Is this procedure right for me?

A good consultation should explore whether it's the right choice for you now — including reasons to wait or consider something else.

May not be suitable if…

A coil is not suitable if you might already be pregnant, have a current pelvic infection, or have unexplained vaginal bleeding that has not been assessed.
Hormonal methods may not be suitable if you have certain medical conditions, such as some types of breast cancer or significant liver disease — your clinician will check.
Some womb shapes or conditions (such as large fibroids distorting the cavity) can make a coil hard to fit or hold in place.
If you need protection against sexually transmitted infections, these methods alone are not enough.

Delay or rearrange if…

There is any chance you are already pregnant.
You have signs of a current pelvic or sexually transmitted infection that should be treated or tested first.
You have unexplained or abnormal vaginal bleeding that has not yet been looked into.
You have recently given birth and the timing for fitting needs checking, as early-postpartum and breastfeeding fitting can raise the small risk of perforation.

Alternatives to discuss

Other long-acting methods (for example, the contraceptive injection).
Daily or regular user methods such as the combined pill, progestogen-only pill, patch or vaginal ring.
Barrier methods such as condoms, which also protect against sexually transmitted infections.
Permanent options such as vasectomy or female sterilisation if your family is complete.
No hormonal or device method, using fertility awareness or barrier methods, accepting the higher chance of pregnancy.

Before you decide

Use this as a shared-decision checklist. The aim is not just “can this be done?”, but whether it is right for you, now, with the risks and alternatives clearly understood.

What matters most to me?

Think about symptoms, daily life, work, caring responsibilities, sport, fertility, travel, appearance and anxiety — the right choice depends on your priorities, not just the medical facts.

What are all my options?

Ask about waiting, monitoring, medicines, rehabilitation, a smaller or larger procedure, a different test, NHS referral, or a second opinion where that would help.

What would make me pause?

Active infection, pregnancy, unstable medical problems, smoking, medicines that increase bleeding, poor support at home, or feeling pressured are all reasons to slow down and get tailored advice.

What happens if I do nothing today?

For some problems, waiting is safe; for others, delay can make treatment harder. A good consultation should explain the trade-off in plain English.

Comfort, sedation or contrast choices

If local anaesthetic, sedation, contrast or pain relief is used, ask what is planned, why, and what it means afterwards.

Local anaesthetic (implant)

A small injection numbs the skin of the arm before the implant is placed or removed.

Pain relief for coil fitting

Options can include anti-inflammatory painkillers beforehand and, in some services, local anaesthetic to the cervix. Ask what is available to you.

Benefits

Very effective — over 99% — with nothing to remember day to day.
Long-lasting, so you do not need frequent appointments or repeat prescriptions.
Reversible — fertility returns to normal soon after removal.
The hormonal coil often makes periods much lighter and can treat heavy periods.
The copper coil is hormone-free, so it suits people who prefer or need to avoid hormones.
Once fitted, the cost and effort over several years is low compared with daily methods.

Risks & complications

More common

Cramping, period-type pain or feeling faint during and after a coil fitting
Irregular bleeding or spotting in the first few months with any of these methods
Changes to periods: lighter or absent with hormonal methods, heavier or more painful with the copper coil
Bruising, tenderness or a small scar at the implant site
Possible headaches, breast tenderness, mood changes or acne with hormonal methods (evidence on some of these is limited)

Less common

The coil coming out (expulsion), most often in the first few months
Pelvic infection in the first few weeks after a coil is fitted
The implant being difficult to feel or remove, or moving slightly within the arm
Persistent pain or unacceptable bleeding leading you to have the device removed

Rare but serious

The coil making a small hole in the wall of the womb (perforation) during fitting
Pregnancy despite the device, which carries a higher chance of being ectopic (in the tube)
Damage to nerves or blood vessels, or the implant being placed too deeply

The biggest fitting-related risks for a coil are perforation of the womb (uncommon, and more likely soon after childbirth or while breastfeeding) and infection in the first few weeks. For the implant, the main issues are at the insertion site and rare difficulty with removal. An experienced, trained fitter lowers these risks, so it is reasonable to ask how often they fit these devices. Ask too about pain relief for a coil — pain experiences vary a lot, and you should never feel pressured to continue if it is too much.

Published figures to discuss

The figures below come from UK contraception guidance and patient information. They are population estimates; your own risk depends on your anatomy, how recently you gave birth, whether you are breastfeeding, the experience of the fitter and which method you choose. Effectiveness figures assume the device is fitted and kept correctly.

Figure	Reported range	How to interpret it	Source / confidence
Failure (pregnancy) with the coil or implant	Fewer than 1 in 100 over a year (over 99% effective)	These are among the most effective reversible methods because they do not rely on daily use.	NHS — IUD (intrauterine device / copper coil)nhs.ukPublished figure
Uterine perforation at coil fitting	Around 1–2 in 1,000 fittings	Higher soon after childbirth and while breastfeeding; lower with an experienced fitter.	NHS — IUD (intrauterine device / copper coil)nhs.ukSource-linked context
Coil expulsion (coming out)	About 1 in 20, most often in the first few months	More likely during a heavy period; checking the threads helps detect it.	NHS — IUD (intrauterine device / copper coil)nhs.ukPublished figure
Pelvic infection after coil fitting	Low — under about 1 in 100, mainly in the first 3 weeks	Testing for infection before fitting where appropriate reduces this risk.	NHS — IUD (intrauterine device / copper coil)nhs.ukPublished figure

These are literature figures, not a personalised prediction. Your own risks and likely benefits depend on your circumstances, your health, and how your care is carried out and followed up.

What happens afterwards

There is little physical recovery after fitting either device. Most people return to normal activities the same day, though it is normal to have some cramping or spotting at first while your body settles.

First few hours

After a coil you may have period-type cramps and feel a little faint; these usually ease with simple painkillers and rest. After an implant the arm may be tender and bruised.

First few days

Some spotting or light bleeding is normal. Keep the implant dressing dry as advised; avoid heavy lifting with that arm for a day or two.

First few weeks

This is when a coil is most likely to come out or, rarely, an infection to show up. Learn how to check your coil threads if advised, and watch for warning signs.

First few months

Irregular bleeding while your body adjusts is common with all of these methods and usually settles. Hormonal methods may make periods lighter or stop them.

Ongoing

Once settled, the device works quietly in the background until it is due for replacement or you choose to have it removed.

What's normal — and not a worry

Crampy, period-like pain for a day or two after a coil fitting
Light bleeding or spotting on and off for the first weeks to months
A bruised, tender patch on the arm after an implant
Irregular or unpredictable periods while hormonal methods settle
Periods becoming lighter or stopping (hormonal) or heavier (copper)

Aftercare

Use simple painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen for cramping if you can take them.
Keep the implant site clean and dry, and follow advice on the dressing and avoiding heavy use of the arm at first.
Use condoms or another method for up to 7 days if you were told the device is not effective immediately.
If you were shown how, check your coil threads from time to time, especially after a period.
Go back if bleeding, pain or side effects are not settling or are unacceptable to you — the device can be removed.
Note the date the device was fitted and when it is due to be changed or removed.
Remember these methods do not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Before your procedure

Know the date fitted and the date it expires
Painkillers at home for after a coil fitting
Sanitary pads for any spotting
Clinic or sexual health contact number saved
Clear on whether you need 7 days of extra precautions
Know how to check coil threads if advised
Know the warning signs that need urgent attention

⚠ Get urgent help if…

Severe or worsening lower tummy pain after a coil fitting
A high temperature, feeling unwell, or smelly or unusual vaginal discharge (possible infection)
Pain or bleeding during sex, or your partner can feel the hard end of the coil
You cannot feel your coil threads, or feel the hard plastic of the coil itself
A late or missed period with the coil and any chance of pregnancy — especially with one-sided pain, which can signal an ectopic pregnancy (a medical emergency)
The implant site becomes very painful, red, swollen or starts to discharge, or you can no longer feel the implant
Heavy bleeding that soaks through pads quickly

Who to contact: your clinician, clinic or test provider first (keep their number to hand). For urgent advice when you can't reach them, call NHS 111. In an emergency, call 999.

General guidance — it doesn't replace the specific advice your GP gives you.

Results & realistic expectations

A well-fitted coil or implant gives reliable, long-term contraception that you do not have to think about day to day. A good result means the device is in the right place, you understand when it is effective, and any bleeding changes settle to a pattern you can live with.

No method is perfect: a small number of people become pregnant despite a coil or implant, side effects can be unacceptable for some, and a device can occasionally need to be refitted or removed early. The aim is reliable contraception you are comfortable with, not a guarantee.

How long it lasts

The copper coil lasts about 5–10 years, the hormonal coil around 3–8 years depending on the brand, and the implant up to 3 years. You can have any of them removed sooner if you change your mind, want to get pregnant, or have side effects, and your normal fertility returns quickly afterwards. Keep a note of when yours is due to be replaced.

Related tests, treatments or support

The hormonal coil can be used as the progestogen part of HRT around the menopause while also providing contraception, which some women find convenient. The copper coil can double as emergency contraception if fitted in time. Your clinician can explain whether any of these overlap with your situation.

Follow-up & long-term care

Many services offer a check a few weeks after a coil fitting, or invite you to return if you have any problems; the implant does not usually need a routine check. You can return at any time if you are worried, want the device removed, or want to discuss side effects. Keep a note of when the device is due to be replaced so cover does not lapse.

Replace the device before it expires if you still want contraception.
Check coil threads occasionally if you were shown how.
Review with a clinician if bleeding or side effects change or become troublesome.
Have the implant removed and, if wanted, replaced through a small local-anaesthetic procedure.

Repeat, follow-on and what comes next

A coil that comes out or is poorly positioned may need refitting.
Persistent unacceptable bleeding or side effects lead some people to have the device removed and switch methods.
An implant that is hard to feel may need imaging to locate it before removal, and deep or migrated implants occasionally need a specialist to remove.
Devices need replacing at the end of their lifespan if continued contraception is wanted.

Ask what happens if the result is unclear or needs repeating, and what is included if further tests or follow-up are needed.

What good aftercare looks like

Clear, written information on what is normal, what to watch for, and a contact route for problems.
A note of when the device was fitted and when it must be replaced.
An open offer to return for removal or a switch if side effects are unacceptable.
Sensible follow-up after a coil, and easy access for advice or a threads check.
Honest advice that fertility returns quickly after removal.

What affects the cost

Costs vary a great deal between people and providers, and we don't publish prices. What matters is understanding what drives the cost and making sure your quote is complete. The main things that affect it:

Whether you choose the NHS (free) or a private clinic.
The clinician's fee and the clinic facility for a private fitting.
The type and brand of device fitted.
Whether local anaesthetic, additional pain relief or sedation is used.
Any tests beforehand, such as a pregnancy test or infection screening.
Follow-up checks and the cost of later removal or replacement.

Make sure your written quote includes

The clinician and facility fees for fitting.
The device and any medicines or local anaesthetic included.
Whether a follow-up check is included.
The cost of removal, and of replacement when the device expires.
What happens, and who pays, if fitting is unsuccessful or the device must be refitted.
What happens if you have a complication such as infection or expulsion.

On the NHS? The coil and implant are widely available free on the NHS through GP practices and sexual health clinics; private fitting is mainly used for speed, choice of appointment or a preferred clinician.

You're entitled to your total cost in writing — including reports, follow-up and what happens if the result is inconclusive — before you decide.

Choosing a specialist safely

Check the GP is on the GMC Specialist Register for this area.
Make sure they work at a CQC-registered service, and look for membership of the relevant Royal College or professional body.
You're entitled to time to consider and to have your questions answered before you agree — the GP who looks after you should explain it, not a salesperson.
Be wary of pressure: time-limited offers or deposits taken before you've had time to think are red flags, not bargains.
You're entitled to your total cost in writing — including any follow-up — before you decide.

How Vuemedics verifies every consultant →

Questions to ask your medical professional

Take this to your consultation. A good GP will welcome every one of these.

How often do you fit this device, and what pain relief can I have?
Which method suits my periods, medical history and how long I want cover for?
What happens, and who do I contact, if I have pain, heavy bleeding or signs of infection afterwards?
When will the contraception start working, and do I need extra precautions for a week?
What are the chances this device will come out or need refitting, and what would that involve?
How and when is it removed, and how soon could my fertility return?
Are you on the GMC Specialist Register for this area, and which Royal College or professional body are you a member of?
Will you be the GP who carries out my procedure, and who looks after me afterwards?
What are the risks for someone like me, and how often do your own patients have a problem or need it repeated or redone?
What does a realistic result look like — and what can this procedure not achieve?
What are my options, including waiting, doing nothing for now, or choosing a different approach?
Can I have written information, results and aftercare instructions in a format I can use, including any accessibility or communication support I need?
What is the total cost in writing, including any follow-ups, and how much time do I have to decide?

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a coil or implant on the NHS?

Yes. Both are free on the NHS through many GP practices and sexual health clinics. Some people choose to pay privately for a quicker or more convenient appointment, or for a particular clinician.

Does having a coil fitted hurt?

Pain varies a lot. Many people feel period-type cramping; some find it very uncomfortable or painful. You should be offered pain relief options, and you can ask the clinician to stop at any time.

Will it affect my future fertility?

No. These methods are reversible and your normal fertility returns soon after the device is removed.

Will the implant or coil change my periods?

Often, yes. Hormonal methods usually make periods lighter, irregular or absent, while the copper coil can make them heavier or more painful, especially at first.

Do these methods protect me from sexually transmitted infections?

No. They prevent pregnancy only. Use condoms as well if there is any risk of a sexually transmitted infection.

What if I want it taken out?

You can ask to have it removed at any time. A coil is removed by gently pulling the threads; an implant is removed under local anaesthetic. Fertility returns quickly afterwards.

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How we made this page

Medically reviewed by a GMC-registered consultant. Written in plain English, checked against NHS, NICE, GMC and relevant Royal College / specialist-society guidance, and kept under review. No clinic paid to appear on this page, and we publish no pricing. This is general information to help you prepare — it is not a substitute for advice from your own clinician. How we review our guides →

Source hierarchy: UK regulator and NHS/NICE guidance first, then relevant Royal College or specialist-society guidance, then peer-reviewed evidence for procedure-specific figures where available.

Sources & standards: NHS — IUD (intrauterine device / copper coil) NHS — IUS (intrauterine system / hormonal coil) NHS — Contraceptive implant NICE CKS — Contraception

Reviews reflect patients' experience of care, not clinical outcomes. For procedure volumes and outcome data see PHIN.

Last medically reviewed 2026-09-21. Spotted something wrong or out of date? Report an error in this guide.